CFA Photography Studios & Labs
The CFA Photography facilities are for use by students who are currently enrolled in a photography course at Carnegie Mellon University or who have special permission to use the facilities. Such permission is granted on a case-by-case basis, and any member of the CMU community may contact the facility administrator to request access.
Liability
Users may be held liable for theft, loss and damage to the facilities, and are expected to leave shared spaces in good condition; fees may be assessed to individuals if additional cleaning or maintenance is required to restore a workspace.
If the condition of an area is unacceptable when you arrive to work, you should notify CFA Photography staff or restore the condition of the area yourself to avoid being held responsible.
Access
Darkroom and Shooting Studio access are obtained by submitting the User Agreement form, after which card access will be granted to the CMU ID listed.
Digital Lab access is only available during posted times when a lab monitor is on duty or when faculty members are supervising.
Lab Safety Guidelines
The darkroom contains chemistry that can be hazardous to your health and should be handled with care.
Food & Drink
Food and drink must not be brought into the darkroom at any time.
Skin Protection
Gloves and tongs should be used to avoid prolonged direct skin contact.
Chemicals and Pregnancy
Photographic chemicals can cause birth defects; if you are pregnant, consult a physician before working in the darkroom.
Medical Stations
An emergency eyewash station is in both darkrooms, and a first-aid kit is mounted on the wall to the right of the B10 entrance door.
Spills and Broken Equipment
Broken glass, damaged equipment and chemical spills should be reported to the equipment office as soon as possible; Campus Police should be contacted for emergencies.
Chemical Information
MSDS sheets for all darkroom chemicals can be found in a labeled binder in the dry area.
Studios & Labs
Darkroom B10
Please refer to our lab safety guidelines while using the darkroom facilities.
Dry Area
This includes the countertop directly across from the entrance to the darkroom, lightboxes and the small dry mount press. This section is designated for film viewing and dry print finishing.
Film Development Area
This includes two light-tight film loading rooms with sinks and counters, two lare sinks, film development chemistry, chemical waste collection, print drying racks and film drying cabinet. Tanks and reels are stored on the wire shelf above the sink, while graduates for measuring chemistry are stored below. Chemistry provided for film development is Kodak D-76 (developer), sodium thiosulfate (fixer), Heico Permawash (hypo clear) and Kodak Photo-Flo (anti-spotting rinse).
Beginning Darkroom
This is intended for use by students currently enrolled in Black and White Photography I. It contains 13 Beseler 45MX enlargers set up for 35mm printing; larger print formats can be used by those who have been instructed or are experienced. Each enlarging station is outfitted with a timer, easel, focusing magnifier, negative holder and contrast filter set. Color coded trays for print processing are kept under the sink.
Advanced Darkroom
This is intended for use by students currently enrolled in Black and White Photography II and independent users. Lenses for advanced enlargers are kept on the shelf above the light box in the dry area, and negative holders are stored in a cabinet near the advanced darkroom sink. Larger easels and focusing magnifiers are provided at all enlarging stations. Trays for print processing are kept under the sink. Chemistry provided for print development is Kodak Dektol (developer), sodium thiosulfate (fixer) and acetic acid (stop bath). Tongs provided are color-coded and labeled for use with specific chemistry.
Digital Lab B2
The digital lab is a full self-service digital input, processing and output facility. High-resolution scanners, photo editing software and large format printers are available.
Note: print pricing is established as an estimate of combined paper and ink costs; see the print log for current printing fees.
Scanners
Scanners include a Hasselblad Flextight X1 vertical film scanner and an Epson Perfection V750 flatbed scanner. A variety of film holders for both units to allow input from 35mm film up to 4x5 sheet film; additionally, the flatbed scanner has a reflective mode that can scan prints, documents and create photograms.
Printers
Printers include an Epson 9900 and an Epson P800 printer. Stock papers are Epson Premium Luster and Epson Enhanced Matte, in roll formats for the 9900 at 16", 24" and 44" lengths and cut sheets for the P800 at 8.5" x 11" and 13" x 19." Other paper may be available upon request.
Computers
The computers are iMacs running Adobe CC, including Photoshop, InDesign and Bridge. Select computers have installs of CS6 to allow for compatibility with editions that are available in other computer labs on campus.
Print Finishing Room B16
This multipurpose dry space is equipped with tools and materials to spot, trim, mount and frame presentation prints. Equipment includes a large dry mount press, material cutter for mat board and a Fletcher mat cutter for trimming large format prints and making window mats. UV exposure units, flat files for print storage and a printer specifically for digital transparencies are located here. Students gain 24/7 access via a key card reader, and are responsible for the door to be secured once work is complete.
Shooting Studio B14
The Shooting Studio is available 24/7 by reservation.