Best Darkroom Supplies of 2026
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Darkroom supplies are essential for anyone interested in traditional film photography. These products include everything from chemicals and paper to enlargers and timers. They are designed to provide photographers with the tools they need to develop their own film and create prints in a darkroom environment. While digital photography has become the norm, there is still a large community of photographers who prefer the tactile and creative process of working in a darkroom. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, investing in quality darkroom supplies can help you achieve the best results possible.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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9.6
Top 8 Darkroom Supplies
Acrylic Film Clapboard with Pens and Eraser
The Zacro Clapper Board is designed for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. Made from high-quality acrylic, it ensures durability and longevity, making it perfect for all your filming needs. Its convenient storage space for pens allows you to have a writing utensil readily available, enhancing your workflow. The easy-to-write-on surface makes recording scenes hassle-free, while the included special ink pens further simplify the process. With dimensions that suit various filming projects, this clapboard is a valuable tool for marking action scenes effectively.
30pcs Reusable Waterproof Film Canisters
The Sgehai Film Canisters are crafted from high-quality PP plastic, ensuring durability and a long lifespan. Their waterproof design protects your items from moisture and sunlight, making them ideal for storing sensitive materials. With a detachable leak-proof lid, you can easily access and transport your contents without worry. Additionally, these canisters are reusable, which supports environmentally friendly practices while offering you versatility for various storage needs.
eTone 3X 500ml Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles
The eTone 3X Chemical Bottles are made from HDPE plastic, which is resistant to chemicals and blocks out light, helping you protect your photographic chemicals from damage and contamination. The set includes three 500ml bottles with matching caps, giving you enough storage for various developing liquids such as developer, stopper, and fixer. Each bottle is designed to be compatible with all photographic chemicals, making it a versatile choice for your darkroom needs. With a total weight of just 192 grams, these bottles are lightweight and easy to handle during your photo processing tasks.
Paterson Super System 4 Film Development Tank
The Paterson Super System 4 is an efficient film development tank designed for both amateur and professional photographers. It accommodates two 35mm films or one 120/220 film, making it versatile for your developing needs. You’ll appreciate how it requires less than 300ml of solution for a single 35mm film, saving you resources. This product comes complete with two Auto Load Reels, ensuring easy loading and unloading of your films. Additionally, the water-tight EVA cap prevents leakage during inversion agitation, providing a worry-free developing experience.
Kenro Kenair Air Duster Refill Can 360ml
The Kenro Kenair Air Duster is perfect for cleaning sensitive equipment like cameras and computers. Its powerful spray effectively removes dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas without causing any damage. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing it uses an environmentally friendly propellant, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, this product is CFC and HCFC free, making it safe for your electronics and compliant with EU regulations.
Ilford Rapid 1984262 Concentrated Liquid Photo Fixer 1L
The Ilford Rapid Photo Fixer is a concentrated liquid fixer designed specifically for photographic use. It allows you to fix your photos effectively, preserving the quality and longevity of your images. Supplied in a convenient 1-litre quantity, this product is ideal for those who regularly work in the darkroom and require a reliable fixer. With Ilford’s trusted brand behind it, you can be confident in the product’s performance for all your darkroom needs.
VANZAVANZU Large Cotton Film Changing Bag
The VANZAVANZU Darkroom Bag is a large 60 x 55cm film changing bag designed to make your film development easier. Its size lets you load bulk film and even large developing tanks comfortably. Made from premium cotton outside and dense anti-static fabric inside, it keeps light out and reduces sweat on your hands, making handling more comfortable. The sealed design frees you from cramped spaces, ensuring perfect lightproof conditions with no leaks. Plus, a built-in zipper, Velcro strap, and elastic cuffs enhance light shielding and keep the bag secure during use.
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 8x10 Gloss Paper
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Paper is a top-tier variable contrast paper that offers exceptional quality for your photographic prints. Its bright base tint ensures that your images maintain a cool-to-neutral colour balance, regardless of the lighting conditions. This compatibility with all existing Multigrade filters and equipment makes it a versatile choice for photographers. Whether you're printing from traditional negatives or XP2 SUPER negatives, you'll find this paper equally effective. Designed for use with all enlargers, it simplifies your darkroom workflow, allowing for a seamless printing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What equipment is necessary for the darkroom?
After the film is exposed, various chemicals in shallow trays develop your prints, and water in a rinsing tank removes all traces of the chemicals. Other useful darkroom equipment includes tongs, tweezers, gloves, and squeegees to protect your prints during developing.
2. What is needed for a darkroom photography?
It is a room that can be made completely dark to allow the processing of the light-sensitive photographic materials, including film and photographic paper. Various equipment is used in the darkroom, including an enlarger, baths containing chemicals, and running water.
3. What chemicals are used in darkroom?
The three basic chemicals are (1) Developer (2) Stop Bath and (3) Fixer. Mix these with the appropriate amount of water and store them in your bottles. Photographic Paper. Photographic paper is sensitive to light and should be handled only in a darkroom with the correct safelight.
4. What is not allowed in darkroom?
Avoid cyanides, heavy metals, and developers containing pyrocatechol or pyrogallol when possible. Do not store chemicals on the floor. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the darkroom. ... Keep a spill kit in the darkroom.
During our darkroom supply research, we found 114 darkroom supply products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,409 customer reviews through our big data system to write the darkroom supplies list. We found that most customers choose darkroom supplies with an average price of £18.97.
The darkroom supplies are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of darkroom supplies, including Zacro, Sgehai, eTone, Paterson, Kenro.
Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.