Darkroom Topic 1

DARKROOM
After Daguerre invented the daguerreotype

process and it developed to the darkroom as
Radiography begins in the darkroom by
worked in the tent or the darkroom to develop the
loading the cassette with x-ray film and ends with film and papers processing in the 18th century.
the removal of the film, containing the latent image,
from the cassette. The film is placed in the In the early days of radiology, most radiographs
processor, where it becomes a visible and were made by photographers or by physicians
permanent image and proper developing and whose hobby was photography. In fact, it was often
fixing the film. referred to as “the new photography.”
Photographers established “Roentgen studios”
and did a lively business in “x-ray sittings.”
What is DARKROOM?
Although most of the radiographs were of medical
An enclosed area or chamber interest, x-rays were also used for examination of
dimly lit by safelight (usually
jewels, pieces or art, and metallic projects – the
red) but otherwise intentionally
lightproof room where films precursor of industrial radiography.
are handled and processed.
location where the exposed

film is removed from the
DARKROOM ENTRANCES
cassette by hand and then
placed into the chemical 1. SINGLE DOOR DARKROOM
processor's input chute, and a
fresh sheet of film is placed
into the cassette > simplest type
where processing of latent > passbox
image takes place
> interlock system
DARKROOM HISTORY
In the 18th century, several investigators
observed that some silver compounds blackened
when exposed to light. At first, there was no way to
make permanent “images” of them, however, 2. DOUBLE DOOR DARKROOM/LIGHT-LOCK
because the areas originally protected from light DOOR
eventually darkened.
Joseph Nicephore Niepce (1826) is credited with > interlocking door
the first photograph with a camera. He exposed a > one door cannot be opened unless other door is
light-sensitive material in a camera obscura and all the way open
used an engraving process to fix the image.
3. LABYRINTH/MAZE
The term “camera obscura” in Latin means “dark
room.” Leonardo da Vinci put the word of Camera > easy access type
Obscura as his writing record in the 14th century. > no door
> heavily veiled curtain door
Louise J. M. Daguerre (1839) is credited with > used only when darkroom is large
establishing the basis for chemical development of > requires more space
a photosensitive material, thereby achieving a
significant reduction in exposure time. Daguerre 4. REVOLVING DOOR
placed an exposed plate (silver salt fused with
iodine to form a layer silver iodide) in his cupboard.
He removed the plate at a later date and found that > fast access type
there was a well-defined positive image on the > glass capsule (heavily tinted)
plate. > can enter and exit at the same time
DARKROOM
PASSBOX/FILM CASSETTE TRANSFER > Centrally located.
CABINET > Away from damp or hot areas.
> Accessible in terms of power and water supply.
• Allows the film to transfer without entering the > Adjoining viewing room.
darkroom
• Has an interlocking system/alarm DARKROOM WALLS AND CEILING
P-astel
When the lock is engaged, a safety lock will
prevent the door from the opening when the L-ight }reflectance of safelight
storage bin is open. E-namel and epoxy – easy to clean and durable
M-atte Finish, not glossy – will not reflect white light
DARKROOM VENTILATION Floors:

> Non-porous flooring
Darkrooms require ventilation to prevent > Light-colored
build-up of fumes from chemicals used in the > Non-slip flooring
processor system. > Asphalt tiles
> Chemical resistant
AIR CHANGES [8-10 per hour] > Porcelain tiles
AIR MOVEMENT [15-25 ft/min] > Stain proof
EXHAUST FAN [24/7 on] [light proof]
HUMIDITY [40-60%] > Durable and easy to maintain
DARKROOM TEMPERATURE [18-24°C/65-85°F]
STORAGE ROOM TEMPERATURE [10-21°C/50-70°F]
DARKROOM ILLUMINATION
Alternatively, fairly satisfactory ventilation can be
achieved by using an extractor fan sited higher 1. WHITE LIGHT: 2-4 fluorescent lamps
than and diagonally opposite a second fan. INTENDED FOR:
Radiographic darkrooms should be located in > Inspection and maintenance of cassettes
areas away from radiation, but this does not mean and screens.
they should be out of the work area of the > Cleaning of work surfaces and floors.
radiographers. The darkroom itself should be > Servicing of equipment.
tested to assure that radiation exposure is not a SHOULD BE PLACED:
problem. It must be radiation-proof. > Close to ceiling to avoid shadows
If it is located next to radiographic rooms, a layer > Moderate in intensity
of lead shielding must be added to the walls > Centrally located
dividing the rooms. The lead shielding will absorb
x-rays and prevent exposure to the film that is 2. SAFELIGHT
stored in the darkroom. The passbox must also be
radiation-proof to prevent radiation exposure to the > However working in complete darkness is not
x-ray film as cassettes are passed in and out of the a pleasant condition to work on.
darkroom. > White light cannot be used as it causes
fogging the film.
> Hence, dim colored lighting sufficient enough
> Minimum floor area of 10 sq. meter to work as it is used.
> Ceiling height of 2.5 m to 3.5 m. > But there is NO totally “safelight”
> Size – 15ft x 9.5ft or greater depending upon the
department needs.
> Sufficient space to accommodate a dry bench, a
wet bench and a sink.
> Water and electrical outlets should be provided.
WALL [1/16 inch lead] [concrete –
150mm/15cm/6”thick] [plywood – w/ 1.5mmPb]
[hollow blocks – filled w/ cement]
SWITCH [1.4m off the floor or “eye level”]
SINK [60cm wide x 45cm deep]
WET & DRY SECTION [4ft away from each other]

Darkroom Topic 1

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DARKROOM

After Daguerre invented the daguerreotype

location where the exposed

DARKROOM VENTILATION Floors:

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