mcc photo lab policy

MIRACOSTA COLLEGE - PHOTO LAB ROOM 2109
Photo Technician: Rizzhel Mae Javier
Lab Assistant : Pat Blocher
760.757.2121 x6495
www.facebook.com/MiracostaCollegeDarkroom
@miracostaphoto
THE FACILITY
There are two rooms in the Photo Lab: The Darkroom and “Lightroom”. All students will be using both spaces
interchangeably, so its important to learn what guidelines are set for each space. There are signs posted
throughout the lab to guide you. Please contact your instructor, or Lab Technician, with questions.
MCC PHOTO LAB POLICY
BESSELER
THE PHOTO LAB
The MiraCosta College Photo Lab is located in room
2109. It contains several work stations including the
film developing area, darkroom, washing, drying and
print finishing. Each space has a specific purpose, so
make sure to pay careful attention to signs posted in the
Photo Lab and, when in doubt, please ask your instructor or Photo Technician any questions!
PHOTO LAB POLICY CONTRACT
All students must read and sign the Photo Lab Policy
Contract before working in the facility. Remember that
working in the lab is a privilege, and your access can be
removed for disorderly conduct. Follow policies to keep
the lab and students in efficient order.
SIGN-IN
All students using the Photo Lab must sign-in during
class and open lab hours. Only registered students are
allowed access to the Photo Lab.
THE DARKROOM
THE “LIGHTROOM”
THE DARKROOM
The Darkroom is a magical place where you’ll make your ideas come to life! This studio space is set up with
everything you need to print traditional black-and-white photographs. It’s most notable characteristic is the
red SAFE LIGHT that is used in the lab so light sensitive materials do not get exposed improperly. There are
several tools available to aid your printing experience: BE GENTLE AND KIND TO ALL STUDIO EQUIPMENT AND
MATERIALS. RETURN ALL MATERIALS TO THEIR DESIGNATED SPACES.
THE “LIGHTROOM”
All photo techniques, aside from paper processing, will happen in the Lightroom - Film Loading & Developing,
Paper Washing and Drying & Print Finishing. There is a light table to preview negatives - keep this space open
and available. The studio to set up with RC and FB based washers and screenings for print finishing. A heat
press and mat cutters are available for mounting and matting final prints.
WET v. DRY WORKSPACE
It is important to keep all areas of the Photo Lab clean. Water and chemistry are not always so easily identified, so it is very important to keep any wet materials away from dry spaces like the light table and print
finishing area. Clean up any and all spills to avoid contamination. DRY SPACES ARE SHADED ON MAP,
THE LIGHTROOM
10 11
3
13
cap
funnel lid
16
4
15
reel
12
center column
17
14
7
body
9
2
8
plastic film developing tank
5
17
14
1
18
19
6
1. Sign in Sheet
2. Light Table
3. Film Developing Sink
4. Emergency Wash
5. Film Loading Room 1
6. Film Loading Room 2
7. Darkroom Entrance
FILM
8. Film Developing Tanks & Reels
9. Graduated Cylinders
10. Darkroom Chemistry - Developer
11. Room Temperature Water
12. Darkroom Chemistry - Stop Bath & Fixer
13. Darkroom Chemistry - Photo Flo
14. Film Dryer
PAPER
15. RC Paper Dryer
16. FB Paper Wash
17. Squeegee Board
18. Drying Screens
19. Heat Press
20. Mounting and Matting Supplies
THE FILM CANISTER (PLASTIC)
Use this canister to develop film in a light-tight container. A plastic film
developing tank requires 5 separate parts, all parts are necessary in
order for the canister to operate properly. Make sure to double check
for all materials before loading your film on the reel.
THE FILM LOADING ROOM
The studio has two light-tight film loading rooms with tables for your
film developing materials. MAKE SURE TO LOCK THE DOOR to prevent
any unwanted exposure! In addition to the Film Canister, use the bottle
opener, the wall-mounted canister opener or extraction tape to remove
your film from the canister in the dark. Keep yourself organized, its
easy to loose track of items in the dark!
THE FILM DRYER
Several students dry film at once, so it is important to use the machine courteously as to prevent any
damage to film. If the dryer is on, turn off the machine and wait 10 seconds before opening the door. This
is to help minimize the amount of dust that enters the dryer. When placing your film in the dryer, try to hang
film towards the back to leave open space for more rolls. Do not touch or splash onto other film.
GRADUATED CYLINDERS
Use the labeled graduated cylinders to measure the corresponding chemistry. Prep all chemistry before
the development process starts. Make sure to have the correct development time, refer to the film developing chart when necessary. Wash, dry and return all pouring and measuring tools when finished.
FILM REELS
Plastic film reels can be adjusted to fit both 35mm and 120 film formats. Carefully adjust reels as necessary, do not excessively force pieces together. When finished, rinse and return to drying rack.
film developer
stop bath
fixer
film reels
graduated cylinders
film developing
tank
35mm
film
FILM CHEMISTRY - QUICK GUIDE
1. DEVELOPER - Mix film developer, D-76, 1:1 with water. Agitate. When finished, pour down the drain.
2. STOP BATH - 30 seconds, constant agitation. Return to black bottle when finished.
3. FIXER - 5 minutes, agitate. Use Hypo Check, dispose of exhausted fixer, replace ok.
4. PHOTO-FLO - 30 seconds. Use after wash and before the dryer.
THE DARKROOM
THE ENLARGER
THE ENLARGER MAP
BESSELER
23C III
11
d 10
c
12
X
9
8
support column
7
X
13
h
14
15
g
b
1/10
SECS
SECS
HIGH
DIM
0
9
9
2
4
f
2
7
3
6
4
5
METRO
1
8
3
6
OFF
0
1
8
OFF
BESSELER
23C
GraLab 450
0.0
7
16
enlarger head
i
a
5
TONE
FOCUS
negative carrier slot
TIME
START / RESET
focus knob
17
18
X
X
8
19
20
negative carrier release
1
21
2
6
3
5
4
PAPER STORAGE
height adjustment
GraLab 450
0.0
1/10
SECS
SECS
j
HIGH
DIM
0
9
2
4
2
3
7
4
6
5
DARKROOM
a. Darkroom Entrance and Exit
b. Darkroom Sink
c. Paper Cutter
d. Dodge & Burn Tools / Focusing Sheets
ENLARGER WORKSTATION
f. Enlarger
g.Timer
h.Power Source (if applicable)
i. Grain Focuser
j. Paper Easel
TRASH BINS = X
PERSONAL STORAGE
OFF
METRO
1
8
3
7
6
OFF
0
9
1
8
ENLARGERS
Saunders LPL
Beseler 23CII
Beseler 23CIII
Omega Pro Lab 4 x 5
Super Chromeg Dichroic II (Color)
enlarging lens
5
TONE
FOCUS
baseboard
TIME
START / RESET
THE ENLARGER WORKSTATION
Each workstation in the darkroom is complete with enlarger, timer, grain focuser, filters, glass sheet
(foam pad), printing easel, focusing sheet and cardboard. Please make sure that all materials are
returned to the appropriate location, refer to the posted enlarger map for placement.
PAPER STORAGE
Store your paper and printing tools in this drawer while you work in the darkroom. This drawer needs to
remain clean and empty when not in use and should only be used for temporary storage.
PERSONAL STORAGE
Keep your personal belongings tucked in and away on this shelf. There will be a lot of people walking
around in the darkroom and we do not want anyone to trip and fall! After use, clear the space for the next
student. Be careful not to stack any objects on the paper easels.
THE ENLARGER
All enlargers are covered with a plastic bag to keep dust out of the enlarger head- it also helps people
identify which enlargers are in use. Remove the bag before use and tuck the bag away for safe keeping.
When you have finished with your enlarger, please cover it with the plastic bag, turn off your timer and
power supply (if applicable) clean up and put away all equipment you have used.
DARKROOM EQUIPMENT
ENLARGERS
MCC is equip with 21 enlarger workspaces that can print
various formats. Please make sure that you leave the
darkroom space cleaner than you found it. Learn how to
operate the different enlargers, most enlargers have the
same adjustments, they might just be in diff. locations.
ENLARGER TYPE
There are different types of enlargers in the darkroom. They all have similar functions, but like cars, they
vary slightly in design. Their most noticeable differences are in their negative carriers and filters.
DIFFUSION UNITS
SAUNDERS/LPL
SAUNDERS
BESELER
1
2
CONDENSER UNIT
KEEP ENLARGER
LAMP OFF WHEN
YOU INSERT OR REMOVE
ANY FILTERS
BESELER
23C III
filter
knob
lift condenser
lens flap
filter
knob
NEGATIVE CARRIERS
Use a negative carrier that corresponds to your negative
size. Saunders are SQUARE and Beselers are ROUND.
Bring the carrier out to the light to make sure you got the
negative in the right spot! Use some tape if the negative
continues to shift around. Feeling creative? Make your
own negative carrier! Take control over what your border
will look like by choosing the right carrier.
PRINTING EASELS
A printing easel is used in the darkroom to hold your
paper and to shield the paper edges from light. There are
different types of easels, each with specific functions In
this darkroom, there are 4-blade easels. Make sure to
life the top portion of the easel before moving the blades.
CONTACT GLASS
A proof printer is used in the darkroom to make contact
prints, photographs that are in direct contact with the
negative. A sheet of glass and foam can be sandwiched
as a substitute for a proof printer. Main goal is to keep
materials flat during exposure.
negative
carrier
SAUNDERS
BESELER
negative
carrier
insert
filter
here
BESSELER
BESELER
file all filters back
under the correct #
DIFFUSION MODELS
Contrast filter system is built into the enlarger head, if you need to increase or decrease contrast, simply
twist the knob. Look through the small window for the filter number, adjust accordingly.
CONDENSER MODELS
There are external filters that can be used on condenser models, they need to be inserted manually into the
enlarger head. Handle the filters with dry hands only, replace filters back into the case in the right order.
OTHER DARKROOM TOOLS
sheet of glass
negatives
11 x 14 in.
8 x 10 in.
paper
5 x 7 in.
foam pad
contact printing
4-in-1 printing easel
4 blade adjustable easel
grain focuser
dodging & burning tools
condenser contrast filters
GRAIN FOCUSERS
The grain focuser enlarges the projected image when
setting up an enlargement for fine focus adjustments.
Open your aperture during focusing to get a clear and
bright look at your negative.
fixer 2
fixer 1
holding bath
THE TRAYS & TONGS
Use tongs, never fingers, to move prints from tray to
tray. If tongs stray from proper tray, wash thoroughly
before returning to proper tray. Avoid touching the
image area of your print with the tongs.
stop bath
CONTRAST FILTERS
Use contrast filters to increase of decrease the amount
of contrast in your images. Filters in the diffusion units
change with a twist of the knob. Condenser units
require a manual changing.
INSIDE THE SINK
Know the layout of the darkroom sink, its chemistry and the order of operation to keep the darkroom running
smoothly. Paper can be processed from either side of the sink. Follow the arrows to process in the correct
direction.
developer
DODING AND BURNING TOOLS
Wire and cardboard tools used to manipulate light. Add
or subtract light during exposures to make changes to
specific areas of a photograph.
4
3
2
1
fixer2
fixer
fixer 1
stop bath
developer
5
final wash
6
THE ENLARGER LENS
The enlarger has a lens that works similarly to the lens
on your camera. The ring on the camera or enlarger
lens, when turned, adjusts the size of the opening and
changes the amount of light that reaches the light
sensitive material.
safe light
PAPER PROCESSING - QUICK GUIDE
OVER THE SINK
1. DEVELOPER - 1 to 2 minutes
2. STOP BATH -10 seconds RC 30 seconds FB
3. FIXER 1 - 1 minute
4. FIXER 2 - 1 minute
5. HOLDING BATH - 1 minute minimum
6. FINAL WASH (RC ONLY) - 5 minutes
Each side of the sink has timers, tongs and a tray for fully
washed prints. DO NOT CROSS-CONTAMINATE THE TONGS.
Be courteous to others when using the timers. Keep the
FINAL WASH PRINT TRAY clean by using it after your prints
are completely washed.
aperture control
lens
22
timer
timer
16
timer
11
timer
8
timer
5.6
timer
timer
timer
timer
timer
To obtain maximum print size and minimum printing
exposure time use the following combinations:
Negative Size
35mm
120 (6cm x 6cm)
6 x 7cm
6 x 9cm
4 x 5 in.
Lens Focal Length
50 mm
75-90 mm
90-105 mm
105 mm
135 mm
FINAL WASH PRINTS
WASHING RC PAPER
holding bath
PRINT FINISHING - THE RC PAPER DRYER
fixer 2
fixer 1
stop bath
developer
4
3
2
1
fixer2
fixer
fixer 1
stop bath
developer
5
final wash
6
! DO NOT DO A FINAL WASH IN THE STAINLESS STEEL
The DRYER is located in front of the office interior window. Only students who have been personally and
individually instructed by their instructor or lab technician may conduct a wash or place anything into this
print dryer. Ask your instructor or Photo Technician for help.
1. Turn on the dryer before use (red light must turn off, approx. 10 minutes to warm up.
2. Feed fully washed prints into left side, no need to force, prints will move in slowly with rollers.
3. Fully dry print will come out on the opposite side, place into basket for pick up.
! 4. DO NOT DRY FIBER PAPER IN THIS DRYER.
5. Turn off the dryer after use, do not let run for extended amounts of time.
TUB UNLESS YOU PERSONALLY HAVE BEEN TRAINED
TO DO SO BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR OR LAB ASSISTANT.
1. Turn on water to the metal final washtub.
2. Turn on water to holding bath.
3. Rinse both sides of RC paper in running water.
4. Place rinsed paper into final washtub.
5. Place no more than 15 prints into the washtub.
6. Turn off water to plastic holding bath.
7. Place plastic cover over final washtub.
8. Set timer for 5 minutes.
9. Remove plastic cover after 5 minutes.
10. Rinse all paper again on both sides.
11. Place perfectly washed paper into the clean white
“FINAL WASH PRINTS” tray.
12. Prints can be placed in dryer, or squeegeed and
placed on the drying rack.
DARKROOM REMINDERS
1. Use RED trays to bring UNWASHED prints outside of
the darkroom for viewing under white light.
2. Do not add unwashed paper to the final wash bin after
the wash time has started.
3. Always use the “perfectly washed prints” tray to
transport prints from washer to dryer.
4. Never ever ever put FIBER paper in the dryer.
5. Fiber paper requires a diff. wash & dry routine.
on/off switch
In one way...
fully washed print
(wet)
dry print
(place in basket)
...and out the other!
THE DRY PRINT BASKETS
The dry print baskets are in the labeled drawer by the light table. Basket #1 (on the left) will hold prints
directly out of the dryer; this basket will be emptied every Friday and its contents will be placed into Basket
#2. From the same week, the contents of Basket #2 will be discarded. You have 2 weeks to pick up prints.
LOST NEGATIVES
Any lost negatives will be stored on the office cork board and will be tossed bi-weekly. Make sure to store
your negative in a safe and secure location, they are very sensitive and do not like to be left unattended. Be
gentle with negatives when looking through the envelope.
! HELP PREVENT CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
Chemical contamination can cause damage to people, their clothing, photographic equipment and expensive materials. Contamination means the presence of chemicals where they don’t belong. Since contamination is usually invisible until it causes damage to people of things, prevention is the only cure. Some
common causes of contamination is the splashing and spilling of chemicals, pouring chemicals into the
wrong container, mixing up tongs or using fingers in the paper developing trays, placing washed prints
somewhere where they may pick up chemicals, etc. CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IF
ALL PHOTO LAB RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE FOLLOWED. Please contact Lab Tech for any assistance.
HEALTH & SAFETY
RULES & REGULATIONS
EMERGENCY
CA POISON CONTROL
9-1-1
1-800-222-1222 (24/7)
1. To have access to the darkroom, you must be enrolled in at least one unit of credit of photography courses
at MiraCosta College Oceanside campus for the current semester.
PHOTO LAB ADDRESS
1 Barnard Drive
Art Department 2109
Oceanside, CA 92056
CAMPUS POLICE
Oceanside Campus
Building 1100
P 760.795.6640
2. All students using the lab should have a Photo Lab Policy contact signed an on-file with the Photo Tech.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Oceanside Campus
Building 3300 Office 3326
760.795.6675
3. Students are not allowed to work in the darkroom when there is a class in session without the permission
of the instructor. Students whose classes are in session will have priority to lab equipment.
4. All DRY AREAS must be kept clean and dry at all times. Never touch enlargers with wet hands.
5. Chemical or water spills must be cleaning up immediately.
6. Notify your instructor or Lab Tech of any contamination or broken equipment immediately.
FIRST AID BOX
Located by the darkroom entrance by the phone. Please
notify the Photo Tech if supplies are low.
7. All film chemistry goes back into the bottle EXCEPT for developer.
8. All in-progress prints must be carried in a RED TRAY - DO NOT DRIP ALL OVER DARKROOM FLOOR.
EYE-WASH STATION
If you get any chemicals in your eye, use the eye wash
station to the right of the film developing sink. Report any
accidents to the Lab Tech or Instructor ASAP, if necessary,
the campus Health Center may be notified.
9. All fully-washed prints must be carried in the WHITE “Final Wash Trays”.
10. No fiber paper in the RC dryer.
11. All students must participate in all MCC Photo Heath and Safety & Policy and Procedures.
CHEMISTRY
The chemicals used in the lab, for the most part, are dilute
solutions that are safe if not absorbed over time by the skin.
This is why it is important to use tongs or gloves when printing in the darkroom. This will also help reduce the about of
contamination. Clean any and all spills immediately.
ELECTRICITY
Make sure your hands are dry when operating any piece of
electrical equipment. Any loose connections of malfunctions in equipment should be reported to the Lab Technician
or Instructor immediately. Turn off any electrical equipment
when it is not in use.
CUTTING
Handle all cutting equipment, like paper cutters, mat cutter
and x-acto knifes with care. Do not throw used blades in the
trash can, dispose of used blades in the plastic container in
the Photo Finishing drawer.
ETIQUETTE
No food or drink in the photo lab area, OFFICE ONLY.
When in doubt, rinse it out! Always use clean film developing tools.
Keep your workspace clean while you work and leave it cleaner then when you found it.
Clean up after yourself and return any borrowed lab equipment to its original place. Turn off any electrical
equipment or water faucets that were used.
Help clean and organize the Film Developing Area while washing or drying film.
Knock and lock when using the film loading room to avoid accidental exposure.
When in doubt, reference your Photo Lab Policies Handout, then ask your instructor or Photo Tech for help!
MCC PHOTO LAB
Peggy Jones
[email protected]
Photo Lab
760.757.2121 ext. 6495
[email protected]
Rizzhel Mae Javier
Pat Blocher
[email protected]
[email protected]
FALL 2013 FILM PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTORS
ART 207 - BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY
Siobhan Arnold
M/W 9:30AM-12:20PM
Judith Preston
M/W 6:30-9:20PM
Shane Anderson
T/TH 8AM-10:50AM
Rizzhel Mae Javier
F 9AM - 2:50PM
ART 208 - ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
Rizzhel Mae Javier
F 9AM - 2:50PM
MCC PHOTO COURSES
ART 207 - BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY
This course examines the camera, black and white film processing
and printing, lighting techniques, and presentation.
ART 208 - ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
This course includes intermediate and advanced instruction in
creative black and white photography with an emphasis on
personal expression.
ART 251 - DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
LAB HOURS
M 12:30-6:30PM PAT
T 11AM to 8PM RIZZ/PAT
W CLOSED
Th 11AM to 3PM RIZZ
F 3-5PM RIZZ
SATURDAY 10AM-5PM
3/1 PAT
4/5 PAT
4/26 RIZZ
5/3 RIZZ
LAB HOURS MAY VARY WEEKLY, ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE SCHEDULE POSTED ON THE FRONT OF THE
PHOTO LAB DOOR. CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY FOR REMINDERS FROM YOUR INSTRUCTORS :) WHITE
LIGHTS GO ON 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE END OF OPEN LAB FOR DRYING AND CLEAN UP. ALL FILM
SHOULD BE DRYING AT LEAST 30 MIN. BEFORE THE END OF LAB.
EQUIPMENT CHECK-OUT
MiraCosta College Photo Lab has a very limited amount equipment, but would like to help students in
anyway possible. Email [email protected] to inquire about any needed equipment.
ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE CHECKED OUT & IN DURING OPEN LAB HOURS - BY RIZZHEL MAE JAVIER OR
PAT BLOCHER. Each student must sign and submit the PHOTO LAB AND EQUIPMENT CHECK-OUT
CONTACT in order to borrow any equipment from the MCC Photo Lab. This excludes items from the digital
photography and lighting facility.
1. Equipment must be returned in the same condition it was in when you check it out. All equipment will
checked prior to rental, and will be in good working order for check out.
2. You must know how to operate the camera or piece(s) of equipment borrowed.
3. Never attempt to repair equipment yourself and never remove any parts. If the camera is damaged, keep
all pieces and return immediately. The student will have to fill out a damage report.
This course studies the digital camera, composition, photographic
principles, image editing techniques, printing and presentation.
4. Never use force to turn or wind any parts of the camera to decrease chances of damage.
ART 253 - APPLIED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
5. Keep the camera clean and free from liquids, sand or extreme weather.
In this course, students will have the opportunity to develop and
apply skills acquired in ART 251 to produce a professional portfolio
of photographs.
6. The equipment is checked out to you- DO NOT LET ANYONE BORROW MCC PHOTO LAB EQUIPMENT.
ART 254 - UNDERSTANDING & APPRECIATING THE PHOTO
This historical survey of still photography from its inception to the
present digital age, explores photographs in historical, socio-political, and cultural context, and it emphasizes the evolution of photographic images, process, delivery and meaning.
7. The student is financially responsible to fix or replace any damaged or lost equipment (quoted price).
8. Equipment can be checked out for up to 7 days, checkouts can be extended if demand for tools are low.
If you cannot follow the terms of this contract, do not sign the equipment checkout contract. If you violate the terms of this contract, you will loose the
privilege of checking out equipment. 3 violations is automatic termination. MCC photo recommends the purchasing of personal equipment.