Archival print washer recommendations please

[markbau]

Due to a sad accident to my 30 year old Patterson major washer I'm in the market for a new print washer. I think I've narrowed it down to the Versalab and the Nova. Max print size I need to wash is 11 x 14 inch. Anyone have any comments about either of these washers?

Thanks

 

[calebarchie]

If you want to avoid another accident I recommend

http://www.khbphotografix.com/arkay/PrintWashers.htm
http://www.rosyproducts.com/archivalprintwashers.htm

 

[JPJackson]

My 11x14 Versalab works very well. I did add a drain valve in the bottom.

 

[David Allen]

The key to an efficient archival washer is being able to do a full dump of the water at about 15 - 20 minutes.

I believe Nova have now incorporated this feature into some of their washers.

To understand what is involved in thoroughly washing prints and to get the most out of whatever washing method you have available to you, I would thoroughly recommend reading Martin Reed's research which is available here:

http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.or...ghlight=vortex

Bests,

David.
www.dsallen.de

 

[Doremus Scudder]

I have two Paterson 11x14 washers and a Versalab 16x20/20x24 washer. I like the agitating feature on the Paterson washers, but have modified mine to have a water feed from the top as well as through the agitating valve. They have worked well for me for years (I test for residual hypo, so I know). I find that I can empty them quickly by simply inserting a 1/2" piece of tubing and using that as a siphon (no drain valve needed). If you were happy with your old Paterson, maybe you could just pick one up used; mine were really cheap used.

I can also recommend the Versalab washers, although I miss being able to see the prints through a clear plex wall... Again, I can siphon mine empty fairly quickly with a length of hose, so have never had the need to install a drain plug.

Best,

Doremus

 

[Peter Schrager]

Ecowash...

 

[E76]

Due to a sad accident to my 30 year old Patterson major washer I'm in the market for a new print washer. I think I've narrowed it down to the Versalab and the Nova. Max print size I need to wash is 11 x 14 inch. Anyone have any comments about either of these washers?

Thanks

I'm also in the market for a new washer and I'm interested know which one you went with and why. I've also been eyeing up the Ecowash and the Alistair Inglis Cross-jet washer but I haven't found many opinions on the later. Seems like it would be similar to the old Calumet units.

 

[MattKing]

Every thing I've seen from Alistair Inglis is of absolute top quality. I think as well that you would find him to be extremely communicative.

 

[Leigh B]

The key to an efficient archival washer is being able to do a full dump of the water at about 15 - 20 minutes.

When you're only washing 5 to 10 minutes total, as is the norm with a good hypo clearing bath...

- Leigh

 

[Maris]

When my 20 year old Paterson Major Print Washer breaks I'll just buy another one. They are readily available and work really well. Only 215.78 Pounds incl VAT in the UK pricelist, less for export.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Due to a sad accident to my 30 year old Patterson major washer I'm in the market for a new print washer. I think I've narrowed it down to the Versalab and the Nova. Max print size I need to wash is 11 x 14 inch. Anyone have any comments about either of these washers?

Thanks

I have a Nova Ecowas that washes up to 16x20 for sale.It's in perfect shape and I like to get $250 plus shipping at cost from Florida.if interested send email to rlambrec@icloud.com

 

[David Allen]

When you're only washing 5 to 10 minutes total, as is the norm with a good hypo clearing bath...

- Leigh

If you read Martin's research it will become clear that 5 -10 minutes is not enough for fibre paper (even if trying to use the short Ilford method).

If washing RC prints there are more effective and efficient methods than using a print washer.

Bests,

David.
www.dsallen.de

 

[adelorenzo]

I'm using a Versalab 11x14 that I found for sale locally and quite happy with it. I own an Alistair Inglis film washer and really happy with that, wouldn't hesitate to buy a print washer from him as well.