Portable Darkbox Equipment (Built to order)
Coming Soon
Please contact me directly before ordering. Darkboxes are made to order in batches. These are not always in stock and ready to ship. Next build will be mid-April. These will be built and shipped unstained/unpainted and will include instructions on fabricating a shroud.
Want to shoot tintypes, ambrotypes, or glass plate negatives using the WetPlate Process outside your studio? You need a portable DARKBOX.
I have been using the WetPlate process for over 24 years. Over the years I have tweaked the design to give a perfect mix of size and portability. The 8X10 box (closed) is roughly 32-34" long, 12" deep. When opened you will have close to 24" of workspace to place trays, bottles, etc needed for processing. It is able to be used on any flat surface. It is stable...in fact, I have never had one blow over in all the years I have been using them.
Shrouds are no longer being offered for sale and is not included with darkboxes. I have designs/plans available that I will include with each darkbox order. The shroud is designed to wrap around the darkbox, providing a lightproof (barring the red light from the window) environment to work the process in. The wraparound design also allows you to remove the shroud to allow it to dry once your session is over. (No more smelly/damp fabric to deal with the next session.). Simply removed it and hang it to dry.
The sliding red window is made from stained glass...and is very stable and long lasting. No need to worry if it is fading as you do with plexiglass and litho.
Please allow a 4-12 week lead time for construction. The box comes unpainted.
8X10 Max Plate Size Darkbox (pictured) $600
5X7 Max Plate Size Darkbox (smaller/lighter) $500
The 8X10 darkbox, shipped is roughly 35lbs when packaged. Shipping measurements are roughly 36W, 26T, 14D.
The 5x7 darkbox is roughly 25lbs when packaged. Shipping measurements are roughly 26W, 26T, 12D.
Equiopment will be shipped from zip code 27576. I typically ship UPS. Sorry, no out of country shipping for the darkbox or shipping to Alaska or Hawaii. Shipping will be determined at build completion. Shipping rates vary.
Need just a shroud?
I have plans that I can send to you so you can create your own shroud. Shrouds are 2-3 layers and sufficiently lightproof. The outer layer will be black, gray, or brown and have a red or yellow liner. A drawstring is used to secure the shroud AROUND your darkbox. If you decide to staple your shroud to the inside of your darkroom...you can do that.
Need a stand?
This stand is built to be used for my portable darkboxes. It's basic design is a tripod with a platform top. Very stable when the legs are splayed.
I set up the stand, spreading the legs out till they stop then place the darkbox on top and gently pull the rear legs apart a little more. This settles the stand and firms up the setup.
I've not had one kick/blow/tip over in over 16 years of using this design. The darkbox remains steady throughout an active day of shooting.
Again, this is for the STAND ONLY. Some assembly required. Instructions will be sent.
Comes unpainted.
Will ship in 2 packages (legs in one package, platform in another).
The price for the stand is $220 plus shipping.
Stands are built in batches when I build darkboxes. These are not ready-made.
Shipping only within the continental US.. Overseas Shipping NOT available.
Disclaimer: I build wetplate equipment in addition to my full-time job and family responsibilities. Build times are an estimate. If a specific date is required for completion, please get in touch before ordering and we can discuss to see if I will be able to meet your need-by date.