I have just dug out my 35mm SLR and now want to develop my shots.

Who are the best for developing film in Sheffield? Or am I better off sending them in one of those postal envelopes?

I really fancy having a go in the darkroom though. Any suggestions on where I might be able to have a go at this? Or even how I could set up my own darkroom (fairly cheaply though)?

May also need to invest in more film. Is eBay the best place for 35mm film? Bought a job lot of Ilford off there some time ago for what I thought was a reasonable price. Would rather pay more for quality but if people recommend somewhere like Poundland would give it a go.

All suggestions much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Peak Processing out near Crystal Peaks are who I used to use, though they were much handier when in city Centre.
The Untitled gallery used to have darkrooms to rent.

Yes I would go with peak Imaging too .. they also do a postal service :)

www.peak-imaging.co.uk

I don't think that there is anywhere in Sheffield where you can buy an hour in a darkroom. Site Gallery used to - but stopped some time ago.

I made a cheap darkroom in my shed with some black curtains, an enlarger for £50 off eBay with all the accessories - I don't think it is the cleanest darkroom in the world - but then I am not doing professional shots. And it is great to get in there for a few hours and see the pictures come through... it's magical!

Is this black & white or colour?

Well, the equipment I've got will do colour, but I've never bothered, because I think you have to keep the temperature steady, and I've not got a tap in my darkroom, so I reckon it is too much hassle! So I just do Black and white, nice and simple

Sorry, meant the is original post wanting B&W or Colour!

Im also in the process of setting a darkroom up for home developing. Although ive got by messing around on occasion in the bathroom for developing and printing.
I have found Ebay is marginally cheaper than some suppliers for 35mm film.
If you are in need of any 35mm film, i have some spare Fuji Sensia 100 that you can have if you like, for a quid a roll instead of the cheap nasty poundland stuff.

I am coming to realise that I should get rid of my darkroom and get a spare room back! I have the stuff all set up but I don't have enough time to make the best use of it all any more - but I agree, the experience is still magical - no matter how many times you see a black and white image emerge in the darkroom, there is an air of excitement that never erally goes away

I started with the darkroom thing about 10 years ago. Mine is the kitchen, it doesn't have to take up a room! The experience of seeing the film/print developing is amazing. There is something so much more special about creating an image if you have done it from a roll of film than if you just go 'beep' and then download it. You 'feel' like you have created an image!

Back to Kelly1980

Are you still there?

Sorry, not been online for a few days. Thank you all so much for your posts. Have bookmarked Peak Imaging and will look into them. Have also been on eBay scouring for darkroom bargains. It is just black and white processing for now - I assume that is easier than colour to develop? Thanks also to Tombob for the offer of film. May well be PMing you when payday rolls round.

Thank you all for the help and advice - very much appreciated.

Black and white is easier to a point, but really good black and white is a bit of a holy grail to most of us - the search for the perfect print goes on - and on - and on, but it's tremendous fun! Hope you enjoy - I am sure you will

Can I suggest that anyone trying black and white printing for the first time develops a test print face down for the full length of time recommended.
This way you'll appreciate the magic of watching a print form with a real image.

Ilford do a B&W processing service, £5.99 for just negatives

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/wheretobuy/page.asp?n=145