2 questions.. BW and Home Developing

[SomberVision]

Ok.
#1. I was in Eckerds the other day and I saw that they had Kodak B/W film. I started thinking about it and wondering how it would turn out. Any of you guys used it? How does it turn out?

#2. I want to get a home developing lab. Where would I go to get like a starter kit for this. Any sites? What kinda room do you think I would need?

Thanks
-Ric

 

[voodoocat]

#1
Well it depends on what type of Kodak black and white it is. I like many others prefer the Ilford HP5 for an all purpose black and white as opposed to the tri-x.

#2
I have seen kits on ebay, at ritz and other photo retailers for about $75. It'll get you everything you need to process (minus the chemicals in some instances). You'll need an enlarger to make prints from the negatives.

 

[ksmattfish]

If the box of film only said "Kodak Black and White" film then it's their consumer C41(color process) BW film. If you want to develop your own you need to get a conventional process BW film (Ilford HP5 400 is a good choice to start).

There are lots of posts on this forum, books, and websites that detail the equipment necessary for a BW darkroom. A kit would be alright I'm sure, but right now it is possible to pick up used equipment for great deals. With a little research I'm sure you could equip yourself nicely for a third or less what it would cost new.

Although running water and a sink is nice, the only absolute requirement for a darkroom is that it is light proof.

 

[tr0gd0o0r]

I'm willing to bet (almost 100% sure) that in Eckerds the film was the consumer C-41 process B&W film. I've used it before and I liked the results. But on the other hand if you're used to high end film then you might not be happy with it.

 

[drlynn]

I couldn't say for sure, but I know the Eckerd's here sells a couple of different Ilford films and some Kodachrome varieties. Eckerd here is trying to portray itself as a "photo shop" inside another store.

If yours is doing the same, you might be able to find some good quality b&w film there. It seems that they were a bit high on price, tho. I didn't pay much attention, as I was slightly sleep-deprived at the time

 

[S_Blackmoore]

Arista makes a couple of kits. Haven't used them yet, but they have the basics you need, minus chemicals, for about $50.00. You'll still need an enlarger to print, though.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=1462
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=1463