Stop watch vs timer

[esearing]

I have a really hard time watching the clock when developing film and paper. I have the attention span of a gnat apparently.
So I started using the stopwatch on my watch. I have gotten way more consistent.

Does anyone else use a stop watch or are we all staring at graylab timers? Other alternatives?

Now all I need to do is find a larger stopwatch that has red led numbers. My watch has to be shielded since it is back lit.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

Use a metronome, just count the clicks. Works great for developing as well as printing.

[Tim Meisburger]

I second the metronome. I used to use a little electric one, but these days you can just download a free app for your smartphone.

[Luis-F-S]

Zone VI Compensating Developing Timer. I won't develop without one. L

[Bruce Barlow]

Zone VI Compensating Developing Timer. I won't develop without one. L

+1

[Jac@stafford.net]

One handy app is Massive Dev which has an adjustable multi-step timer that times each step (with optional metronome sound) and beeps when each step completes. You can set your own and save them for later recall.

Oh, the display on the smart phone can be set to a green or red safelight display which is very cool when tray developing film.

Before that I used three small inexpensive battery powered kitchen timers.

Best of luck!

[jp]

I use cheap kitchen timers like these ebay items for most developing (daylight tank).
321596791824
111591524404
My safelights are actually bright enough for me to read them when processing paper as well.
Still use the old weakly glowing gralab for tray developing film.

[Tony Lakin]

+1

+2
Except I use RH Designs process master II of which I have 2, one in my print darkroom and another in my film processing room I also use a MK1 as a thermometer which is not possible with the MK2.

[Drew Wiley]

I have one of the Zone VI gadgets where the probe sits in the water bath. You can set it to compensate time variations between either typical films or papers, or set on actual time in seconds. There is a red LED display, but I keep this below the sink to prevent any possibility of fog, but have it set to audibly beep every 30 sec. I never cared much for Fred Picker's snake oil marketing persona, but will admit that some of his snake oil turned out to be pretty damn good!

[beemermark]

I have a digital kitchen timer that I bought at Goodwill 15 or 20 years ago. Has three timers and beeps at the end. So one for developing, one for fix and one for wash.

Having said that, I start my watch's stop watch the same time as the Kitchen timer. I watch the stop watch for the one minute mark since it allows me to leave the dark room (bathroom) while agitating the daylight tank in my other hand.