# Welcome to KNEPP! ![KNEPP members at the THS Union Day](/files/fufz8acg84HEpWbnpSgn) KNEPP is the photography club at KTH with a passion for analog methods. We take care of a fully equipped darkroom & laboratory on floor 2 in the [Q building at KTH Main Campus](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malvinas+V%C3%A4g+4,+114+28+Stockholm/@59.3501665,18.0647645,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x465f9d6b2e04a231:0x50419256350f01a1!8m2!3d59.3501665!4d18.0669532). # Access to the darkroom ![](/files/zjwXXam2An1X7n3OcJov) ## Where is it? We're located on floor 2 in the [Q building at KTH Main Campus](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malvinas+V%C3%A4g+4,+114+28+Stockholm/@59.3501665,18.0647645,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x465f9d6b2e04a231:0x50419256350f01a1!8m2!3d59.3501665!4d18.0669532). Just enter the Q building, go down the stairs and on your left you should see a door with our logo and a big camera hanging at the entrance. ![](/files/U4skdboKEe5UWkP5dCim) ## Membership For a yearly access to our lab we ask for 450kr. We guarantee... * Access to two enlargers, paterson tanks, film dryier, filters and more. * Digital lab with... * Imacon. * Coolscan IV. * Flatbed scanner. * Fresh supply of chemistry (developers, fix, stop) for both B\&W and C41 development. * Some papers and chemistry for making prints. ## How to get access? After you become a member you will be able to book a time and use our darkroom whenever it will suit you. 1. Become a member through [our website](https://knepp.se/user/signup). 2. Send us a message on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/KneppKTH/) or mail () and pay via PlusGiro or PayPal. 3. We will set up a intro course on how to use our equipment. 4. We will ask you about the number on your KTH access card so that you could visit the darkroom anytime on your own. # Pictures ![](/files/Cs2WV7j0Er9yxrt0jKK8) ![](/files/caNJOJjaohUXZjwmPph3) # Developing B\&W film rolls A guide to film processing, walking you through every step of how to develop black and white film in our lab. ## What you will need: * Developer * Stop Bath * Fixer * Wetting Agent * Developing Tank * Thermometer * Film Opener * Scissors ## **1. Get Ready** Let’s start with loading the film. This needs to be done in complete darkness. If you have a dark room that’s perfect, to make things easy in the dark, lay your developing tank out in front of you with the lid off and the reel removed. You will also need a film canister opener (for 35mm), some scissors and your film. When you are ready, turn off the lights. {% hint style="info" %} If it's your first time developing film we recommend this video to show you all the steps involved: {% endhint %} ## **2. Practice** We would definitely recommend getting some exposed film to try the next step out in the light, we have some in the lab. You’ll get the hang of it and be loading the reels without thinking soon, but it can be tricky the first time. Practice makes perfect they say. ![](/files/8K1hx2ztJhsV29cADK0X) ## **3. Load Your Film** Now open your undeveloped film. Use an opener on 35mm to remove the top ring of the film canister and pull out the roll of film. Carefully cut the tongue of the film, leaving you with a straight edge that goes all the way across. If it is 120, then just unravel the roll and detach from the backing paper. Now pick up the reel and make sure you can feel both notches on the outer edge are aligned. You then need to slide the end of the film under the two notches until you feel it catch the sprocket holes. If the film has gone in straight you will be able to turn both sides of the reel in an alternate back and forth motion, which will move the film along as you go. Once the film is on the reel you need to put it in the tank. After the reel is in, put the lid on and turn it until it locks in place. Your developing tank is now light-tight and it’s safe to turn the lights on or take the tank out of the changing bag. ## **4. Pour Up Your Chemistry** We use Kodak D76 as our primary developer for black adn white film. You'll find it already mixed under the sind. Dilution it with one part delveloper plus one part water. You will need 300ml of developer, stop and fix per roll of 35mm film, and 500ml per 120 film. Each chemical will also give you the time it takes to work and the temperature it works best at. When processing black and white film the standard temperature is 20°. It’s best to get your water to the right temperature first, then add in the chemistry. If you find it is warmer or cooler than it should be once mixed up just sit your jug in warm water to heat it up or cold water to cool it down. If you’ve got three jugs you can mix up your developer, stop bath and fixer in advance so they are all ready to go as you need them. ## **5. Develop Black And White Film** You’re now ready to process black and white film. Every film and developer combination has a specific developing time so make sure you know how long your combination will need. Set a timer going, a clock or your phone works fine for this, and slowly pour the developer into the central funnel of the processing tank. Once it is all in, securely fit the flat lid. Throughout development, you will need to agitate the tank. This makes sure the film gets evenly developed. Agitate by turning the tank upside down, then back up again. Do this for the duration of the first minute. Once the minute is up bang the bottom of the tank against a hard surface. This will dislodge any air bubbles that have built up on the film. Continue agitating for the first 10-15 seconds of each minute until the full development time has passed. This is the standard agitation, but some developers may have instructions for other methods. After some experimenting, you can find the one that works best for the results you’re after. As the development time nears the end get ready to pour out your developer. A one-shot developer, such as Foma R09 should be discarded. A reusable developer can be put into an airtight plastic bottle to be used again. ![](/files/aXzmhEkkX9SvUkpL8Odv) ## **6. Stop Bath** Now quickly pour in the diluted stop bath. This will completely stop development. Agitate the stop for a minute and pour back into a storage bottle. The stop can be reused many times so don’t waste it. ## **7. Fix Your Film** Next, pour in your fix and again agitate for the first minute. Fixing will take up to 3-5 minutes. The fix can also be used again so pour it out into a bottle once the film is fully fixed. About halfway through fixing the film will be safe to look at in the light if you can’t wait to see it. Make sure you give it the full time though as this is key to the longevity of your negatives. ## **8. Wash And Hang Up To Dry** Now the film is developed and fixed you just need to wash it. Leave the tank under running water for 10-20 minutes. Alternatively, fill the tank and agitate, inverting the tank 5 times. Empty and refill the tank, this time invert 10 times. Next, empty and refill, then invert 20 times. Finally, empty the tank. When the film has been through the wash, fill the tank with water and put a couple of drops of wetting agent in. Leave to soak for a minute then hang up to dry in the drying cabienet. You can use your fingers, chamois leather or squeegees to wipe the excess water from the film before hanging up to dry. Use a clip at the top and one at the bottom to help prevent curly film once it’s dry. That is all there is to it. You should now be able to see your fully developed film. ![](/files/2B612WyrEUwcrpGNAraq) ## 9. Cleaning up {% hint style="info" %} For the shared darkroom to work - everyone has to take responsibility for cleaning and making sure everything is where it should be! {% endhint %} Pour chemicals back into their bottles. Take all the equipment that you have used and clean it thourougly with dish soap. Put everything on the drying rack. Make sure that everything is where it should be when you leave. ## 10. (optional) - Scan or take photos of your negatives Knepp offers great scanners for all your 135 and 120 film. If you don't have time to scan right now - use the light tables and your phone to photograph your negatives! Now it's time to enjoy your work! **Well done!** # Developing C41 film rolls This is Knepp's guide on how to develop C41 using the Rollei Colorchem C41-chemistry. C41 is, unlike B/W, a standardized process. That means you can develop different film stocks in the same time! ## Step 1 - Pre soak Before you can start developing, you need to pre-soak both equipment and chemicals to make sure everything is at the correct temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius. Life is too short to worry about exact temperature. Get your chemicals to 39 degrees Celsius. They will drop in temperature when you pour them in the tank. {% hint style="info" %} Please note that temperature on the tap is not correct. Always use a thermometer! {% endhint %} Fill a large container with water, and keep the water running. Put the chemical bottles in the container. Use the other tap in the same zink to fill the developing tank and keep the water running. Wait for a few minutes. ## Step 2 - Loading Empty the water filled developing tank. In complete dark, load your film roll(s) on the developing reel(s) and put the in the tank. Make sure that the light proof lid is on and secured before you turn on the lights again. ## Step 3 - Pre soak (again) Now that film is in the tank, pre soak the film in water. The water should be 37.8 degrees Celsius. Let the film soak 3-4 minutes. ## Step 4 - Developer {% hint style="info" %} Always use gloves when handling C41 chemicals! You don't want to get them on your hands. {% endhint %} Developer is kept in the bottle labelled as C41 Dev. Pour the soaking water out. Set your timer for 3 minutes 15 seconds. Start the timer and pour the developer into the tank. Let it rotate in Jobo. After 3 min 15 sec, pour the developer into an empty beaker. Put this aside for now. Later, use a funnel to pour the developer back into the bottle. ## Step 5 - Bleacher and Fixer Bleach is in the bottle labelled as C41 Blix. Set your timer for 6 min. Pour the bleach in. Let it rotate in Jobo. When the time is out, pour the blix into an empty beaker. Put this aside for now. Later, use a funnel to pour the bleach back into the bottle. ## Step 6 - Washing Now the film is already developed. But we need to wash it with water. Prepare the right amount of water with temperature ca. 38 degrees, so you can change the water every 40-50 seconds, at least 4 times. ## Step 7 - Stabilizer Stabilizer is in the bottle labelled as C41 Stab. Set your timer for 1 min. Pour the stabilizer in. Let it rotate in Jobo. When the time is out, pour the stabilizer into an empty beaker. Put this aside for now. Later, use a funnel to pour the stabilizer back into the bottle. ## Step 8 - Drying Take your film out on the developing tank. Admire your own work! Then, use your fingers to dry of the liquid on the film. Grab hangers and weights and hang the film in the drying cabinet. Wait until the film is completely dry, meanwhile - go to step 9. Cut your film to segments of 6 exposures, and put the in a negative holder. ## Step 9 - Cleaning up {% hint style="info" %} For the shared darkroom to work - everyone has to take responsibility for cleaning and making sure everything is where it should be! {% endhint %} Pour chemicals back into their bottles. Take all the equipment that you have used and clean it thourougly with dish soap. Put everything on the drying rack. Make sure that everything is where it should be when you leave. {% hint style="info" %} Don't forget to update the C41 dev chart, so we know when to prepare a new batch of fresh chemicals! {% endhint %} ## Step 10 (optional) - Scan or take photos of your negatives Knepp offers great scanners for all your 135 and 120 film. If you don't have time to scan right now - use the light tables and your phone to photograph your negatives! Now it's time to enjoy your work! **Well done!** # JOBO CPA 2 – Color Film Processing Guide This guide explains how to use the **JOBO CPA 2 processor** with the **JOBO tank system** for developing color films (C-41 or similar). *** ## System Overview ### 1. JOBO CPA 2 Processor Used to control temperature, agitation, and timing.\ Includes a water bath, lift head, and control panel with temperature and motor speed knobs.

Jobo CPA2 Processor

### 2. JOBO Tank System * **1500 series**: for 135 and 120 rolls * **2800 series**: for large format film and paper prints

Jobo film developing tanks and paper drums

*** ## Step 1 – Preparation
* Before turning on the machine, set timer. Max time is 5 hours. * Choose your tank: * **1520 tank** → up to **two 135 or 120 rolls** * **1520 + 1530 tanks combined** → up to **five 135 or six 120 rolls** * Prepare chemicals: ``` 1520 tank: 240–300 ml 1520 + 1530 tank: 570–600 ml ``` * Pour chemicals into labeled bottles and matching measuring cylinders. * Check the C41 Dev Log to see how fresh are the chemicals * Fill the Jobo with water until the level reaches **the center of the roller holder**.
{% hint style="info" %} It’s helpful pour in already hot water, so the heating process gets quicker. To do it, set 40° on the water tap. {% endhint %} *** ## Step 2 – Pre-warming Setup
1. Place bottles and measuring cylinders in the water bath for pre-warming.\ Lock them in place to prevent floating. 2. Adjust the **roller holder**: * Inward = for 1500 tanks * Outward = for 2800 tanks 3. Attach the tank to the processor.
*** ## Step 3 – Temperature Setup
1. Turn on: * `NETZ 1` – Main power * `PUMPE 1` – Circulation pump 2. Set the **temperature knob** to **40 °C** (≈ 38 °C actual in the bath). 3. When the water bath reaches **38 °C**, wait an additional **10 minutes** to stabilize. {% hint style="info" %} It’s always good to have a theromometer around to check the actual temperature. {% endhint %} *** ## Step 4 – Processing
1. Turn on the **motor** (`MOTOR 1`) and set speed to **F** or **3** — suitable for color processing. 2. Add chemicals through the **lift head opening**, in order: 1. Developer 2. Blix (Bleach + Fix) 3. Stabilizer 3. Keep a container ready to **collect used chemicals** from the output hose. 4. Follow the recommended C-41 times:
5\. After each step: - Lift the tank using the lift. - Drain the chemical through the lift head pipe - Pour in the next solution
*** ## Step 5 – Finishing Up 1. After the final rinse, **turn off the processor**. 2. Lift the tank and drain remaining liquids. 3. Carefully remove the tank from the processor. 4. Turn off the **pump** and **processor**. 5. Empty the water bath by opening the drain under the processor.
*** ## Step 6 – Cleanup
1. Wash and dry: * Tanks * Reels * Measuring cylinders * Containers 2. Return all equipment to its proper place. 3. Reset the **timer**. {% hint style="info" %} Don't forget to update the C41 dev chart, so we know when to prepare a new batch of fresh chemicals! {% endhint %} *** ## Notes * Always wear gloves when handling chemicals. * ~~Ensure proper ventilation in the workspace.~~ * Check the C-41 developer usage chart before starting — replace chemistry as needed. * Keep the work area dry and clean after use. *** # Imacon scanning Please note that you have to do the Imacon intro course before using the scanner! ![Our Imacon scanner in the lab](/files/wz5TuzIoVnXH1kaw6chD) The Imacon scanner is for film only. If you are scanning other media use the Canon flatbed scanner and for 35mm the Nikon is recommened. This is a scanner for high resolution prints. ## 0. Turn on the Imacon and computer Always turn on the Imacon before you start the computer. Use the red small button on the left. Start the computer and login using the details you got in the intro course. ## 1. Start the software FlexColor software should open automatically otherwise it's in the Applications folder. ## 2. Place the negtive in the holder {% hint style="warning" %} It's very helpful to use cotton gloves in loading your film into the holders to avoid damaging your negatives. Knepp sells these for 15kr a pair. {% endhint %} Place the negative emulsion (the matte side) side down in the negative holder. {% hint style="info" %} It’s helpful to clean the negative with compressed air after it’s been placed in the holder to minimize dust. {% endhint %} ## 3. Feed the holder to the scanner Place the negative holder with middle notch facing up on the loading platform so that it is between the two metal guides on each side. The metal notch should fit snugly into the black magnetic holder. It's imporant to be carefully here as incorrect feeding can damage the scanner. ## 4. Set Film type Select your film type in Setup (B\&W negative standard for B\&W film, RGB negative standard for color film). ## 5. Set Frame size Select the negative frame size of the holder you're using. (135 = 24x36) (120 = 6x6x2 or 6x7) (Largeformat = 4'x5' or 13x18cm) ## 6. Set Mode Under Mode select RGB 16-bit for color negatives and Grayscale 16-bit for B\&W negatives. ## 7. Preview Click Preview for a quick view of the negatives. ## 8. Set PPI Select your resolution size (PPI). The highest resolution for 35mm is 6300, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 is 3200, 4x5 is 2040. Choosing the highest resolution possible will give you a large file that’s resolution can be reduced to increase the size of the image. However a higher resolution takes much longer time, I ussally scan in around 1600 unless for a hires-print. ## 9. Select what to scan Once the preview has opened, drag the marquee to the edges of your image. ## 10. Corrections Under Corrections there are several icons that will allow you to make color and density corrections. * The "A" will make general auto corrections based on the area in the bounding box. * The red graph icon to the far left is the Histogram. Clicking that button will show a graph of the tonal range of the image in the bounding box. The sliders underneath the graph show the output level from where the scan will begin collecting data. To get the most information possible in the highlight and shadow areas pull the sliders on the far left and right to edges of the data in the graph. The middle slider can be moved back and forth to increase or decrease exposure of the middle tones. * Within the Histogram dialogue a simple way to adjust the color balance is to use the gray pipette to select an area of the image you feel is close to neutral gray. Click the pipette on that area and the software will adjust the color balance of the image according to the neutral gray you selected. You can try various areas in the image to determine the color balance you want. ## 11. Sharpening and FlexTouch Turn sharpening off (Set Unsharp Mask ON and amount -120). Sharpen in Photoshop with Smart Sharpen for better results. Turn FlexTouch OFF and remove dust in Photoshop. ## 12. Scan Once you have the exposure and color balance you want, click Scan. A dialogue box will appear asking for a file name and location. # Enlarging pictures {% embed url="" %} # Printing contact sheets {% embed url="" %} # Become a new member A guide on how to become a member. Head over to the [signup page](https://knepp.se/user/signup) and enter your details, a KTH email is required as we are only open to KTH students. Select the right type of membership and click on "signup". If you are a THS member you can select until when your current THS membership is valid for, KTH cards are also mandatory for paid darkroom memberships. There are different type of memberships ranging from free to paid. * Free: Provides access to Slack and some events that are non-darkroom related. * THS members: Yearly darkroom membership with full access to the lab for KTH students that are paying members of THS. * Non-THS members: Yearly darkroom membership with full access to the lab for KTH students or employees that are not members of THS. * Semester exchanges: One semester membership with full access to the lab available only for those studying for a single semester at KTH. There are also only two expiry dates for memberships given the restrictions imposed by the card office at KTH. This means that memberships are not computed according to the rolling year given by when the membership was created but instead they can only expire January 15th or June 15th according to which one is within range of the membership with a grace period of one month. For example, for members that joined in September for a full year, their membership will last until June the following year. This only affects members when they join for the first time as the renewal will be made next June for another full year until the June of the next year.

Signup page

After signing up you will have to confirm your email address in order to be able to proceed. Once you are logged in, you will be able to proceed with the payment for your membership. On the user dashboard you can see your profile details as well as your membership history. If you haven't paid for your current membership a set of payment methods are included (PlusGiro, IBAN transfer or PayPal). If your current membership is expired you will also be able to renew it from this portal. When you have made the payment you can check this page for status such as when it is being processed and when access has been granted.

User dashboard page

# Create and view bookings A guide on how to make bookings. Head over to the [calendar page](https://knepp.se/booking/calendar) to see the current darkroom bookings and introduction courses. If you are on a desktop computer, a calendar view is also available for the entire month. You can see both other member's bookings and your own but you can only create or cancel your own. To create a new booking simply enter the right times and the activity you want to book on the "new booking" form. Note that not all activities are available to all members and it depends on introduction courses, if you have not attended the Imacon scanning tutorial for example you won't be able to book the lab for that purpose. If you think you should be able to book an activity without a course please drop us a message on Slack and we'll fix it for you!

Agenda page

You can also cancel a booking by clicking on "cancel" in any of the bookings you have. Your bookings will be shown in orange while other member's bookings are shown in grey. Please make sure to cancel if you know you will not be able to make it so that the darkroom can be available for other members. If you have an account on Slack with the same email on the system you can do all this via the workspace directly, you will also even receive status messages.

Agenda page with an active booking

# Renew membership A guide on how to renew the membership. If your current membership expires in 30 days or less you are able to renew it via the [user dashboard](https://knepp.se/user/dashboard) so that you don't loose access to the darkroom. The process is quite similar to when [becoming a new member](/darkroom-management-system/become-a-new-member) and the payment options are identical. Please make sure to select the right THS membership before confirming any new subscription so that you pay the right amount. There are also only two expiry dates for memberships given the restrictions imposed by the card office at KTH. This means that memberships are not computed according to the rolling year given by when the membership was created but instead they can only expire January 15th or June 15th according to which one is within range of the membership with a grace period of one month.

Dashboard user view with membership renewal

# Slack integration A guide on how to use Slack and the system together. Before proceeding, you must make sure that your account is properly synced and linked with the management system. You can check the current status on the [user dashboard](https://knepp.se/user/dashboard) under "Slack integration". This box will let you know what to do if your account is currently unlinked. {% tabs %} {% tab title="Unlinked account" %}

Slack integration information box for an unlinked account

{% endtab %} {% tab title="Linked account" %}

Slack integration information box for a linked account

{% endtab %} {% endtabs %} You can create a new booking and see your next 10 upcoming bookings directly on Slack. To do so you will need a linked account and an active darkroom membership. To do either action simply navigate to the search bar and type "booking" for example to list all available shortcuts containing that text. You can even click on the shortcut button during a conversation and select the right action you want to perform.

Shortcut list on Slack

#### New booking You can create a booking similarly to how you do it via the [calendar page](https://knepp.se/booking/calendar) in the website. Simply enter the start and end time and select the right activity. You will only be able to book those available to you after completing the right introduction courses. If you are using Slack on your desktop computer, proper error messages might be displayed for example when the times are not correct, you have not selected any activities or your booking overlaps with another one already existing. However, if you use your phone, a generic error message will be displayed. #### View bookings You can list your upcoming bookings to see if you have reserved any rooms. It is also possible to cancel any of them by simply clicking on "unbook".