robin_cruz

<p>Thanks Bill and previous posts on battery requirements.<br>

Re. the water issue. After thinking it through and talking to a colleague, it's not a reason to adandon things. Schlepping water from home, is not complicated, the distance is about 400 meters - but there are several well kept green spaces serving several housing complexes, nearby. I know both gardeners to chat to, and have seen them hook up their hose pipe for gardening. There is a garden outside my garage, which must have a tap nearby. I'll ask.<br>

Re Bill's point on access, the darkroom space has clear access off road. My flat is a pleasant 5 mins walk. My home is on the 2nd floor however.<br>

Thanks Duane re rechargeable light sources.<br>

My next port of cal, is to buy a caravan magazine and research the batteries. Last I was not enable to do this.</p>

<p>Boy... those last two posts sound ominous.<br>

I'de got as far as speaking to a marine supplier in central London (UK!), who knew everything about the batteries recommended here. He directed me towards the caravan industry, saying it was less specialized, therefore cheaper.<br>

In response to Craig, the beauty of the garage is you can spread out. But I will think through the water problem again. I too converted my previous flat to an exposure room (bedroom) & dev room (kitchen). Having the basic necessities does overcome all problems, except the space to move about, leave your setup overnight, plus have a different place to go to. I'm not sure I want to do it again.<br>

In response to William, I hoped for a ceiling light for that very reason, but they're just a basic parking space. It is superbly light-tight, bar the sides of the push up door. But I can remedy that. Ventilation is poor.<br>

Studio spaces in UK are pretty expensive. In the central area of London there are converted offices, taken over by practicing artists. Studio sharing is another option.<br>

My technical data; CLS 500 Colour Head, with 250 Watt tungsten halogen lamp; mains via voltage stabilizer EST 500 output 24 V 275 VA.<br>

I'm going to think about this. I appreciate the helpful responses from everyone. Really fantastic stuff. Here's some of my work:<br>

<a href="http://www.cameraobscuragallery.blogspot.co.uk/">http://www.cameraobscuragallery.blogspot.co.uk/</a></p>

<p>Having waited over a year, an opportunity to rent a clean garage space has finally come up. There is no water supply or power source, but the rent and convenience to my home, are all pluses. Running water is not a problem as I can soak prints then take home. But my plan to acquire a small Honda generator, 2nd hand, has been thrown into doubt. An experienced colleague asked if i'de considered carbon monoxide fumes from the generator? I hadn't. Of course there's no ventilation, save when the door is lifted. The second problem he suggests, is the fluctuating current, which would render precise exposure times, also Printo developing times, inaccurate. <br>

This long running headache I am determined to resolve. My long awaiting equipment comprises of a Durst 5x4 Laborator enlarger, a table top Printo, safety light, and an additional light not yet purchased.<br>

My friend suggested having the generator in front of the garage door would attract the wrong kind of attention. The garage is part of a row serving two blocks of flats, in a well maintained housing association. There is a power source several yards away for gardening and maintenance. It's unrealistic to run a cable as the intervening space is a public garden, though I had considered befriending the janitor, to discuss a power source being run from... somewhere.<br>

Any advice would be gratefully received. I'm no electrician as is apparent.<br>

Robin</p>

Much appreciated comments on the 'headshots' - this is what i'll be doing, and it seems there's no taking chances with grain. Thats a pity. I prefer this natural look as I say. I own a Mamiya 7 with standard lens which is no good, but the 150mm would overcome the 35mm format grain problem. Not cheap though.

At 400ASA I could shoot on a 'usable' shutter speed, but it wont be anything like 250 sec.

I've set up a natural light studio for actors' portraits. The light is very soft & I'm happy with this look.

They'll require standard 10 x 8 " prints which I will print. Regarding film choice and grain: can I get away with

Neopan 1600 rated at 800 as mentioned on this forum? I need an extra stop above 400ASA ideally.

Cheers

Robin