Now, I'm willing to bet that like me a few of you guys ain't exactly got money falling out of yer ass. (Excuse the expression!) How's about a little thread either here or in the learning centre where we can have ideas / tips that save moolah? Just as an example; 1. I've just bought a roo lamp that's a round metal base with 2 of those halogen lights on it. I'm gonna be able to use it as a) a light source (and being able to put the lights at the top and bottom at the same time it can give about 5 foot difference in angle) and because it holds the lights on with little plastic clamps it can double as a holder for a screen / reflector. Coz it's got a heavy metal base and the pole screws together it would do that outside, too. 2. We've got a few chains of shops that sell everything for 1. I've just picked up a couple of those 'car shades' - y'know, you put them up at your windscreen in the car to stop it becoming an oven? Great thing is, they're silver on one side and white on the other, about 4 foot long and 2 foot wide, and flexible, folding into about 2' x 8". Perfect for reflectors....... Any other cheapskate hints & tips? Mike (",)

Well, I'm looking to make some backdrops myself for close up photo's. Lemme see, I'm looking for a good old desk too....I want to saw out the main part, put some glass in (that I have lying around from an old frame). I should be able to find some lights and something to stick to the glass, so I'll have a nice table to view (backlight-ed) slides on, etc :P I also need a good light source, exactly what you mean. No idea how to do it yet. So thanks for the ideas :)

These could easily go in the tutorials section. How to make a studio with crud from around the house, etc. It'd work man. As for a light source, think about a possible way to get a highly concentrated amount of light, from stuff you already have. May not be as difficult as ya'll think....

Wow this is a great idea! Lets do it!

Here's a tip. Look up the location of your local camera repair person. They are either type SOB or type LUV. If they are LUV (Love cameras),they usually trade in "antique" equipment. Some of the stuff is really good for the price. There are some older models that have very good lenses and are very portable. For darkroom equipment! Advertise in a local paper to take the entire thing off someone's hands for few bucks. Take the best and sell the rest. There were many more home darkrooms 30 years ago. People will give you photo chemicals just to avoid the disposal problem.

Most Portrait Studio Cameras I've seen were large old rigs with a good lense and the required adjustments. I'll bet a new bellows and some carpenter work could make a fair copy. The old graphics cameras can be set up with backs to accept any film.

New bellows ? They're pretty cheap 2nd hand (no leaks). If you can live with the old fashioned bellow stuff, you don't have to pay a lot of money. Okay, something like $100, but it makes you look like a pro photographer :P Seriously, bellows are incredible stuff....love 'em! Just bought a good one from a guy in the UK (Nikon bellows) for 75 UK pounds...bit too expensive, but it's from a friend :) Anyway, even a leaking bellows is no problem....easy to fix it in the dark. I mean, easy to see the leaks, even easier to tape them. Today's lesson: don't waste your money on new or good bellows, buy a stupid one that leaks like hell and save money :P Bart

For years my 4x5 developing tank was a gutted car battery! Hangers fit perfectly. A wire streched with a turnbuckle and threaded with plastic clothes pins makes a great film drying setup. Surplus ammo boxes make good field storage for cameras if they are lined with sponge. Eckoware baking dishes, glass or non-stick make suitable developing trays. A small trash can (plastic) can be fitted with hoses and drains with PVC and silastic caulk to become a washer. Get the name and address of a theater supply store. Good source for colored gel material and used theater lights. You might find a book on building scenery. The same technique is used for screens. Easily painted with a graden spray to have depth and modulation by using the same idea as an ink jet. For extra cash that does not appear in the budget. Copy and retouch heirloom photos. Very possible with modern tools.

I have found a way to insert a 1/4-20 screw into visegrip tools to create a set of field clamps that go anywhere and attach to almost anything. Avoids large and expensive devices and are carried in the tool box. A milk jug filled with concrete and with piece of PVC inserted makes a good light base and it has a handle.

Billglaw, that milk jug one has just solved a problem for me! Bravo! Wow, the great thing that I didn't expect was how resourceful everyone is!!! Cool..... maybe it would be an idea to include pictures? I intended to myself but didn't get the chance, so I'm a fine one to talk!!! Cheers All! (",)

I use plastic insert roller paint trays. They can be filled enough to hold chemicals and they are really cheap. $0.50 each. For chemical storage use screw top water bottles. I like many do all of my chemical work in the bathroom/bathtub. However I also have no window in the bathroom! So the acetic acid smell hangs around for a while. For a quick-cheap take down backdrop frame I use PVC piping. Four elbows, four 10 foot pvc pipes and two 45 degree elbows function as legs. Total cost. $3.00 on sale! My light is a work crew halogen lamp. It's can generate 500 or 250 watt light. Perfect for difuse lighting. *Note. Direct lighting tends to create problems with the digital. Bsteph