Subject: Kodak a.b.c. Photo-Lab Outfit From: Jere Turner

Is there anyone out there who can help me find put more information on this item?

I was given this item but there is no manual with it. The only information on the unit is a label on the metal box which reads, 'KODAK A.B.C. PHOTO-LAB OUTFIT.' I suspect it was sold in the 1960's. Also on the box are the words 'Basic photographic materials and equipment for developing and printing.' I do not know what size of film it was intended for or what chemicals were used in developing.

The metal box contains: 1 Brownie Darkroom Lamp, Model B 2 Kodak Tri-Chem Packs 1 Kodak Darkroom graduate 4 oz 1 Stirring Rod 1 Kodak Darkroom Thermometer 1 Kodak Masking Chart (in metal printing box) 25 sheets 23/4 x 41/2 inch Kodak Velox Paper( dated 1969) 2 Kodak Junior Film Clips

There was supposed to be a book of instructions but this is missing.

Can anyone give me any information on this? e.g. chemicals, film sizes, procedures? I would like to try and make some prints from this outfit and would like any help you can give me on it.

I have contacted Kodak twice about this. The first person responded saying he did not know anything about it and referred me to the Kodak museum. I e-mailed them some months ago but have not received an answer.

Thanks, J.D. Turner E-mail: j.turner@sk.sympatico.ca

-- jere turner (j.turner@sk.sympatico.ca), December 01, 1999

Answers

I don't know for sure that I can be of help but I think this kit is similar to an Ansco kit I had in the late 50's. (Ansco was Kodak's main competitor at the time.) My kit also contained 3 5x7 trays for developing the film and paper. The metal box is a contact printer and uses different size masks for different sizes of negatives. The kit could be used for any of the common film sizes of the time. There is no reason that you couldn't use today's chemicals. Back in those days you could buy the Tri- Chem packs which contained tiny packages of developer, stop bath and fixer. I don't know if you can still buy the small sheets of contact paper but there is no reason you couldn't use 4x5 sheets of modern enlarging paper. I would be glad to give you specific instructions if you are still interested in trying to use the kit (and don't come up with a better response). Just e-mail me and tell me if the Darkroom lamp is red or clear and describe the metal box (the top, light sockets inside, switches or buttons and etc.) You probably wouldn't enjoy making 35mm individual contact prints but might have fun with it if you have access to a camera that uses 120 film (even if it is an old box camera or a cheapie Holga).

-- Joe Miller (jmmiller@poka.com), December 01, 1999.