Our community darkrooms are available to hire through our website.

We have both black and white and colour facilities and there’s always a trained technician on hand if you need some support.

Our facilities provide everything you’ll need to make beautiful handmade prints. All you need to bring is your processed negatives and your own photographic paper.

Black and White Darkroom Facilities:
DeVere 504 with Ilford Multigrade head (16mm-5x4 format)
DeVere 504 with Dichromat colour head (16mm-5x4 format)
LPL 7451 Diffusion Modular enlarger colour head (35mm-5x4 format)
Leitz Focomat V35 autofocus enlarger colour head (35mm only)
LPL C7700MX colour head (35mm – 6x6 120)
Beseler Enlarger with Zone VI cold cathode lamp (35mm – 5x4)

We have R.R.Beard two blade easels available to use. These will enable you to print up to a 2” border. We also have a R.R Beard 4 blade easel available on request.

Our trays enable users to print up to 20”x16”. Larger prints can be made by consultation with our technicians.

We have all manner of focus finders, dodging tools, card, filters etc. for you to use.

We have syphon washes and archival washes that enable users to wash resin coated and fibre-based prints up to 20”x24”.

All chemistry is provided.

All prints are air dried. We will store these for you to collect if they aren’t dry before you leave.

Colour RA4 Darkroom Facilities:
DeVere 504 with Dicromat colour Twin Lamp head
DeVere 504 with Dicromat colour single lamp head
Durst Laborator 1000 with a CLS 450 colour head
Kreonite RA4 30” paper processor

We have R.R.Beard two blade easels available to use. These will enable you to print up to a 2” border. We also have a R.R Beard 4 blade easel available on request.

We have all manner or focus finders, dodging tools, card, filters etc. for you to use.

Our membership gives you discounted use our darkroom facilities, as well as access to the support you might need to hone your craft.

All darkroom users need to undertake an induction so that you feel confident using the space, are aware of health and safety, as well as darkroom etiquette.

This induction is included in your membership fee and will be part of your first session booking.

Don’t worry, we won’t just leave you to fend for yourself right away (unless you want us to?!). We’ll be around to nudge you in the right direction if you need a little advice.

As a member you also get 10% off all 1-2-1’s, workshops and film processing. You'll also be invited to participate in members social events and exhibitions.

We can offer 1 to 1’s in pretty much anything photographic.


 We teach in a friendly, approachable and creative way. Whether you want to learn the technicalities of using a film camera, or the intricacies of printing in the darkroom, we believe learning should be catered to your needs and learning style.

Although we have specific 1 to 1 subjects in our booking system, you can also book a a session to fit your specific needs.

Subjects include:

Portfolio reviews

Discuss your work with our founder, photographer and darkroom practitioner, Daniel Wheeler. In our portfolio reviews our aim is to offer friendly and constructive advice on how you can further your practice and get the most from your photography.

Image sequencing

Discover the world of image sequencing. Start to think about your work as more than just a collection of individual pictures and create a visual narrative with your work. Learn how to make your work with a sequence in mind and think about your images as part of a book, exhibition or website. A game changer!

Bookmaking

Learning to make hand made books is a joy and gives us a vessel for our pictures.
 From making simple glued books to more complicated sewn books, our practitioners Daniel Wheeler and Nicholas Fisher can teach you everything you might need to know in order to start making your own photo books at home.

Advanced black and white and colour printing

Learn to explore your images through the magic of darkroom printing. Discover new ways of manipulating tonality in the black and white darkroom through dodging, burning, split grade printing and other magic.
 In the colour darkroom we can explore our choice of film stock and its importance when hand printing colour as well as dodging, burning and pre-exposure.

Print finishing

Learn how to finish your prints professionally through proper pressing and hand spotting; the act of hand painting out imperfections in your prints. This skill is an art in itself!

Alternate processes:

Cyanotype

Cyanotype is a simple, easy and safe way of playing with photosensitive chemistry. Suitable for all ages and abilities we will learn how to mix and coat paper using cyanotype chemistry and make contact prints from found object such as leaves and feathers. A really fun and expressive method of playing with “camera-less photography”.

Wet Plate

Our resident practitioner will guide you though the archaic process of Wet Plate Collodion workshops . Check out his work at jimgrainger.co.uk

Please note when booking wet plate you will need to book a minimum of a full day (4 sessions)1 to 1.

Photogrammes

Super simple and fun, Photogrammes are a fun way to play with camera-less photography in the black and white and colour darkroom. Placing objects on photographic paper and exposing to light can create beautiful and delicate or strong and bold images depending on your approach. A great way to start your journey into the darkroom.

Chemigrammes

Chemigrammes are made using ONLY photo chemistry and light to make images. This method produces an affect akin to printing methods like batik and can produce wonderfully unique images. This method can also be used in conjunction with other methods of camera-less photography like Photogramme.

Zone System for black and white

Learn to approach making your black and white images with total control of tonality and expression using the Zone System. Daniel Wheeler teaches John Blakemore’s method of using the Zone System to allow us to pre-visualise your image when out making pictures. This is achieved by learning to control exposure, development and utilise advanced printing methods to enable you to recreate images precisely as you pre-visualised them to be. 
Some darkroom experience is advised before booking this 1-2-1 but not essential.Please note when booking a Zone System workshop you will need to book a minimum of a full day (4 sessions) 1 to 1.

What paper do I need?

We recommend using Ilford Multigrade RC and FB papers in the black and white darkroom and Fuji Crystal Archive RA4 paper in the colour darkroom.

What chemistry do you use?

In the black and white darkrooms we use:

- Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer (1+9 dilution)
- Ilford Ilfordstop Stopbath (1+19 dilution)

- Ilford Hypam Fixer (1+9 dilution)
- Ilford ID11 Film Developer

In the colour darkroom we use:

- Fuji CPRA Digital pro RA4 Developer
- Fuji CPRA Digital pro RA4 Bleach/Fixer

Do I need an induction?

To use any of our darkroom facilities you are required to undertake a 1-2-1 induction, even if you are a regular darkroom user. This is to ensure that you are using the space safely, efficiently and adhering to darkroom etiquette. This is regardless of wether you plan to use the facilities as a member or as a one off session.

Can I process my own film?

Yes you can! You can use our processing sink and chemistry to process your own black and white film. We charge £3 per roll of 35mm and £4 per roll of 120. As with using all our of darkroom facilities, you must undertake a 1-2-1 induction to use the film processing area.

What format film can I print from?

You are able to print any film format up to 5”x4” sheet film in both black and white and colour darkrooms. We also have some anti-newton glass carriers which will take unusual formats such as APS/16mm/half frame etc.

How do I dry my prints?

All black and white darkroom prints are pegged on a line to dry here. We used to use a RC paper drier but they aren’t particularly safe and can damage your prints. We figured if you’d spent hours making beautiful prints its probably best to not ruin them in the drier just before you go home.
We will look after your prints till you are able to pop back in and collect them. We will also happily post your prints to you if you live further away and might not be back for a while.

Do I have to be a member to use Make It Easy?

Absolutely not, Make It Easy welcomes everyone. Non-members are welcome to use the processing services, attend events or workshops, and use the darkroom and scan hire facilities. The advantage of being a darkroom member is that you get 50% off darkroom hire prices and 10% off processing. Feel free to pop in for a chat and a look around if you aren’t sure what will work best for you.

Can I just show up and have a look around?

Of course, you are more than welcome to pop in and say hi. We’re often busy running the lab, darkroom, or teaching so we might not always be able to stop and chat long. If you wanted to have a good look around feel free to contact us at hello@makeiteasylab.com and we can make some time to give you a little tour of the facilities.

Access for Disabled Customers:

Make It Easy lab is based on the top floor of Karlsruhe House which is a Nottingham City Council owned building.

Unfortunately there is only access at the front of our building via the stairwell.

We do have a service lift which we can use to access the unit from an alternate entrance on Traffic Street.

If you would like access via the service lift please let us know in advance or via the buzzer/intercom at the main entrance when you arrive and we will happily bring it down for you.

There are 2 small steps at the lift entrance to be aware of.It is regrettable that access to the space isn't better, as we are tenants in the space we are working with Nottingham City Council to try and remedy this as best we can.

Can I come and use the library?

If you are using our services, then you are more than welcome to sit and peruse the lovely photobook library here at Make It Easy. All the books either belong to Dan or are kindly donated by lovely people. We ask that you treat them with the upmost care and respect.

I’m only just starting with film, do I need experience to use Make It Easy?

Amazing! Firstly, congratulations, life is about to get a little bit better. We support all levels here and are happy to answer any questions you might have. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. We always offer help and support to all our customers, whether you’re dropping off some processing or using the darkroom. If you need any help were here.

Do you do student discount?

We certainly do. Just ask when you drop your film in and we can knock 10% off your order.

I work in the darkroom often, do I really need an induction?

No matter what level of experience you have in a darkroom, we always ask that you undertake a one hour induction into using the space. This is to ensure that you are aware of the etiquette and health and safety procedures here at the Make It Easy darkrooms. Please drop us an email at hello@makeiteasylab.com if you’re a practicing darkroom user and would like to use the space.

What are your opening times?

Our lab is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. We are also open on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

You can drop your orders into our dropbox during those times too.

We are not open on bank holidays.

Where do i send my film?

Our address is:

Make It Easy Lab, Unit 8 Karlsruhe House, 18 Queensbridge Road, Nottingham. NG21NB

After placing your order, simply package up your film/s in a secure padded envelope along with your name and order number. Make sure to pay the correct postage as this may delay your order.

Do you send us our negatives back?

Always! Unless you don't want them, just let us know and we can get rid of them for you.

Do you develop E6/Slide film?

Sadly not, well not yet anyway! 

Do you do prints?

We do! We can make beautiful hand made prints from your negatives. We can make black and white resin coated and fibre based gallery prints as well as hand made C-Type prints in the darkroom. Check out the black and white and C-Type printing options in our store or bring your negative in for us to print.

Can you push my film?

Yes we can. We can push your colour and black and white film up to 2 stops for no additional cost. Colour films are pushed at the end of the day due to us having to change settings on the developer, so there may be an additional short delay. 

What are your turnaround times?

Our turnaround is usually within 3-4 days of receipt of your order. During busier periods and depending on your service, our turnaround times can go up. Our lead times are never any more than 7 working days.

How long does it take to get my negatives?

We aim to post back your negatives or prints as soon as possible. Mail usually arrives within two to three days of receiving your dispatch email, depending on the shipping option chosen at checkout.

What equipment do you use?

We develop C41 film with our beautiful and rare dip and dunk processor. It gently processes your film without any contact to ensure scratch free and clean results. Our scans are made using a Fuji Lanovia SP3000 scanner. Your scans are NEVER automated, we check every frame we scan to make sure that it’s as balanced as possible.

What if my film is blank?

We hope this never happens, but in the unfortunate case that it does, we happily refund the cost of your order minus the cost of developing. 


How long are my Physical / Dropbox files stored for?

Once your files are delivered via Dropbox, we keep your files stored online for three months. After three months these files are deleted, so make you sure move all folders out of our dropbox onto your own HD or storage!
 We store physical orders / negatives at the lab for three months. These orders can be collected during weekdays while we are open. After three months these physical items will be destroyed in a GDPR compliant manner.