News & Writing
Notes from the darkroom — reviews, experiments and the odd argument about developers.
From the bench
Practical write-ups from members who've spent too many evenings under the safelight. Honest tests, hard-won technique and the occasional confession.
What actually happens at a print night
First Thursday of the month, doors at 7pm, six enlargers running. If you’ve been meaning to come along, this is what you’re walking into.
9 July 2026
How to buy a film camera on eBay without getting burned
Half the collective’s cameras came from eBay; so did most of our horror stories. Here’s the checklist we wish we’d had.
1 July 2026
Caffenol: we developed four rolls in instant coffee, so you don’t have to (but you should)
Instant coffee, washing soda and vitamin C really will develop film. We ran four rolls through Caffenol C-M and the results surprised the sceptics.
22 June 2026
Shooting Ilford HP5 at box speed, 800 and 3200: a practical comparison
We shot three rolls of HP5 across a weekend in the Brecon Beacons. Here's what each rating actually gives you.
16 June 2026
An honest review of the Leica IIIF after six months of daily carry
Rangefinder cameras are either beloved or frustrating. After 40 rolls through this one, here's the honest verdict.
15 June 2026
Why we switched our fix to alkaline (and why you probably should too)
Alkaline fixer has a much longer capacity than acid. It's also kinder to your hands. Here's how we made the switch.
14 June 2026
Lith printing: a beginner's guide to the most unpredictable process in the darkroom
Lith prints look unlike anything you can achieve digitally. They're also maddeningly difficult to control. That's the point.
13 June 2026