I have a new little room that was once part of my utiltiy room for printing, but my husband is not happy about me being in there with no ventilation. Does anyone have any places to get an exhaust fan for a darkroom?

-- Eileen (pantherfl@iwon.com), July 22, 2000

Answers

Go to home Depot and get a regular bathroom fan for about $10 to $15 dollars. Also pick up some 4 inch thermofin in metal if they have it. Paint either end with flat black paint, inside and outside if the tubing will be exposed in the darkroom. Also paint the cover which will probably be white. Outside put the regular dryer vent pointed down. Check for light, which you probably won't have, but check anyways. Don't forget to wire it to an independent switch away from the light switch.

-- Wayne Crider (wyanec@apt.net), July 23, 2000.

I agree you need ventilation.I'm using a bathroom exhaust fan in my darkroom, it works well. In addition you may want to consider installing some light tight ventilators for intake. I've seen them advertised in several photo catalogs like B&H and Porter's. Price is around $10.00 and worth every penny.

-- Robert Orofino (rorofino@iopener.net), July 23, 2000.

http://www.emsdiasum.com/ems/photographic/fans.html

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), July 24, 2000.

If noise is of no concern to you while working in the darkroom I suggest that you purchase the cheap bathroom fans that were previously mentioned. Frankly they would drive me "batty." I discovered Panasonic ventilation fans at our local lighting goods supplier. I was particularly impressed with the quietness and the volume of air that it moves. The fan comes complete with in intake assembly to assure a smooth and effective in/out transfer of air. I placed my fan about four feet above my sink. The cost was around $130.

-- Robert Bedwell (rlb@triad.rr.com), July 28, 2000.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to help with my question. I'm checking into all the suggestions now, and will hopefully have things working soon!

-- Eileen (pantherfl@iwon.com), August 03, 2000.