Join the community

Our community members can book private session in our dakroom to make use of the equipment and materials. We also host members-only group workshops to help foster a collaborative creative environment.

Membership is free, and we invite analogue photographers of all skill levels to apply.

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Already a community member? Login to gain access to your benifits.

  • A person is developing black and white film in a darkroom.
  • A person wearing black gloves pours a dark brown chemical from a small white cup into a black film developing tank, set over a white tray on a light wood surface.
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Community darkroom hire

Community darkroom hire

£15.00
£15.00
Sale Sold
 Per hour

This booking gives you full access to our black & white darkroom - perfect for developing film or printing from black & white negatives. All equipment and chemistry is provided, including trays, enlargers, scanners and film processing equipment. Printing paper can be purchased during booking, or you are welcome to bring your own.

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This product is only available to our community darkroom members. To sign up for a free members account apply here.

If you already have an account, log in below before making a booking.

  • All chemistry and equipment is included in the booking.
  • Full access to the available space, allowing you to experiment alone or collaborate with friends.
  • Bring your own paper or purchase directly from the darkroom when booking your session.

Location

Hosted within SeeSaw, our community darkroom sits right at the heart of Manchester city centre. It’s a short walk from either Oxford Road or Manchester Piccadilly train station, making it simple to reach and easy to fit into a day of creating, experimenting, and printing.

Studio 103, SEESAW
86 Princess Street
Manchester

M1 6NG

Membership

Darkroom hire is restricted to members to ensure everyone is able to work alone safely in our community space. Membership is free, and analogue photographers of all skill levels are welcome to apply.

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Enjoy a private session in our fully equipped community darkroom, designed for hand printing or film developing. All chemicals and equipment are included—just bring your negatives and either your own paper or add some to your booking.

Whether you’re working on a personal project or refining your technique, the space is yours to use at your own pace. Want to see what’s available? You can find a full list of our darkroom equipment on the equipment page.

If you’re completely new to darkroom printing, we recommend starting with one of our workshops to build confidence before booking a private session.

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Durst Laborator 1000 enlarger in our community darkroom

Darkroom equipment

Everything you need to make a print is ready and waiting when you hire the darkroom:

  • A Durst Laborator 1000 with a CLS 450 CMY colour head, capable of printing any negative up to 4x5 large-format sheet film (pictured).
  • A Beseler 23C II enlarger, capable of printing negatives up to 6x9 medium format.
  • A Meopta Magnifax 4A with a Color 3 CMY colour head and a universal negative carrier, capable of printing negatives up to 6x9 medium format.

We have a selection of trays for black & white printing, plus a Durst RCP 20 processor for RA-4 colour prints.

Jobo film processing equipment in our community darkroom

Film developing equipment

Everything you need to develop and scan your film, from processing through to a finished digital file:

  • A Jobo CPE-2 processor for consistent agitation and accurate temperature control.
  • A range of Jobo 1500 and 2500 series tanks and reels in various sizes, including a 4x5 sheet film reel.
  • A Pakon F-135 automatic 35mm scanner that delivers excellent colour and fast, sharp scans.
  • An Epson Perfection V800 flatbed scanner for 120 medium format and 4x5 sheet film.
  • A drying cabinet for dust-free drying, and a light box for inspecting your negatives.

First time in a darkroom?

We’re here to help. Start with a workshop to learn new skills before booking a private session to work alone.

Darkroom location

Hosted within SeeSaw, our community darkroom sits right at the heart of Manchester city centre. It’s a short walk from either Oxford Road or Manchester Piccadilly train station, making it simple to reach and easy to fit into a day of creating, experimenting, and printing.

Still have questions?

If you have any questions about our workshops, membership scheme or the facilities available in our community darkroom, please don't hesitate to get in touch.