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.