The Lab-Box Is Finally Set to Ship by December 2018 or January 2019

Last Updated on 10/09/2018 by Mark Beckenbach

The Lab-Box by ars-imago will soon be on the way to printing and assembly in time for shipping by end of 2018 or early 2019.

After over a year of waiting, we finally have the latest news from ars-imago on the Lab-Box multi-format daylight loading film tank. If you’re among the backers of their Kickstarter campaign, you’ll be pleased to know that production will be in full swing, with shipping scheduled for December 2019 or January 2019. Those who missed the campaign can also still get one through their final pre-sale until October 31st.

If you’re hearing about the Lab-Box just now, here’s a brief overview. Essentially, it combines everything you need for a home developing kit: a film tank, agitator, film reel, and other tools, minus the need for a changing bag to load your film (along with some scissors or can opener). This daylight loading tank promises to simplify DIY film developing for everyone — beginners and pros alike. Since it has a detachable 135 and 120 module, it’s easy to switch between developing 35mm and medium format film when you need to. It’s easy to see why film photographers are excited to get their Lab-Box — it opens up a lot of creative possibilities for film soups, pushing or pulling film, and trying out different developing chemicals.

Kickstarter backers must have been keeping tabs on the developments of the project through the company’s updates. But for those who haven’t been checking, the Lab-Box also made an appearance at the recently concluded Photokina, with ars-imago presenting the tanks — including the Professional Lid that comes with a built-in timer and thermometer! They also did a demo where they developed using both the finished Lab-Box with the 135 and 120 modules.

 

Official worldwide distribution is already scheduled around Spring 2019, but there’s one last pre-sale going on at the ars-imago online shop before they hit full production later this month. If you order yours now, you’ll also get it shipped by the end of this year or early next year.

All images from ars-imago.