When I was still in school, this place was extremely helpful when you needed extra time in a darkroom, when the campus was inaccessible. It was my first year ever using a darkroom, so I was definitely inexperienced when it came to developing/printing film, but in addition to my instructors at school, the workers here were also very kind and helpful and offered any help I might have needed. They’ve got everything you need to develop film, enlarge photos, and print. I’ve left my prints there to dry overnight without worry. Prices are a little high, especially for struggling college students, but if you just make use of the facility it’s well worth it. I’d most definitely go back if I needed a darkroom!
Effjay A.
Place rating: 5 Fremont, CA
The place is set up nicely & has a very laid-back feel to it. The staff is friendly & helpful. I don’t know how their prices compare to other darkrooms as there don’t seem to be many local public darkrooms in existence at all anymore(and this is the first I’ve visited in years), but in my opinion, their prices are very reasonable. Their darkroom contains 4 enlargers & they have all the necessities to develop, enlarge, & print. As an added bonus, they offer exclusive rental of their darkroom for«Print parties». This is something that I will MOST definitely take advantage of in the near future! On a side note … Bring cash or your checkbook as they don’t accept plastic.
Bridget C.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I’ve only been to this darkroom a couple times and I have never actually worked there, but from what I can tell it is a really great place. I stayed with my friend while she developed film and made some prints. The man working was extremely helpful. He showed my friend where everything was and answered all her questions. I dropped off some film to be developed once and I wish I discovered that service sooner because I hate developing film. For five bucks your drop off a roll of film and pick up the negatives the next day. For an extra buck they will make a contact sheet for you. My only complaint is that the contact sheet they did for me was not as clean as I had hoped. It would have worked fine if I was just using it for myself, but I had to turn it in for my photo class and there were far too many spots on it for me to get credit.
Christine B.
Place rating: 4 Burlingame, CA
I came here half a year ago while I was taking a black and white photography class at San Jose City College. I needed extra time in a darkroom to print my photos. The woman that helped me was very friendly and even offered me some of her own cleaning supplies to wipe dust from my film. The darkroom at De-Bug is located within the community room of Silicon Valley’s De-Bug. They have all the necessary equipment(enlargers, chemicals, filters, etc). They even have a nifty drying machine that dries photographs in an instant! I had never seen it before so I was amazed at how fast my photos dried. :P The darkroom itself was small but it did the job! Pricing was a little expensive for me(since I was used to using free school darkrooms), but I guess it’s reasonable. Aside from the darkroom use, they offer some classes and are able to develop your film and print proofs for you. Also, their late hours are very helpful! See their website for the details.