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Thread: Timer in complete darkness?

  1. #1

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    Timer in complete darkness?

    Ok, here is one thing I haven't been able to figure out on my own.

    If you need complete darkness when tray processing, how do you time it.

  2. #2
    Moderator Ralph Barker's Avatar
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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    Use a timer with a buzzer that goes off when the time is complete.

  3. #3
    Robert Oliver Robert Oliver's Avatar
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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    I just point mine away from the trays and keep it a couple of feet away.... as long as there is nothing for the dial to bounce off of it shouldn't be a problem. I am developing for 20-30 minutes with this technique. no fog noticed.

    I also keep my timer below the lip of my sink and keep it a couple of feet away.

    I am doing mostly minimal agitation with Pryocat HD in a black slosher tray.

    I can never even see the faintest outline of my trays or sink with this method, even after my eyes have adjusted to the light for 30 minutes.

    I do find other small light leaks in my darkroom.

    My timer is ages old so I'm pretty sure the dial is less luminescent that it was when it was new.
    Robert Oliver

  4. #4

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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    You rarely need utter total complete darkness. Maybe with the fastest super speed films... I have timers with glowing phosphorescent numbers and have never known them to cause a problem. I just don't do work with fresh film right in front of them. I move a ways away.

  5. #5
    Maris Rusis's Avatar
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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    "Voice Craft" talking timer; $20 from my local electronics store.
    Photography:first utterance. Sir John Herschel, 14 March 1839 at the Royal Society. "...Photography or the application of the Chemical rays of light to the purpose of pictorial representation,..".

  6. #6

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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    So, as usual its not as complicated as I try to make it.
    Thanks a lot guys.

  7. #7

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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    I too have my voice recorded. I find it helps keep agitations consistent as well.
    All the best,

    Rob

  8. #8
    Greg Lockrey's Avatar
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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    I use a $15.00 metronome.
    Greg Lockrey

    Wealth is a state of mind.
    Money is just a tool.
    Happiness is pedaling +25mph on a smooth road.



  9. #9

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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tim k View Post
    Ok, here is one thing I haven't been able to figure out on my own.

    If you need complete darkness when tray processing, how do you time it.
    I use a GRA LAB 900 process timer which allows the timer display to be turned off. The timer has 8 programmable steps, with or without a metronome and can be started or stopped with a foot switch. They can be purchased off eBay for $50 to $75.

    HeathKit Electronics used to sell a wonderfull programable process timer but they have been out of business for years. Every once in a while these will appear on eBay and usually fetch about $100.

    Don Bryant

  10. #10

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    Re: Timer in complete darkness?

    I bought a portable tape recorder from a second hand store for $5 and bought a new tape and recorded some music on it (Led Zeppelin). I recorded my voice at the beginning of the album and then every thirty seconds thereafter, eg. Start, 30 seconds,one minute, one minute thirty seconds, two minutes, and so on until the thirty minute mark. It's cheap, works great and Zeppelin keeps you awake in the dark.

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