How to Print Black & White Photos in the Darkroom (Leica V35 Enlarger Beginner Guide)

Alright Midlifers – in this spooky little episode we head into the darkroom and I show you, step by step, how to make your first black & white print from a negative using a Leica / Leitz Focomat V35 enlarger. We start with the basics: choosing Ilford resin-coated photographic paper, setting up your developer / stop / fixer trays, and talking about what’s different between film chemistry and paper chemistry. Then we walk through how to size and compose your print under the enlarger, focus properly, and use a test print to nail your exposure before committing to a full sheet. Once we’ve got a good base exposure, we play with contrast filters, talk about dodging and burning, and look at how small changes to exposure and contrast can dramatically change the final print. Finally, we develop, wash and dry the print, check for dust and marks, and talk about how you can find community darkrooms or workshops near you if you’d like to try this yourself. If you’re new to darkroom printing, this is meant to be a gentle, realistic walkthrough from someone still learning – mistakes, jokes and all. If you’re an experienced printer, please drop your tips in the comments so beginners can learn from you too! What you’ll learn: • The basic darkroom printing workflow from negative to finished print • Gear overview: Leica V35 enlarger, lens, timer, trays, tongs and paper • How to choose paper size, crop and composition under the enlarger • Focusing the image and choosing an aperture for sharper prints • How to make and read a test print to find the right exposure time • Proper tray sequence: developer, stop bath, fixer and washing • Using contrast filtration, plus dodging and burning fundamentals • Handling and drying prints while minimising dust and scratches Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Leica V35 enlarger 1:09 Paper & darkroom chemistry overview 3:07 Enlarger, lens & timer basics 4:43 Setting up developer / stop / fixer trays 6:35 Choosing print size & composition 8:03 Masking & framing the image in the enlarger 8:34 Focusing & aperture choice 11:25 Planning & exposing the test print 12:23 Handling photo paper & emulsion side 13:54 Developing the test print in trays 17:17 Evaluating the test print & choosing exposure time 18:08 Making the full print at the chosen exposure 18:30 Adjusting contrast filters, dodging & burning basics 22:30 Final print, washing, drying & dust control 24:29 Wrap-up, community darkrooms & outro #darkroomprinting #filmphotography #blackandwhiteprints