MultiHub Forum

I'm trying to build a compact, portable darkroom for developing black and white film that I can set up and break down in my small, windowless bathroom without causing permanent damage or lingering chemical odors. My budget is about $200, and I've acquired a secondhand enlarger, three plastic developing tanks, and a set of trays, but I'm struggling with the ventilation and light-tight sealing. The room has a standard exhaust fan, but I'm concerned it's not sufficient to safely vent the acetic acid stop bath fumes, and I can't install any permanent ducting. I need to design a lightweight, collapsible changing bag tent or curtain system that can reliably block all light around the doorframe and sink area, yet be easily stored in a closet when not in use, as I only have about two hours of usable time per session after work.

Plan a portable, light-tight darkroom: a collapsible tent clamped to the door with blackout fabric and Velcro, plus a curtain for the sink. Use a red safelight, seal gaps with foam, and keep trays covered. Vent fumes with a small portable exhaust through a temporary window kit (carbon filter if possible); if not, vent via the room fan. Store the setup in a closet between sessions.