So, I'd like to give tray developing a whirl but, am not sure what timing of device is best. I'm leaning on getting a metronome and just counting. Any other practices?
So, I'd like to give tray developing a whirl but, am not sure what timing of device is best. I'm leaning on getting a metronome and just counting. Any other practices?
I use a standard Gralab timer. I don't understand why you'd want to do the counting yourself.
Well, I actually had always used daylight tanks and so, just assumed tray development needed 100% lightfree development (including glow of Gralab timer). Guess not!Originally Posted by Matt Miller
Well, I bought one last month but the thing showed up busted.
I know they're about $50 even used so...
$50 vs. Counting (Free)
Zone VI compensating developing timer. They are no longer available new, but show up on Ebay from time to time. They aren't cheap, but they adjust the time to account for temperature variation. Even if you manage to start development at 68 degrees, the temperature of the developer will most certainly rise with your hands in the soup.
As a good friend of mine states "you'd have to pry his Zone VI compensating developing timer from his cold, dead hands." I'd second that statement.
How's you or your friend's health these days?
I couldn't agree more with John on this one. Critics say it only works for Tri-X and HC110 but I use it for 5 different films in 3 developers and as long as my 68 degree time is right from testing, it always works.
If you can't spend the money on one, then carefully checking temperature and using a talking count down timer like the one Radio Shack used to sell will work fine.
I expect your film will expire long before we do
The Zone VI timer is wonderful, if you're lucky enough to find one. Can't imagine why
they discontinued it, but assuming the subcontractor folded some time after Calumet
acquired the line. Otherwise you have to have a temp-controlled water jacket around
the tray (which is a good idea for film work, but generally overkill for developing prints).
The timer is a convenience, but it doesn't do anything magic you can't do for yourself. (Looking up the time on a chart, checking the temperature, etc.) If you get your darkroom to some convenient temperature close to the temperature of the solution, it isn't going to drift very far and it isn't going to get there very fast. The display and the beep at 30 seconds are convenient too, but you can get by.
i use the computemp software with my laptop . it is a great system , just cover the computer screen with ruby lith and you are set.
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