Ilford Photo has announced a trio of new products, all aimed squarely at film photographers across all skill levels. The first product we're looking at is the Ilford Pop-Up Darkroom.
Ilford writes, 'The Ilford Pop-Up Darkroom is the perfect solution for film photographers who want to print their negatives and otherwise may struggle to convert existing spaces into suitable working darkrooms. '
It is precisely what the name suggests, a mobile darkroom solution that you can erect in most standard rooms. It has an external metal frame that is 2. 2m (7. 2') tall when popped up and creates a 1. 3 x 1. 3m (4. 3' x 4. 3') workspace. The frame is enclosed by a durable light-tight black material that clips to the frame, and an accompanying ground mat protects your flooring and can be fastened to the pop-up darkroom.
Ilford Pop-Up Darkroom
The darkroom includes built-in air vents at the base, which allow for an optional fan or blower. When the darkroom is sealed, incoming air can expand the inner dimensions. There's also a smaller vent at the top of the enclosure to attach air extraction tubes, which are not included with the darkroom. There's a hoop at the top to attach a safelight. The Ilford Pop-Up Darkroom can easily be folded down into an included carrying case. When folded down and in the bag, the darkroom's dimensions are 68 x 25 x 25cm (26. 7" x 9. 8" x 9. 8"). It weighs 8kg (17. 5 lbs).
In total, the darkroom, poles, groundsheet and storage bag included. The Ilford Pop-Up Darkroom will be available later this year for an undisclosed price. Digital Camera World reports that the Pop-Up Darkroom will retail for around $265 USD.
The Pop-Up Darkroom comes in a carrying case
Alongside the Pop-Up Darkroom, Ilford announced the Ilford & Paterson Darkroom Starter Kit, which will also launch in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Darkroom Starter Kit follows 2019's Ilford and Paterson Film Starter Kit.
The kit is a 'convenient and affordable way to start making beautiful prints from your negatives and brings together a selection of essential darkroom equipment and materials from two of the UK's leading manufacturers of analog products making it an excellent choice for all film photographers looking to set up a home darkroom. '
For Ilford's part, the Ilford and Paterson Darkroom Starter Kit includes 25 sheets of Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl Paper (8 x 10"), a 500ml bottle of Ilford Multigrade Developer, a 500ml bottle of Ilford Ilfostop and 500ml of Ilford Rapid Fixer. Paterson adds a 1200ml Graduate Cylinder, 150ml Graduate Cylinder, a chemical mixer, a small (9") thermometer, three 8x10 trays, three print tongs and a Paterson Micro Focus Finder. You must supply your own darkroom, enlarger and safelight.
Ilford didn't supply pricing for this kit, but Digital Camera World writes that the kit will cost around $150.
Ilford 35mm Gift Calendar
Rounding out the new products is a great gift idea for film photographers in your life. The Ilford 35mm Gift Calendar is 'the ideal present for the film enthusiast in your life (or the perfect way to treat yourself). ' The calendar includes a selection of Ilford and Kentmere 35mm 36-exposure black and white films as well as a 'few other fun items. ' The items are hidden behind a dozen marked doors. Ilford doesn't say which films are included, as that would ruin the surprise. Pricing is unavailable, but the gift calendar will be available starting October 11.
. dpreview.com2021-9-21 22:29
