The Darkroom Cookbook (v. 1) [Paperback]

Steve Anchell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240801962 | ISBN-13: 978-0240801964 | Publication Date: July 4, 1994

Written in easy-to-understand language, The Darkroom Cookbook is the one source every photographer needs for the recipes for both common and rare photographic formulas. With the advent of easy chemistry pre-packaged for specific papers, much of the artistry, variety and flexibility has been taken out of photography. This book provides the keys to unlocking creativity through the mastery of the 'ingredients' of photography -- namely the chemicals used to develop, fix, stop and tone.



The recipes for almost 150 photographic formulas and their specific uses
In-depth analysis of which formulas work best under what conditions, as well as specialized conditions, such as arctic or tropic work.
Handy, easy-to-access information on safety, suppliers, darkroom planning, and conversion tables.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Darkroom Cookbook is destined to become a classic. For anyone working in black-and-white it is a must have."--Shutterbug, September 1996 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Written in easy to understand language, The Darkroom Cookbook is the one source every photographer needs for the recipes for both common and rare photographic formulas. With the advent of easy chemistry pre-packaged for specific papers, much of the artistry, variety and flexibility has been taken out of photography. This book provides the keys to unlocking creativity through the mastery of the 'ingredients' of photography- namely the chemicals used to develop, fix, stop and tone.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (July 4, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240801962
• ISBN-13: 978-0240801964
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,668,704 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A excellent book for serious darkroom fanatics., October 14, 1999

By 

C. Schutz (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Darkroom Cookbook (v. 1) (Paperback)

As stated in the summery this is a great book for people who wish to advance in the darkroom; to have more control over their work. The Darkroom Cookbook discuss, in easy to understand concise language, how to make your own developers, toners, fixers, reducers etc. Stephen Anchell gives you the formulas to reproduce, in your own darkroom, a host of great developers etc. He also gives some basic info on hints and tools you will need to get started. A well written book easy to follow; though a little knowledge of basic chemistry is helpful. I am a new darkroomer and found this book has a wealth of inforamtion helpful if you like to expeirment. By the way, If you are just being introduced to the darkroom or rusty at it, don't buy this book at this momment. Wait untill you feel comfortable working in the darkroom using stock chemicals, this book might discourage some from beinning because it is a techincal manual.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference for both shooters and photo scientists, August 17, 2000

By 

"ritphototechstudent" (Rochester, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Darkroom Cookbook, Second Edition (Paperback)

Mr. Anchell has complied an excellent book for both people becoming interested in developing their own film and those who want to know more about the chemistry of photographic processing chemicals. There are sections on getting started building your own darkroom, previously tested formulae for developer, fixer, and other assorted solutions, and a full explanation of what each chemical does in the formulae if you want to create your own developer. I used this book as a reference in a college level photographic chemistry class and I found it invaluable.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Darkroom Bible, May 29, 2002

By 

"mariawest" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Darkroom Cookbook (v. 1) (Paperback)

This book is an absolute must-have for the experienced printer who wants to step up to the next level. The wealth of information he provides, from technical to historical, is extremely interesting, albeit a bit dizzying at times. However, the book can be used as a reference as needed for information on specific chemicals, formulas, or resources for supplies and equipment. Of all the books that I have read on printing, this is the one that has been most useful.