Darkroom anybody?

I am leaning toward starting astroimaging with film rather than CCD. But I would want to be able to develope my own film and scan the negatives. Is this system all that is needed for processing film?

http://focuscamera.com/sc/main_item.asp?id=562377002&lhalf=allacc

I wouldn't be that interested in making prints just the negatives.

Thanks
Marty
Crandall, GA

Marty, the cpe/cpa series are really better for making prints in my experience. Why don't you look at the DuoLab, if they still make it. I have had one for about 10 years now and it is simplu great. The footprint is square, makes up to 11x14 prints, but is really great for doing small film runs, 1 roll 120/220 or 2 roll 35mm. With the slots you can process RA4, B&W, and Ciba/R3000. The only disadvantage is that the print processing in the slots have to be done in the dark.

Walt

The best unit for film processing(small footprint)is the Jobo ATL series..for fully automated film processing and very small prints..which might be handy for proof shots.

That's an awful lot of money just to develop film! I haven't done it in years but still have my equipment for film and prints. Suggest visiting a well stocked camera shop that caters to pros. All you need is a stainless steel developing tank with reels for the size of film you will process, i.e., 35mm or 120mm. You need an accurate photo thermometer. Mine is stainless steel. A changing bag or a light tight room is necessary to load the film onto the reels. A can opener to open the film cassette, a pair of children's scissors to cut the film square prior to loading. Clothespins or paper clamps from an office supply. Five or six dark brown 8 oz bottles to store mixed developer; more if doing color. Try to con a pharmacist you know to sell you a few. Three 16 oz plastic graduates, couple of jars, string clothes line. A plastic pan for a water bath (temperatures are pretty important). And, the chemicals for b&w, color slides or prints. If you are doing b&w, Kodak d76 developer is great if its still around. If slides, probably Kodak e200 pro film and e6 chemicals. And an inexpensive book on developing. It ain't rocket science. For the price of that kit, you could buy a scope. Would be glad to help you any way I can. [email protected]