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REQUIRED:
1. Listed in syllabus: 35mm camera, films, lens cleaning tissues, lens cleaning fluid.
2. Photographic paper: The best quality prints are made with "fiber-based" (FB) papers, but you may use resin-coated (RC) papers to save on processing time. Paper size recommended is 8"x 10" (4"x 5" to 16"x 20" also available) multiple or variable contrast RC papers. The prints you make for your assignments may be any size from 4"x 5" or larger; you can always cut larger size papers down to smaller sizes. Typical brands: (Ilford brands available in bookstore.)
ARISTA Multiconrast papers AGFA Multicontrast papers ILFORD Multigrade papers
All manufactures of papers make several different surface finished for their papers. The most commonly available are glossy (type F for Kodak), semi-glossy or semi-matt (Kodak type N, Ilford Pearl), and matt (Ilford matt, Kodak has no true matt). There are more textured papers available but are not recommended as general purpose papers.
3. any size hand towel for wiping your hands dry. You will not be allowed to use paper towels in the darkroom for the paper towels produce too much lint. Best to have two towels, allowing one to dry if necessary.
4. Negative sleeves: a plastic negative storage file page, available in the bookstore and in camera stores.
5. Print Blotter books or tablet of watercolor papers: to dry or transport your wet prints. Photographic blotter books are available in many sizes, purchase the size best suited for the largest prints you intend to make. Usually, students purchase the size for 11"x 14" or 16"x 20" print sizes. If you use watercolor paper, purchase the metal spiral bound tablets. The glued edged tablets fall apart too quickly. Similarly, purchase the tablet size large enough to store the largest prints you plan to make. (Available in bookstore.)
6. Spotting brush: buy the finest quality watercolor brush you can afford. Purchase a size #1, #0, or #00 brush. The quality criteria for the brushes is how perfect the brush comes to a point at its end when wet. (Available in bookstore.)
7. Small white plate: for mixing spotting dyes. Used with spotting brush to apply dyes to prints to hide dust and lint marks in your final prints.
8. Matt boards: white, cream, or black matt boards
for presenting your finished prints. The book store has 11"x 14" and
16" x 20" boards. Larger sizes are available at art supply, paper
supply and camera stores. There are pre-cut matt boards available at additional
cost. We have a matt cutter to make your own custom cut boards. (Available in
bookstore.)
RECOMMENDED:
1. Magnifier (Loupe): a small magnifying glass to examine your negatives. Most useful for 35mm images are 7X or 8X power loupes. However, lower power magnifiers (4X) will allow you to view a much larger viewing area. (Sometimes available in bookstore.)
2. Soft negative brush: a very soft brush, usually 1 inch wide, for removing dust from your negatives just before you place negatives in enlargers.
3. Compressed gas: a can of pressured gas to blow off dust from your negatives.
4. Rubber or plastic apron: an apron to protect your clothing from being stained and ruined by photographic chemicals. Most photo chemicals stain your clothes brown, or cause the fibers in your clothes to weaken so your clothes ends up with holes in them after a few washes.
5. Camera cable release: for remote operation of your camera's shutter release. 10"-20" cables are most the most common sizes used.
6. Tripod: a sturdy tripod is a most helpful accessory for the serious photographer. Select a tripod for its stability when the legs are extended, the ultimate height of the extended tripod, and the weight of the tripod. Usually, increased stability comes with a substantial increase in weight. If you purchase a tripod that's too heavy to carry around, you will probably not use it too often. So, be willing to make some compromises between stability and ease of use.
7. Processing tanks and reels: if you plan to continue in photography, it is strongly suggested you purchase your own set of reels and processing tanks to process your film. This will ensure you that you have perfectly clean and functional equipment whenever you need it.