What is the proper humidity level to maintain in a darkroom?

Maintaining the proper humidity level in a darkroom is crucial for preserving photographic materials and ensuring optimal conditions for processing photos. The ideal humidity range is typically around 30-60%. This level helps prevent the photographic films and papers from drying out or becoming too moist, which can affect their functionality and the quality of the images produced.

Humidity that is too low can lead to static electricity, which can damage the sensitive photographic materials, while excessively high humidity can cause mold growth and degrade the integrity of the film and paper. Therefore, a humidity level within the range of 30-60% supports the longevity and performance of photographic materials, making it the best choice for a darkroom environment.