Best Darkroom Supplies of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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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

TRIXES Wooden Clapperboard for Film Props Cover #TOP 1
TRIXES Wooden Clapperboard for Film Props
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Paterson Universal Film Processing Kit Cover #TOP 2
Paterson Universal Film Processing Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Paterson Super System 4 Film Development Tank Cover #TOP 3
Paterson Super System 4 Film Development Tank
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Darkroom Supplies

#TOP 1

TRIXES Wooden Clapperboard for Film Props

ZU07
Black
TRIXES Wooden Clapperboard for Film Props Cover
TRIXES Novelty Directors Clapperboard - Wooden Movie/Film/TV Clapper - Hollywood Action! Style Clapboard Prop

The TRIXES Clapperboard features a professional black and white design that brings an authentic touch to your film projects. Made from sturdy wood, it produces a realistic clapper sound, perfect for signalling the start of your scenes. This prop is ideal for amateur dramatics or themed parties, adding flair to any Hollywood-inspired event. You can personalise it easily with chalk to include names or dates, making it a unique addition to your collection.

What We Like
Professional look
Realistic clapper sound
Great for themed parties
Customisable with chalk
#TOP 2

Paterson Universal Film Processing Kit

PTP 573
Paterson Universal Film Processing Kit Cover
Paterson Film Processing Kit :

The Paterson Film Kit is a comprehensive solution for your film development needs. It includes a universal developing tank with two spirals, allowing you to process multiple films simultaneously. The kit also features two 600 millimetre graduates and one 150 millimetre graduate, which help you measure and mix chemicals precisely. A black and white thermometer is included to ensure your developing temperature is just right, preventing any mishaps. Additionally, the film squeegee aids in removing excess water from your film, ensuring a cleaner finish.

What We Like
Includes essential darkroom tools
Easy-to-follow instructions provided
Precise measurement graduates
Convenient film squeegee
Universal developing tank
#TOP 3

Paterson Super System 4 Film Development Tank

black
Tank #115
Paterson Super System 4 Film Development Tank Cover
Paterson Super System 4 Universal Dev Tank and 2 Reels

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.

What We Like
Accommodates multiple film formats
Requires minimal developing solution
Includes Auto Load Reels
Leak-proof design
#TOP 4

Kenro Kenair Air Duster Refill Can 360ml

420381
360ml
Kenro Kenair Air Duster Refill Can 360ml Cover
Kenro Kenair Air Duster Refill Can (360ml) - Compressed Air Can Spray to Clean Cameras, Computers and Precision Equipment & Remove Dust and Debris - KENR02

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.

What We Like
Safe for delicate surfaces
Environmentally friendly propellant
Powerful cleaning action
CFC/HCFC free
Compatible with existing actuator
#TOP 5

Matin FILM PICKER 35mm Film Retriever

6282
White
One Size
Matin FILM PICKER 35mm Film Retriever Cover
Matin FILM PICKER 35mm 135 Film Leader Retriever Extractor Puller Release

The Matin Film Retriever is an essential tool for photographers who work with 35mm cassettes. It provides a very easy and safe way to retrieve film, ensuring that you can extract the end of your film without any risk of damage. This reliable extractor is particularly useful when your film is fully rewound into the cartridge, allowing you to access it effortlessly. Made in Korea, this film leader retriever guarantees peace of mind during your darkroom processes.

What We Like
Easy to use
No film damage risk
Safe extraction
Ideal for 35mm cassettes
Made in Korea
#TOP 6

Paterson Soft Rubber Film Squeegee Tool

White
Paterson Soft Rubber Film Squeegee Tool Cover
Paterson Film Squeegee

The Paterson Film Squeegee is an essential tool for any darkroom enthusiast. Made from soft rubber, it ensures a gentle touch, helping you to avoid any potential marks on your film. This feature is particularly useful for preserving the quality of your images. Additionally, the squeegee is designed to effectively remove excess water from the film, making your developing process smoother and more efficient. With this tool, you can achieve cleaner results, saving you time and effort in your darkroom work.

What We Like
Soft rubber material
No marks left on film
Removes excess water
Enhances developing process
#TOP 7

Acrylic Film Clapboard with Pens and Eraser

ZCF1XF04UK01
Black
Acrylic Film Clapboard with Pens and Eraser Cover
Acrylic Plastic Director's Film Clapboard Easy Wipe Cut Action Scene Clapper Board Slate with 2 pens and a Blackboard Eraser for Movies, TV Shows, Studio Live, DIY Videos.

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.

What We Like
Durable acrylic material
Convenient pen storage
Easy to write and clean
Perfect for various filming needs
Includes special ink pens
#TOP 8

Ilford 1984253 Photo Paper Fixing Bath

1984253
Ilford 1984253 Photo Paper Fixing Bath Cover
Ilford Rapid, 1984253, 0.5 l, Photo Paper Fixing Bath

The Ilford Photo Paper Fixing Bath is a concentrated fixing tape specifically designed for photo paper. With a volume of 0.5 litres, it provides ample solution for your darkroom needs. This product ensures that your photographs are properly fixed, allowing you to preserve your images with clarity and detail. Using this fixing tape is straightforward, making it convenient for both beginners and experienced photographers to achieve professional results.

What We Like
Concentrated formula
Easy to use
Preserves image quality
Suitable for darkroom supplies
Generous volume
#TOP 9

30pcs Reusable Waterproof Film Canisters

Black
30pcs Reusable Waterproof Film Canisters Cover
30pcs plastic film canisters,film jars with lid, camera film cans,reusable waterproof film jars for science activities

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.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting material
Waterproof and moisture-proof design
Reusable with detachable lid
Versatile storage for various items
#TOP 10

Ilford Multigrade 1L Black and White Developer

1155073
1 Litre
Ilford Multigrade 1L Black and White Developer Cover
Ilford Multigrade Developer 1L Black and White Paper Developer

Ilford Multigrade Developer is a liquid concentrate designed for black and white paper processing. This developer is suitable for both RC and FB papers, allowing you to work with a variety of photographic prints. Its long shelf life ensures that you can store it conveniently without worrying about it going bad quickly. With a size of 1 litre, you'll have plenty of developer on hand for your darkroom needs, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced photographers.

What We Like
Liquid concentrate for easy use
Works with various paper types
Long shelf life for convenience
Generous 1 litre size
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our darkroom supply research, we found 291 darkroom supply products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,416 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 £16.77.

The darkroom supplies are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of darkroom supplies, including TRIXES, PATERSON, Kenro, MATIn, Zacro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,560 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

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.