DokaLab provides a compact, recyclable cardboard darkroom kit that includes pre‑measured developer and fixer chemicals, photo paper, and safety accessories for home black‑and‑white image development. A companion mobile app converts digital files to negatives, guides users through each processing step, and tracks consumable usage. Refillable bundles allow customers to restock chemicals and paper without replacing the entire kit.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Enthusiasts of analog photography often lack a compact, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to set up a darkroom at home, making black‑and‑white development inaccessible for beginners and hobbyists.
Solution
DokaLab delivers a ready‑to‑assemble darkroom kit built primarily from recyclable cardboard, containing all essential tools, chemicals, and photo paper needed to develop black‑and‑white images in a small, portable space. The kit is complemented by a mobile application that automates image conversion, guides users through each processing step, and tracks consumable usage. Supplemental refill bundles let users restock chemicals and paper without replacing the entire kit. Detailed tutorials and safety guidelines are provided online to reduce the learning curve and ensure proper handling of photographic chemicals. By combining a low‑cost hardware package with software support, DokaLab enables users to create high‑quality analog prints without a dedicated studio.
Target Audience
The primary customers are hobbyist photographers, beginners, and educational programs seeking an affordable, portable solution for black‑and‑white darkroom development.
Features
- Cardboard darkroom enclosure with built‑in light‑tight panels, lens assembly, and viewing window for a fully functional yet lightweight setup
- Pre‑measured developer and fixer solutions in sealed packets, eliminating the need for bulk chemical handling
- Photo paper (5 or 10 full‑sheet packs) and test strips included for immediate printing
- Safety accessories: nitrile gloves, safety glasses with safelight filter, and tongs for chemical handling
- Elastic bands, suction cups, mini pegs, and hanging strings for secure placement of trays and paper
- Mobile app (iOS & Android) that converts digital images to black‑and‑white negatives, manages exposure timing, and provides step‑by‑step workflow prompts
- Online tutorial library covering darkroom setup, chemical disposal, and troubleshooting common printing issues
- Refillable supply bundles (chemicals, paper, trays) allowing continuous use of the original kit