GENERAL PHOTO LAB QUESTIONS:

How many enlargers are available?
- There are 14 enlarger stations on “B-Side” and 10 enlarger stations on “C-Side”
How do I rent an enlarger? / Can I reserve an enlarger ahead of time?
- You can check out an enlarger by going to the lab window with your Tower ID and asking for an enlarger on B or C Side.
- If you would like to work at a specific enlarger, check that it is available first.
- The lab staff will give you a key to unlock the enlarger drawer, which must be returned as soon as the drawer has been unlocked.
- The lab staff will hold on to your ID card until you are finished with the enlarger and your space has been inspected.
I’m not enrolled in a darkroom class this semester but I took a class in a previous semester. Am I still allowed to use the darkroom?
- If you are a photo student who has taken Phot 110, 113 or 114, you may use the darkroom.
- If you are no longer a photo student (not enrolled in any photo classes), you won’t be able to use the darkroom unless you are an active lab monitor or volunteer.
How can I continue to use the darkroom and photo labs if I’m graduating / I won’t be taking photo classes next semester?
- You can continue to use the photo lab after graduating or after you complete your photo class, by becoming a lab monitor. Jump to Lab Monitor Program Information
Can I rent/check out an enlarger at any time during open lab hours?
- You can use the enlargers during open lab if there is no scheduled class taking place.
- Classes have priority and if you are working in the darkroom when a class is about to start, you may be asked to leave.
Can I print in the darkrooms until the lab closes?
- You may print in the darkrooms up until 40 minutes before the lab closes to allow for prints to go into the final wash, equipment check in, and general tidying of the darkrooms.
- You will receive a time warning one hour before the lab window closes.
Are there any accessible solutions for students who need accommodations to work in the darkroom?
- Yes, we can make reasonable accommodations for students who need them. Please contact your instructor and the Photography Facility Coordinator about what accommodations you need.

LIGHTING STUDIOS

How many lighting studios are available?
- There are 10 studio bays located across rooms DH 407, 409, and 411
How do I rent/ check out a lighting studio / Can I reserve a lighting studio ahead of time?
- You can check out an enlarger by going to the lab window with your Tower ID and asking for an enlarger on B or C Side.
- If you would like to work at a specific enlarger, check that it is available first.
- The lab staff will give you a key to unlock the enlarger drawer, which must be returned as soon as the drawer has been unlocked.
- The lab staff will hold on to your ID card until you are finished with the enlarger and your space has been inspected.
I’m not enrolled in a studio lighting class this semester but I took a class in a previous semester. Am I still allowed to use the lighting studios?
- If you are a photo student who has taken Phot 121, 122 or 123, you may use the lighting studios.
- If you are no longer a photo student (not enrolled in any photo classes), you won’t be able to use the lighting studios unless you are an active lab monitor or volunteer.
Can I rent/check out a lighting studio at any time during open lab hours?
- You can use the lighting studios during open lab if there is no scheduled class taking place.
- Classes have priority and if you are working in the lighting studios when a class is about to start, you may be asked to leave.
Can I shoot in the lighting studios until the lab closes?
- You may use the lighting studios up until 25 minutes before the lab closes to allow for clean up and equipment return.
- You will receive a time warning one hour before the lab window closes.

DIGITAL PRINTING

I need to print for my class, how do I do that?
- Classes have dedicated printing days during class time scheduled at different times during the semester. Discuss this schedule with your instructor.
Am I allowed to print outside of my class?
- Due to staffing limitations, all printing must take place during class time, or under instructor supervision.
- If your instructor is not present you will not be able to use the digital printers. (BFA & MFA students are the exceptions to this rule)
How do I reserve a printer to print for my BFA exhibition?
- Contact the Photography Facility Coordinator to unlock printer reservations on Connect2.
- Connect with your photo advisors about how to print.
- Contact and schedule an appointment with the Photography Facility Coordinator if you need additional assistance while printing.
How much can I print as a BFA or MFA student?
- BFA students are allotted up to ten 20×24” prints for their exhibition
- MFA students are allotted up to 64ft of printing per academic year
Will paper be provided for me to print?
- Classes have dedicated paper for students, that is kept with the instructor.
- Paper is not provided to lab monitors, BFA or MFA students. (If you are a student experiencing financial hardship and have a BFA show, contact the Photography Facility Coordinator)
What printers does the photo lab have?
- The photo lab has two Epson SureColor P5000 24” printers, and one Canon IPF 8400 44” printer in the Duncan Hall facility; and two Epson 4900 24” printers, one Epson SureColor P7570 24” printer, and one HP Z5200 44” printer in the Industrial Studies Facility.

LAB MONITOR PROGRAM INFORMATION

What is the Lab Monitor Program
- The Lab Monitor Program allows for the Photography Area to hold open lab hours each semester, so students can have the space and resources to work on their projects outside of class time.
What does a lab monitor do?
- Lab Monitors are students and volunteers who dedicate three hours each week to maintain the wet lab, lighting studios, and check out equipment.
- Lab monitors also answer questions about the lab, and can sometimes help troubleshoot problems in the darkrooms and lighting studios.
- Lab monitors notify the Photography Facility Coordinator of any issues outlined during the initial training.
What are the benefits of becoming a lab monitor?
- Vetted and trained Lab monitors are allowed access to work outside of class time and after hours.
- Lab monitors have the option of getting 1-3 units of Art178 credit
- Lab monitors get access to more advanced or limited equipment
- Becoming a lab monitor means that you will be joining a vibrant community of peers who are dedicated photographers, artists, and photo enthusiasts.
- BFA students are strongly encouraged to become lab monitors if they have time, so they can get more one-on-one help with the Photography Facility Coordinator and the additional access to the facilities.
What are the prerequisites to become a lab monitor?
- Those interested in becoming Lab Monitors should have already take or be currently enrolled in one studio lighting class (Phot 121, 122, or 123), and one darkroom class (Phot 110 or Phot 114)
- If you took a darkroom class at a community college, or in high/secondary school, and you have also taken studio lighting, you can still apply.
- You’ll need to be available for a one to one and a half hour training session and take a quiz.
Do I have to be a photo major to become a Lab Monitor?
- No, if you meet any of the prerequisites above you can become a Lab Monitor
Is the Lab Monitor position a paid position?
- No, the Lab Monitor position is not a paid one.
How do I become a lab monitor?
- Fill out this form: Lab Monitor Sign Up Form or contact the Photography Facility Coordinator for more information. Requests for shift are considered on a first come first served and lab need basis.

REQUESTING EQUIPMENT

How do I rent equipment Immediately?
- Log in to the Photography Connect2 Equipment Booking System
- Come to the equipment checkout window at Duncan Hall 402. We will be unable to check out equipment to students who have not logged into the system beforehand.
How do I reserve equipment ahead of time and pick it up later?
- Review the “How to Request Equipment” video or PDF on our Equipment & Rentals page.
- Click the “Equipment Request” button on our photography website Equipment & Rentals page. This link will take you to our Photography Connect2 Equipment Booking system.
I submitted my equipment request, what happens next?
- You will receive a confirmation email that your request has been sent.
- Once your booking request has been reviewed you will receive a “Photo Request Reviewed” email. Check the approval status on the “Booking Resource Details” page.
How long does it take to receive a response or get approved?
- You will receive a response within 24-48 hours. Please allow up to 72 hours if your request is submitted on Thursday after 5pm or on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Requests placed on holidays/campus closures may require additional time. It is recommended that if you need the equipment immediately that you visit the photo lab window.
I received an “Equipment Request Sent” email and message, is my equipment ready for pick up?
- The “Equipment Request Sent” email and message is only sent to confirm that your request has been received, not reviewed.
- Once your equipment request has been reviewed you will receive a “Equipment Request Reviewed” email. Check the approval status on the “Resource Booking Summary” page.
- If your equipment reservation is approved, you will see “This booking is confirmed” on the “Booking Resource Summary” page once you expand the details of the items.
When is my rental due?
- Your rental is due 2 weeks from the scheduled pick up date on your “Booking Request Approved” confirmation.
Why was my booking request denied/Why did I not receive a “Booking Request Approved” email or message?
- The equipment does not match your current courses and you need instructor approval to rent it.
- The reason your request was denied is listed in the booking details section.
When will equipment rental start for the Fall 2021 semester?
- The first day that we will be open for checkout is Monday 7th February 2022
I am not enrolled a hybrid or Mode 4 photography class that has scheduled meetings on campus / I am only enrolled in online photography classes. Can I still rent equipment?
- Yes! You can rent equipment if you are only enrolled in online photography classes.
- You can access the campus buildings using your Tower card. Please verify that you have a card no older than 2018. If your card predates 2018, you will need to get a new one from the Bursar’s Office.
- To rent equipment, log in to the Photography Connect2 website. You can either come directly to the lab checkout window, or reserve you equipment ahead of time and come later.
How do I find out what equipment you carry?
- Our equipment is listed on the Photography Connect2 website.

RETURNING EQUIPMENT & EXTENDING RENTAL PERIODS

How do I return my equipment?
- Your equipment is due for return on the date and time selected during the booking process.
What if I am late on returning my rental equipment?
- Request a renewal for your booking as soon as you know you will need to extend your rental time.
- The first two times you are late in returning equipment without notice you will receive a warning. The third time you are late, your access to rent equipment will be restricted.
I need to use the equipment longer. How do I extend my rental period?
- Go to the Equipment Rental site, select the booking you would like to renew, and select “Renew Booking” from the Booking Options menu on the right. You will need to select the checkboxes for all items that you would like to renew, and the select “Renew”.
- You will not be able to renew a booking on the due date. All renewals must be confirmed prior.

PRICE/FEES

What is the cost to rent equipment?
- We are happy to provide rental equipment free of charge, so please treat it carefully. Broken and damaged equipment takes time and funding to replace.
What are the late fees?
- There are no late fees, however, the first two times you are late in returning equipment without notice you will receive a warning. The third time you are late, your access to rent equipment will be restricted.

DAMAGED/MALFUNCTIONING EQUIPMENT

What happens if I damage or lose my rental?
- Any damage to the rental equipment will be assessed on return
- Depending on the cost of the rental item you may be charged a fee to replace or repair the item.
- You may be given the option to replace the item yourself.
- You may be restricted from renting equipment in the future.
- If the damage is small and accidental it will be assessed and discussed with you.
I did not drop or damage my rental equipment in any way, but it is malfunctioning. What do I do? Can I exchange it?
- All rental equipment is tested before being assigned. Any damage or non-function is noted before the equipment is rented to you. If your equipment is malfunctioning, please contact us as soon as possible and we will assist you.
- You may also want to consult the manual or reboot any digital items, to ensure the malfunction is not from any “user error” or glitches.
- If your rental equipment is still malfunctioning after consulting the manual and/or rebooting, please contact us immediately, and we will allow you to exchange the equipment. photo-lab-equipment@sjsu.edu

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Is there a limit to how much equipment I can at one time?
- Yes, you may only rent one of each item, unless additional items are specifically necessary for the project or class (instructor confirmation necessary).
Can I request more than one item at a time or do I need to submit multiple requests?
- Yes, you can select all the equipment you need and add it to your “Basket” on Connect2.
Can I borrow equipment for a job/project outside of school?
- No. Because we support more than 200 students in our program, we have limited equipment to rent, and most items are in high demand. The equipment we have is restricted for use in class assignments and related projects.
Does the equipment have to match the class that I’m enrolled in? (e.g. can a digital photography student borrow darkroom supplies?)
- If you have taken the corresponding class prior, you may rent equipment outside of your current course list, if it is in support of your photography coursework.
- You may also receive instructor authorisation to use equipment outside of your current course list.
I have a question not listed on this page, how do I contact you?
- Email the photography lab at photo-lab-equipment@sjsu.edu and you will receive a response in 24 – 48 hours during the workweek.