The Deck is stacked in your favor
So you want to make your own darkroom prints but your bathroom isn't big enough for all the equipment. Here's a rendering of our solution:
The trays are stacked in a staggered configuration with a built-in print washer. (Yeah, we know people have stacked trays before but we've added a twist or two, read on.)
The 8x10 version will fit in a 16" x 16" space. Disassembles for cleaning and storage.
The print washer would have 6-10 slots, each with its own water inlet/outlet. Regarding the figure above: top port is the outlet, bottom right port is the inlet, bottom left port is the drain/purge. (That's the current configuration; we've got some other ideas as well.)
Now for a twist:
You can see that each tray has a built-in "radiator" with its own inlet and outlet that will allow you to control the temperature by running water through it. One option: save water by running it through the trays and then through the print washer.
This could also be used for up to 8x10 sheet film. And if you had a large enough darkbag, you could process it anywhere.
Notes and disclaimers:
- We're still thinking about the print washer plumbing; it will probably change.
- Same situation with the heat transfer lines in the tray; we need to experiment.
- Right now we're focusing on the 8x10 market but it might end up a bit larger. (Going larger will get real expensive really fast.)
- This is a rough draft of a potential product. Everything is subject to change.