anyone using the Versalab print washers?

[Craig Uecker]

The price seems right...before I buy I'd like to know your expereince with the V ersalab print washer. At half the price of others makes, what am I not getting?

[John Hicks]

You're not getting a spiffy see-through acrylic fishtank or a "name."

What you're getting is a very efficient washer with a just-about-indestructibl e tank at a low price. You have to assemble the print basket and hose fittings, but that's no big deal.

[Wayne_6692]

You're not getting a large charge on your credit card. You're not getting a washer that will look like crap after it gets a few scratches (it's already ugly). You're not getting an excessively heavy, delicate, "glued-together" fishtank that you'll be babying throughout it's existence. You're not getting an item that you'll be afraid to throw in the garage without packing it up first. You are getting an indestuctible, molded tool that will be around long after you become a memory - and at least $300.00 to spend on something else.

[Doug Paramore]

I am in the third year of using mine, and I am still looking for faults. It does what is was designed to do, and does it very well. The only thing i have noticed is that you don't read articles describing it as a "work of art". However, something that works that well is a work of art in itself.

Regards,

[Hans Berkhout]

Good review by David Vestal in Photo Techniques a few years ago.

[Mike Kravit]

I have the 16"x20" model. It is lightweight (except with water obviously), does exactly as it is supposed too. It looks fine in my opinion, wahy does a print washer need to look good anyway? Prints load easily and wash efficiently. It sit at the end of my 10' sink and needs no care or feeding.

I purchased a cover for it (Versalab does not advertise this). When not in use I cover it just because I never know what may get into it. (I know....a bit overdone).

I was platinum prints and silver prints in it. I have even been known to wash a sheet of 11"x14" film in it from time to time. I recomment this washer highly.

The best part about buying a Versalab.....you have lots of money left over for travel and film.

Mike

[John Hicks]

A couple of caveats....

A full washer is _heavy_ so be sure it's well-supported. Since it doesn't have to be in the sink, mine's on a roll-around cart that I can just roll out of the way. An ordinary fiberglass sink that isn't supported under the bottom may crac k.

Also, the hoses run through rubber grommets and they tend to dribble. I keep m eaning to seal the grommets with some goop but since the washer's in a tray anyw ay I haven't gotten around to it.

[Bill Hakes]

Do the 11x14 washers work well for 8x10s? The picture on their web site looks like the dividers would keep you from reaching an 8x10.

[John Hicks]

> 11x14 washers work well for 8x10

Yep, it's fine. The print can be put in vertically or, if horizontally, the di viders easily flex enough to pull the prints out. I can reach down between the d ividers and touch the bottom of the tank.

[Craig Uecker]

Done deal. Thanks to all!