F-Stop Printing in the Darkroom — Full Workflow + Custom ΔStop 100 Timer John Builds Things 2026-02-14 | Darkroom printing shouldn’t feel like guesswork.delta100.johnjonesfour.comIn this video I walk through my full f-stop printing workflow—from the very first ½-stop test strip, to refining exposure in ⅛-stop steps, and finally shaping the image with dodging and burning in stops instead of seconds.I also demonstrate a project I’ve been building: a modern enlarger timer designed specifically for f-stop printing, created to make darkroom exposure more predictable, repeatable, and intuitive.Whether you’re new to the darkroom or returning to film after years away, this approach can make printing feel far more like craft than chance.In this video:What f-stop printing is and why it worksMaking a first test strip in ½-stop intervalsRefining exposure in ⅛-stop stepsDodging and burning using stop-based adjustmentsHow an f-stop enlarger timer simplifies the entire processIf you’re interested in the timer project or want to learn more about f-stop printing, links and details are below.Thanks for watching—and happy printing.
ΔStop 100 F-Stop Darkroom Timer: Assembly John Builds Things 2026-03-24 | What Is It?ΔStop 100 is a dedicated enlarger timer that uses logarithmic, f-stop based timing instead of linear seconds. You set a base exposure in stops and every click changes exposure by a fixed fraction of a stop, so the math stays the same no matter the print size or paper type. That means faster test strips, clearer intent with every change, and less guesswork when a print needs a tiny nudge instead of a full second.It behaves the way photographers already think: exposure as stops, not time. The interface is focused on repeatable decisions, so you can move from test to final with confidence and keep a consistent record of the choices that got you there.
ΔStop 100 Assembly John Builds Things 2026-02-07 | This is a quick video showing the assembly of my ΔStop 100 darkroom timer.ΔStop 100 is a dedicated enlarger timer that uses logarithmic, f-stop based timing instead of linear seconds. You set a base exposure in stops and every click changes exposure by a fixed fraction of a stop, so the math stays the same no matter the print size or paper type. That means faster test strips, clearer intent with every change, and less guesswork when a print needs a tiny nudge instead of a full second.It behaves the way photographers already think: exposure as stops, not time. The interface is focused on repeatable decisions, so you can move from test to final with confidence and keep a consistent record of the choices that got you there.What Is F-Stop Printing?Traditional timers measure time linearly, so the difference between 7 and 8 seconds is not the same change as the difference between 14 and 15 seconds. F-stop printing measures exposure in stops, where each step represents a doubling or halving of light.Because each step is a constant ratio, your adjustments are predictable and comparable. Half- and third-stop changes feel natural, dodging and burning are easier to keep consistent, and notes from a previous session translate cleanly when you change paper size, contrast, or enlarger head.ΔStop 100 applies this concept directly to the darkroom, without menus, math, or mental gymnastics. It gives you a repeatable workflow built on exposure theory you already use in the camera.delta100.johnjonesfour.com
My Son Asked for a Rocket Ship… So I Built One John Builds Things 2026-01-19 | What happens when your son watches Apollo 13 on repeat and asks for a rocket ship? You start sketching… then open Fusion… and suddenly you’re building a two-story rocket ship playhouse.This project was inspired by an old Make magazine video, but I leveled it up into a two-level structure with a hatch, windows, ladder, and a control panel inside. I focused more on structure, durability, and imagination than complicated mechanical gimmicks—and I think that paid off.The build combines:- A 2×3 framed structure with OSB flooring- Laser-cut hatches and window openings- 3D-printed details like engine bells, window trim, and handles- Fabric-lined interiors using moving blankets for a real spacecraft feel- Vinyl graphics, flexible trim, and mock thrusters- A custom control panel with switches, displays, sound effects, a bass shaker, and two interactive game modes for docking and landingIt’s big, it’s ambitious, it barely fits in my basement, and my very excited four-year-old supervised the entire build.There are a few things I’d love to improve in a future update—like glowing engines and reworked window trim—so let me know what you’d do differently or what upgrades you’d like to see next.And yes… we still need to name this spacecraft 🚀Drop your suggestions in the comments.
Pegboard Everywhere: Start to Finish Workbench Build John Builds Things 2025-11-16 | I completely rebuilt the back wall of my workbench — and the result is a fully custom pegboard system packed with storage for electronics, tools, and all my photography + videography gear.In this video, I walk through the entire build on John Builds Things: from framing a massive 8' x 2' pegboard panel to routing the edges, adding LED lighting, designing 3D-printed organizers, and wiring everything up with ESPHome and Home Assistant.If you saw my last video, you may have noticed the new backdrop — today you get the full build!🔨 Project OverviewBuilt a custom pegboard wall using standard home-center pegboardFramed, glued, screwed, routed flush, and finished for a clean lookAdded a 1×3 top rail for LED strip lightingPrinted dozens of organizers (bit holders, spool caddies, tweezer mounts, bins, etc.)Laid out gear for electronics, hand tools, photography, videography, and accessoriesModeled and printed custom diffusers + seam clips for the LED stripIntegrated lighting control with ESP32 + ESPHome + Home AssistantUsed a Raspberry Pi to drive an old LED matrix sign via custom Go codeBuilt a 12V → 5V → 7.5V power setup using DC-DC convertersDesigned/printed a parametric serviceable electronics enclosureMounted and wired everything cleanly behind the workstation💡 Electronics + Software HighlightsESPHome YAML config controlling motion-activated LED lightingMOSFET-switched light control with auto-off timersOptional ESPHome web UI for easy debuggingRaspberry Pi handling serial communication with a retro LED matrix signCustom Go library for live-updating the displayParametric 3D-printed project boxes for clean, serviceable wiring🧰 3D Prints + FilesI used several pegboard accessories and parametric organizers from around the community.All models, Gridfinity pegboard shelves, tool holders, and the parametric enclosure files are linked below.printables.com/model/411431-sys-peglock-gridfinity-baseplate-press-fit-magnetprintables.com/model/1317395-gridfinity-ultra-light-4mm-hex-storage/relatedprintables.com/model/633029-gridfinity-hex-bitsprintables.com/model/283107-multimeter-pegboard-holderprintables.com/model/34467-pegboard-tweezer-holderprintables.com/model/870874-not-so-rugged-parametric-box⚙️ Tools & MaterialsStandard quarter-inch pegboard panels1×3 pine for the LED light railLED strip lighting (bright white)ESP32 + ESPHomeRaspberry Pi for sign controlDC-DC buck converters (12V → 5V & 12V → 7.5V)12V power supplyRouter, drill, screws, clamps, glue3D printer + PLA
DIY Toy Rocket Ship Panel (Apollo-Inspired) – My Son’s Favorite! John Builds Things 2025-09-11 | Take imaginative play to the next level 🚀! In this project, I built my 4-year-old a homemade Apollo-inspired rocket control panel using laser-cut acrylic, UV printing, and an Arduino. Complete with flashing lights, toggle switches, and authentic Apollo sound effects, this prototype turned a simple play tent into a full space mission.Along the way, I learned a lot about laser cutting, UV printing, Arduino coding, and electronics assembly—and I share all the details in this video.Whether you’re into DIY builds, parenting hacks, Apollo-era nostalgia, or just love space history, this project has something for you. And stay tuned—this is just a prototype for a much bigger build coming soon!✨ If you enjoy projects that mix making, engineering, and imagination, hit subscribe to follow along.
I Built the Ultimate Darkroom Timer (and Finally Finished My Dream Film Space) John Builds Things 2025-07-11 | Welcome to my film photography sanctuary — a custom-built darkroom with a DIY ESP32-powered development timer at its heart. In this video, I’ll give you a full tour of the space I spent years dreaming about and months building.You’ll learn how I designed my flush-mounted darkroom timer, built a custom epoxy-coated sink, and organized a fully functional 5x10 darkroom with ventilation, water, and light control — all tailored for black & white film and paper development.▶️ What you'll see:My DIY light table and Beseler enlarger setupA walkthrough of the ESP32-based darkroom timerA web-controlled interface for film timingHow I built and plumbed my own development sinkTips for efficient darkroom layout and storageSTL file links for 3D printed parts (below)Whether you’re a fellow film shooter, a DIY tech enthusiast, or just here for the satisfying build footage — you’re in the right place.🛠 All STL files & resources available in the description below.📸 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the rest of the John Builds Things channel for more film photography and DIY tech builds.STL Files:Timer: printables.com/model/1351626-darkroom-development-timerFilter Trays: printables.com/model/1351621-film-enlarger-filter-traysFilm Rinsing Adapters: printables.com/model/1351622-film-development-rinsing-adaptersCode: github.com/johnjones4/darkroom-timer-IIProduct Links:Dispenser for Premixed Chemistry: amzn.to/4ktc9JVExhaust Fan: amzn.to/4lw6mVpExhaust Vent: amzn.to/44o8ngfExhaust Duct: amzn.to/3GAt4MXVentilation Grilles: amzn.to/4lkdsMuLight Table Translucent Acrylic: amzn.to/44HfbojLight Table Clear Acrylic: amzn.to/44HfbojLight Table LED Strip: amzn.to/44GjRdQFootswitch Switch: amzn.to/4kAaBODTimer Buzzer : amzn.to/4kAaBODTinyPICO ESP32 Development Board with USB-C: adafruit.com/product/5028Adafruit 1.2" 4-Digit 7-Segment Display w/I2C Backpack - Red: adafruit.com/product/1270
What Am I Printing? (June 27th 2025) John Builds Things 2025-06-27 | Today I'm printing some light shades for my new workbench pegboard wall. (Video later in July!)
Print Timelapse: AA Battery Dispenser John Builds Things 2025-06-25 | printables.com/model/246843-pegboard-battery-dispensers
Print Timelapse: Pegboard Tweezer Holder John Builds Things 2025-06-24 | printables.com/model/34467-pegboard-tweezer-holder/files
