* The AlterWork Studios Darkroom is currently CLOSED due to expansion. *
Hourly rentals and private lessons are not available at this time. Please return to this page at a later time for updates.
AlterWork Studios offers the first and only community darkroom in Queens, New York. Our darkroom provides analog photographers with a facility and all equipment necessary to develop rolls of film, print traditional black and white photography and Alt-Process Printing. We are located in Long Island City just 3 stops from Midtown.
We offer hourly rentals, monthly memberships as well as private lessons centered around your needs.
AlterWork Darkroom offers the following services:
Sprint Systems chemistry for black and white film and paper (RC and fiber) developing
Black and White film developing equipment
Changing bags for film loading (can also be done in the darkroom with lights out)
Patterson style plastic tanks for single 35mm and 120, or double 35mm rolls
Stainless steel tanks for single 35mm and 120, and double 35mm and 120
Thermometer
Measuring graduates
Clips/clothesline for drying along with hair dryer for quicker drying time
Black and White printing with enlarger
Beseler 23C II enlarger
50mm, 80mm, and 105mm lenses for printing up to 6x9 negatives
35mm, 645, 6x6, 6x7, and 6x9 negative carriers (6x9 carrier has glass so it can accommodate 6x8 negatives as well)
Ilford multigrade contrast filters
Contact print easel
Enlarging easels for up to 11x14 paper size
Developing trays for up to 11x14 paper size
RC paper drying rack
Fiber print washer
Fiber print dryer
Light box/loupe for negative viewing
12” and 18” paper cutters
Alt-Process Ultraviolet printing (client must provide their own chemicals)
Arista 20”x24” UV Lightbox
8”x10” contact printing frame
Measuring graduates for chemicals
Developing trays for prints up to 11x14
Drying rack/clothesline for print drying
All darkroom users must have prior experience using a darkroom. If you do not have prior experience you can book a private lesson here.
All hourly rentals must be booked online. When you arrive we will give you a short introductory tour of the facilities and equipment. If you feel you are not prepared to process film or print in the darkroom by yourself, you must book a private class prior to reserving time.
$18 per hour
Film processing - 1 hour minimum
Printing - 2 hour minimum