Darkroom Practice in Rental

Darkroom Practice u/pinkerton904 2022-07-11 03:44 UTC 7 points

I'm interested in trying some darkroom practices, but I live in a rental space. My concern is that making alterations to the apartment could make a problem with the landlord.

Any recommendations?

17 Comments

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u/The2ndAttention 7 points 2022-07-11 03:49

I haven't used one myself, but others have mentioned using a sleep eye mask thingy.
I'm guessing you were talking about making the room dark?
If you use a mask, you won't need to do that.

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u/pinkerton904 3 points 2022-07-11 03:58

Interesting. So, it may then be more about cutting off the normal sense of sight rather than the space itself being filled with darkness.

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u/The2ndAttention 3 points 2022-07-11 04:41

Ah, I wasn't clear.
I believe the masks that were recommended were of the type where you can open your eyes and not have the mask touch you at all.
Not the type where your eyes would be closed underneath.

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u/Wollff 5 points 2022-07-11 04:05

Yes. Though all the sleep masks I have tried have the problem of too little space, which means that my eyelashes touch as soon as I blink. And that's a bit uncomfortable.

Somewhere on the sub there is a recommendation for a welding mask from 3M, which I have darkened up with duct tape, and then some fabric to make it perfect. And with that it's easy to keep my eyes open without any discomfort, while keeping it completely dark.

Edit: Relevant thread https://www.reddit.com/r/castaneda/comments/k2l1pe/made_glasses_for_darkroom_practice/

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u/The2ndAttention 3 points 2022-07-11 04:42

Is that heavy to wear though?
I've never welded before...

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u/Wollff 3 points 2022-07-11 04:55

No, no, not at all. Don't think "heavy face shield", but "ski goggles" or "diving mask". In the link I attached to the previous post you should find a picture.

There are only a few potential problems: it does not breathe. That means after some time the inside of the mask gets wet and damp, which is not the ideal climate if you have sensitive eyes, or an eye condition.

You might have to tweak around a little before you get it to be completely dark.

And you can not sleep very well with it on, because it will probably wake you when you turn. Which is not a problem for darkroom practice, but more of an explanation for why sleep masks look different.

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u/The2ndAttention 2 points 2022-07-11 06:13

Nice one. I was thinking maybe swimming goggles but a ski goggle style should be way more comfortable.

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u/wise0wl 5 points 2022-07-11 14:04

I use the manta sleep mask for my meditation. It has deep removable pillow cups around the eyes and my long eyelashes don’t touch.

https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask

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u/[deleted] 1 points 2022-07-11 03:57 deleted

[deleted]

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u/NightComprehensive52 2 points 2022-07-11 04:55

U cant just get some cardboard and tape that to the windows? Its not like its permanent!

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u/pinkerton904 2 points 2022-07-11 05:16

Hmm do you think this would effectively block incoming light? I could try it.

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u/NightComprehensive52 2 points 2022-07-11 05:30

By blocking it with cardboard??? Light cant go through solid cardboard so just get some cardboard boxes, cut them up, and tape them to the edges of ur windows. Nake sur ethe tape is good black tape. If the light coming through the doors sides is too great u can use tacks to stick a blanket over ur door or just block the outline with black tape as well

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u/DecentBand3724 3 points 2022-07-11 10:44

Make sure that tape isn’t going to pull your paint off the window trim or leave a residue.
I have owned a painting business for 20 years and see this type of damage all the time.

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u/Muted_Claim2590 2 points 2022-07-11 10:43

Try cutting your eyelashes before giving up on masks. Since I’m vain I went for the 3M+duct tape option. Far from perfect but I gave up on endless preparations and just started to work with what I had, light seepage and all. Do or do not.

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u/elsa4a 3 points 2022-07-11 15:58

Manta mask leaves a lot of space for the eyelashes, and its adjustable. Maybe consider that

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u/eoscris 4 points 2022-07-12 08:43

for me, the best swimming goggles are black with black rubber. painted with black nail polish;). Others are not suitable, they are too bright. but I have to wear scarves / neck warmer anyway because there are clearances. I bought the 3M welding goggles recommended on this redit and sealed it with aluminum tape. the only clearance is under the nose. I have to do something about it, but I don't know how yet?
Last year I had a room glued perfectly with cardboard boxes on the windows and doors, but I will say that removing these tapes after 1 year was disastrous. I had to look for special fluids to remove glue from strong tapes. in general, I do not recommend it!
The glasses give me the advantage that I can practice the darkroom EVERYWHERE! That is why it is worth the effort and find something that will fit your face and in which it will be most convenient for you to do it. Regards

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u/pinkerton904 2 points 2022-07-12 14:36

Thx for the info

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