Procedures

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS

  1. EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT

To borrow equipment from the facility, you must visit the Cage for checkout. All equipment can be borrowed for up to 3 days. Ensure you have your ID with you during checkout. A contract must be signed at the time of checkout, confirming your agreement to our policies. You’ll receive a slip indicating your due date and time, a copy of the policies, and our contact number. Equipment can only be re-borrowed in person, provided it hasn’t been reserved by someone else.

  1. EQUIPMENT RESERVATIONS

While not mandatory, making a reservation in advance is recommended to guarantee equipment availability. To reserve equipment, either visit the Cage or call (212)-998-5755. Reservations can be made well in advance. If you’re more than 15 minutes late for your reserved time, the reservation will be canceled.

  1. LATE OR DAMAGED RETURNS

Our late return policy is very strict. A $10 charge per half hour applies for lateness, including during closing hours. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you anticipate being late, contact the Cage before your due time to extend your reservation by a few hours without fines. For those already overdue, a call to the Cage can “stop the clock” on your fine. During closing hours, you may email us or leave a voice message at (212)-998-5755.

Equipment must be returned undamaged. You’re accountable for any lost, stolen, or damaged items under your name. You will be charged accordingly for all replacements and repairs. Fines are processed at the end of each month and charged to your NYU Bursars account. Disputing a fine is possible with a valid reason (e.g., personal/medical/family emergency), by contacting the Cage and requesting a Review Board Form. This form must be returned within a week of the equipment’s return, or the right to dispute is waived.

  1. OPENING HOURS

Refer to our website for our opening hours or find the schedule on the Darkroom’s front doors and classroom entrances. All activities can be conducted during these hours, except during classes, and should end 15 minutes before closing time.

  1. ID STICKERS

After the add/drop period, you will receive a sticker for your ID for facility and equipment access. Keep the sticker on your ID throughout the semester.

  1. PHOTO STUDIOS

Rooms 201 and 206 are equipped with black, white, and gray seamless backdrop rolls. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis on weekdays during opening hours. Studio reservations are Sunday-only, allowing private use. Lowering and raising the backdrop must be done by the monitors only. Due to its locking mechanism, the interior door of 206 must remain open.

  1. DARKROOM SIGNS

We urge you to carefully READ the announcements within the Darkroom and diligently follow the provided instructions. In case of uncertainty, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a monitor.

  1. KEEP THE DARKROOM AND LABS CLEAN!

After using the facilities, please take responsibility for cleaning up. This includes disposing of trash and addressing any spills or chemical residues. We strongly encourage wiping down your station after usage.

 

PROCEDURES FOR DARKROOM CLASSES

  1. WORKING IN-HOUSE

When using the darkroom for in-house activities like film development and darkroom printing, it’s required to have your ID with you and complete a sign-in sheet. Please fill out the sheet in its entirety, including your full name, N#, and date. Check the box for the equipment you need (e.g., “35mm kit” for an enlarger). Indicate any extra lenses or negative carriers you need in the “Extra Equipment” column. For developing tanks, check either “Single” or “Double”. Be sure to check all necessary accessories, such as scissors, thermometer, and a can opener. A signature is required at the bottom of the form.

  1. EYEWASH STATIONS

Eyewash stations are available in both darkrooms and the film developing area. Pull down to activate the water flow and use it immediately if you come into contact with chemicals in your eyes.

  1. ENLARGER STATIONS

Please use the enlarger corresponding to the number of your kit box. If you have a preference for an enlarger, you can ask the monitor if it is available. When you finish using an enlarger, remove the lens and negative carrier, turn off both power supplies, cover back the enlarger head with the plastic bag, and clean up the station. Ensure all items are placed back in the enlarger kit before returning it. If you notice a missing plastic bag, inform the monitor.

  1. FILM DEVELOPING

Tanks and reels must be completely dry before returning them to the cage. You can use a paper towel to dry them or put them at the bottom of the film dryer while your film dries. This practice helps both the monitors and fellow students, as wet reels cannot be loaded onto a wet reel. If you’re provided with a wet tank or reel, request a dry one from the monitor. When developing film, keep the chemicals and tanks in the designated film-developing area and over the sinks. Do NOT walk around with full film tanks. Dust cloths and liquid film cleaner are available at the Cage. Please bring your own negative sleeves and canned air.

  1. PAPER DRYER

In the RC dryer, only load paper that is 8×10 or larger, and exclusively use RC paper – NOT FIBER PAPER. Anything smaller will jam the machine. If a jam occurs, promptly turn off the dryer and notify the monitor. Be cautious as dry prints can become stuck on the rollers. Ensure your print is adequately damp to pass through the dryer. Smaller prints can be dried on the drying rack. Fiber paper should be dried only on the drying rack. Remember to remove your prints promptly once they’re dry to free up space for others. Dry racks are emptied at the week’s end, and any unclaimed prints will be discarded.

  1. PRINTING
    1. Gently but securely attach the lens board to the enlarger to avoid damaging it or risking the lens falling off.
    2. There is a contact printing glass in the top drawer of each station. After use, return it to the drawer. If you notice a missing glass, inform the monitor.
    3. The second drawer is intended for storing paper while at the station. It has an additional flap to minimize potential light leaks.
    4. The tongs in the trays are labeled according to the chemicals they are meant for. Please return the tongs to the proper tray to prevent contamination.
    5. Allow prints to drip before moving them to the next tray. This makes chemicals last longer and prevents contamination.
    6. Chemicals are supplied by the Darkroom, but you must bring your own paper.
    7. Handle prints solely with tongs until they are washed with water. If you come into contact with chemicals, wash your skin immediately to prevent irritation. RETURN YOUR TRAYS TO THE DARKROOM WHEN FINISHED. Trays shouldn’t be left outside or at your enlarger station as they are not waterproof. Return them to their stand.

 

PROCEDURES FOR DIGITAL CLASSES

  1. PRINT STATIONS

There are currently 6 digital print stations. Room 201 has two stations: two iMacs with an Epson P800 printer and two 12×17” flatbed scanners. Room 206 has one station: one iMac with an Epson p800, and one 8×10” scanner. The main Darkroom area has three stations: three iMacs with an Epson P800 printer and one 8×10” scanner.

  1. PRINTING

For secure access, all computers are password protected. Mice are stored within the Cage for safekeeping. To use a print station, present your ID at the Cage, where a monitor will provide you with a mouse and log you in. Should you encounter any issues with the printers or scanners, including low ink, please report it to a monitor immediately.

  1. INK AND PAPER

Ink is supplied by the Darkroom, but you must bring your own paper. Please note that only inkjet photo paper is allowed (Epson is the preferred brand for our printers). ABSOLUTELY NO PLAIN PRINTER PAPER.

 

To check out equipment from The Cage, please review and complete the following form