"Poll" Question: Do you use a footswitch for your enlarger?

[Ulophot]

Some timers offer it as an option; I know some photographers who have been able to rig their own, DIY. It's convenient though not as necessary for those who use a single long exposure rather than a cumulative exposure from a number of shorter exposures, e.g., 3 seconds times 8.

After decades of using a enlarging Time-O-Lite, I got the Zone VI-provided footswitch (apparently called momentary, requiring just a tap to start the timing) when I bought the compensating timer. Recently, I had to sort through some specifications, re: type of connector, wires needed, open or closed, for the friend who is building the LED head for my D2.

I'm curious how others work in this respect.

[Alan9940]

I've used a foot switch for both of my enlargers for over 40 years. Personally, I find it indispensable for dodging/burning sequences as I use both hands for this. I do, also, use it for initial exposure because I find it easier than reaching across the enlarger base (my timers sit on the rear side of each enlarger.)

[Duolab123]

I use a footswitch for a Zone VI development timer when developing b&w prints in trays. I've never used a footswitch for an enlarger.

[John Layton]

Footswitch for my enlargers? Yup...you betcha! Makes so much sense to do this...keeps my hands free from the get-go for whatever dodges/burns/nose-picking/etc. that I need to accomplish during the exposure time.

[Oren Grad]

I use a footswitch for my wet-side timer, but not my enlarging timer.

[neil poulsen]

For both my enlarging timer and my developing timer.

[koraks]

Yes, I use a footswitch. It's one I got in a box of parts from a friend; wired a coaxial cable to it and hooked that up to my DIY LED enlarger controller. I wouldn't want to go without one anymore.

[jnantz]

I worked at a portrait studio and got addicted to a foot switch, been using one ever since. like Alan said, indispensable ..

[Tin Can]

My CB7 has a handy push button timer built into front edge with motorized height and usable power focus

With its OE oversize head, nothing beats lt

Good for wheelchair too

[Salmo22]

When I was a kid, sixty years ago, I spent lots of time with my father in his darkroom - he was a professional. He obsessed over making tack sharp prints and always worried about inducing vibration while he was making enlargements. Heck, he had me stand perfectly still in the middle of the darkroom during his exposure time. It seemed silly to me at first. But over the years, it became something I was ingrained with. I remember when dad got his first footswitch. It seemed "high tech" at the time.

So yes, I use a footswitch in my darkroom. I wouldn't know how to make an exposure without one.