Darkroom Space, Gear & Pricing
The Photosynthesis darkroom is a rentable space that is equipped with a wide range of gear for Ōtautahi to engage with every step of analog photography.
Attend our monthly Darkroom 101 Basics Workshops and our twice-monthly community Analog Club. Find out more and see upcoming dates on our events page.
Bookings can be made by those who have completed the darkroom induction process held before darkroom events.
Develop black & white 35mm and 120/medium format film negatives. Dry your negatives quickly in our cabinet.
(Colour processes to come)
Scan colour and black & white film negatives with our in-house Nikon DSLR and copy stand.
Rolls developed at Photosynthesis can be scanned at a later time at no additional charge.
Film Development and Scanning
Silver Gelatin Prints
Make silver gelatin prints from 35mm, 120/medium or large format black & white negatives.
2 x 35mm Enlargers, 1 x 4x5 Enlarger
BYO photosensitive paper or $2 per sheet of Ilford Multigrade 8x10
Pricing Structure
Up to 3 people can use the darkroom in one 30-minute session, either all printing or all film developing and/or scanning. Chemicals are included.
Anyone can book the darkroom to develop, scan, or print for $7.50 per 30 min session.
Standard Rates
Members get access to the darkroom for just $5.00 per 30 min session and 24/7 access.
Annual membership fee of $25.
Memberships
Culturally significant projects that engage with under-represented communities get fully subsidised access to the darkroom.
Fully Subsidised Scheme
Get a solid foundation for darkroom use
Darkroom 101 Basics Workshops
B&W Film Development and Scanning
Learn how to develop your own B&W film by attending our hands-on 2.5hr workshop. No experience needed, just bring a roll of B&W film.
B&W Silver Gelatin Printmaking
Explore silver gelatin printing in this 3-hr hands-on workshop using an enlarger and your own B&W negatives. No experience needed, just bring your developed B&W negatives.
This space was made possible by the generosity of our community.
In September 2024, through our Boost Ōtautahi campaign, our community raised over $10,000 to equip the darkroom space.
This, along with support from our partners, allows us to deliver a space and equipment that makes analog photography accessible to our southern city.
