Hand processing of photographic film is best carried out in a darkroom that is properly equipped. Whether the darkroom is large or small, certain essentials are necessary for good quality processing.

The darkroom must be clean and well ventilated. Shelves, bottles, racks, processing equipment, walls, and floors that are spotted with dried chemicals are harmful to photographic images. Navy photo lab equipment, therefore, must always be spotlessly clean.

The arrangement of a darkroom should be convenient, a place for everything and everything in its place. There should be adequate and correct safelights placed at recommended working distances. Only necessary sensitized material should be in the darkroom. Temperatures in the lab should be maintained as closely as possible to the normal processing temperature-about 70F to 75F. The well-equipped darkroom should contain the following items: sink, graduates, required chemicals, waterproof aprons to protect clothing, clean towels, accurate thermometer and timer, and the necessary film hangers, trays, reels, and tanks. All darkrooms should be well stocked with prepared chemicals in containers that are labeled properly. In general, good photographic quality demands that all work must be conducted in a clean, orderly, and systematic manner.