Calumet Deluxe Archival Print Washer = HIGHLY Recommended!

[stormbytes]

I just picked up my Calumet Deluxe 11x14 Archival Print Washer unit today. I could barely wait to unpack it as I got through the front door. Packed in an oversized box with tons of protective foam and cardboard, the unit is impressive by any man's standard. Just looking at the unit reveals how much craft and care went into it's design.

Without so much as a single 'rough edge' the unit is built to please. Bi-directional water jets bathe your print both front & back, regardless of which way you put it in the slot. Each compartment is separate, preventing cross contamination and constantly having to 'restart the clock' on the wash when you put a new print in. No more wet sleeves! The Calumet Deluxe washer comes with a deep reaching plexiglass wand with a rubber tip that easily pulls your prints to the surface without any risk of damage.

I used to own a Versalab washer - some folks like'em, I dunno, beats me as to why someone would bother. The Calumet Deluxe Washer is a dream, worth every penny of the $500 price tag. I sold my 16x20 Versalab and took quite a loss on it - at this point, that loss was worth every penny as it made room for the Calumet Deluxe.

I'm not affiliated with Calumet in any way, and don't have a vested interest in the company. I simply can't recommend this unit enough. Calumet Deluxe Print Washers come in 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 and (i believe) 20x24. Check it out on their website at http://www.calumetphoto.com

If you are shopping for a print washer that's truly a 10-on-10 design-wise, gives a perfect and uniform wash (hypo test confirmed in 4 minutes), doesn't require assembly, and is straight-forward and easy to use (no flimsy, poorly designed "baskets"), look no further. Calumet Deluxe is the way to go. It's a hefty sum to lay out, but if your'e serious about your prints, the money is very well spent with Calumet.

 

[Robert Budding]

What was the problem with the Versalab? Did it not wash your prints well? Was it difficult to use or clean? I'd like to understand why it is worth spending 2x the price of the Versalab.

 

[Sean]

I have that same calumet washer except mine is going on about 8yrs old, it still looks brand new and functions fine.

 

[jeroldharter]

I have a Summitek 20 x 24 which I like OK. However, the partitions warp over time which makes some of the slots quite thin. I don't know if that really affect performance but it is inconvenient. The water flow volume is very low which is nice but the drain is very fussy and makes a loud sucking noise if the flow is even slightly too high. Also, it must be precisely level to work well. Because it is so big and deep, cleaning it is a pain but I suppose that is universal.

Can you comment on those types of issues for the Calumet?

 

[boyooso]

I have the calumet 20x24 and its partitions bend/warp...... it is inconvenient too, howver from our tests still works proper, just not easily...

I think it is best to have to washers more oriented towards the prints you are washing or the volume you are washing

Corey

 

[stormbytes]

What was the problem with the Versalab? Did it not wash your prints well? Was it difficult to use or clean? I'd like to understand why it is worth spending 2x the price of the Versalab.

Robert,

Comparing the Calumet Deluxe Print Washer with the Versalab "tub" is not unlike comparing a home built go-cart to a current model Lexus sedan. There's just no contest.

Simply put, the Versalab print washer is little more then an overpriced Rubbermaid tub containing a cage of plastic separators (NOT dividers) with a garden hose and a drain. All in all, a glorified and overhyped in-tray washing method.

The textured plastic "tub" is a haven for dirt and grime. Upon close inspection of a well-used Versalab washer, you would immediately see minute dirt particles traped in the tubs fiberous and (relatively speaking) porous walls. No amount of scrubbing or safe-solvent would ever get that clean. It's simply a design flaw.

When you receive your Versalab washer, for which you would've paid a hefty sum (shipping considered, and a far cry from half of what the Calumet Deluxe washer sells for) the box contains a big white tub which in turn contains a bunch of thin, flimsy pastic sheets, a bag of spacer beads, a bag of screws, some vinyl tubing, some hard plastic tubing, connectors and instructions that coudln't possibly be more obscure. I dont' remember off the top of my head if I'm leaving anything out here, so if I am, please bare with me, it's been a while.

Putting together what Versalab refers to as the "basket" is an excersice on it's own. You get 4 long threaded nipples onto which you are supposed to mount the plastic separators and spacer beads. The threaded nipples aren't terminated, so you struggle to contain your frustration as the tiny nuts meant to 'act' as stoppers keep falling off. After you finaly manage to get everything put together, you tighten the nuts on the closing end of the nipples, cross your fingers, and hope it doesn't fall apart. This, you just paid almost $300 for!

It get better...

The Versalab has a perforated hard plastic tube through which water is supposedly prayed onto (or more like "in the general direction of") your prints. Seeing as the basket requires a certain clearance in the tub, the "jets" are almost never aligned with the print slots in the basket. Hence, rather then actually washing down the prints, in reality, the Versalab merely circulates water in the tub. As you watch your prints in your prized washer, you notice their inherent tendency to drift towards and stick to one side of the slot or the other. Keep the prints in for long enough, and yes, they will clear. But this is more coincidence then efficiency or intention.

Next, the black rubber grommets that hold the spray hose (jets) are a leak waiting to happen. My washer had a leaky grommet right out of the box. I complained to Versalab and they were nice enough to send me a smidge of "expensive sealer" nearly two weeks later!

Moving on to flow regulation and drainage - oh this gets good!

The Versalab washer operates on the siphon principle. That is to say, water is siphoned out of the washer at a SET rate. Exceed the rate and you'd better get your mop & bucket. Too low and you're not moving enough water over the surface of your prints. I remember cracking up at the way Versalab explained how to achieve the "optimal" flow rate. "You gotta get the siphon hole to purr". I can't tell you how many frustrating sessions I had with this washer just waiting for that "purring" sound to stabilize. I think it would've been easier to just get it to Meow!

Drainage -

Keeping in mind the siphon principle, the rate at which water drains from your Versalab washer is constant, and the pressure present in the siphon hose is minimal. Vinyl hoses will fatigue over time and kink. This will constrict the hose, adversely affect the drainage of the washer and pose a serious risk of flooding. NEVER leave a Versalab washer unattended for any legth of time.

I can go on and on about debris from the water in the tub clogging your siphoning hole but I won't bother, this post is much too long already.

The Calumet Deluxe print washer comes fully assembled from the factory, taking literally minutes to screw in the hoses and getting it started. It is a tested, self-contained unit, with bi-directional water jets on opposite sides, designed and manufactured to very specific tolerances. Prints are bathed front AND back, in separate, isolated and fixed compartment. Drainage is pressure based, and flow can be varried within a very functional range without risk of blockage, flooding or inefficiency. Changes in flow rate are quickly and easily spotted by water levels in parallel drain compartments, situated on either side of the washer. The washer is made of high quality, super-gloss non-textured plexiglass making it a synch to clean either by washing it or by using specialized tablets. See Sean's post on his 8 year old washer that looks brand new!

I'm gonna wrap this up. I can keep going. Trust me, if you're in the market for a solid print washer that's well-built, efficient and nothing short of 100% in every respect, bite the bullet and give calumet a call. Don't waste your time with Versalab's wanna-b.

Best
Daniel

 

[Robert Budding]

Thanks, I am in the market and needed to understand better why I might not want the VersaLab.

Is the calumet washer easy to drain? I'd rather store it without water in it to minimize slime growth.

 

[stormbytes]

Thanks, I am in the market and needed to understand better why I might not want the VersaLab.

Is the calumet washer easy to drain? I'd rather store it without water in it to minimize slime growth.

Robert,

I know this is going to sound like an infomercial, but buying the Calumet Deluxe washer is tantamount to paying for peace of mind. Provided you've got it set up on a relatively level surface, drainage is down right perfect. The drain hose is just below the overflow drain, and is placed/designed in such a way as to provide perfect and complete drainage hassle-free. This washer is probably the most impressive piece of photographic equipment I've purchased in years!

I can't tell you how good it feels to feel so incredibly satisfied with a relatively expensive purchase. I've bought many items, which I've been "happy" with. But it isn't every day I buy something that's down right flawless. Look no further Bob, you won't be disappointed. If you truly feel that you need a solid professional class print washer, buy the Calumet Deluxe. You'll be the one writing the next raving review, I guarantee it!

 

[Paddy]

Just wanted to remind y'all that there's an equally superb print washer(s) available from Alistair InglisDead Link Removed . Some members may be more familiar with Alistair's Unsharp Mask system. Not only are his products extremely well designed & engineered, but he's a swell fellow too!

If you're ever in Vancouver, Alistair is usually set-up at our bi-annual camera swap meet. He always has time for a chat. http://www.whistlerinns.com/camerashow/

 

[Robert Budding]

Alistair's washer looks quite nice, too. Is it easy to drain and clean?

 

[Paddy]

I couldn't say, as I don't have one. I only had the opportunity to look it over at the meet last year. Knowing how Alistair designs his items, I would not doubt that it's easy to keep clean. Why don't you e-mail him, or give him a call. -Just be prepared for a wee chin wag ;~) -

 

[Dave Starr]

All the praise for the Calumet washer makes me happier yet that I found a 24x24, like new in the original box, for 300 bucks. I'm now working on a "print remover". Remember the erasers that stuck onto the end of a wooden pencil? I'm putting one of them on an aluminum rod to use to help get the prints out of the washer. It should be handy when 8x10's sink to the bottom.

 

[Sandman]

I can appreciate being excited about a new

print washer (or camera or film or whatever) but it bugs me when the enthusiasm for the new product overlaps into a general and hearty condemnation of the previous product which was set aside. For the benefit of anyone who finds this thread while researching print washers please note that the Versalab washer is perfectly fine and functional which is used with no problems by many photographers. I just checked and could find no serious mention of problems with the Versalab washer with a search for "Versalab washer problem". It ain't pretty to look at and yes, you do have to put it together, but to condemn almost every aspect of how it works (eg "debris from the water in the tub clogging your siphoning hole") is, in my opinion, stretching things a bit too far.

 

[stormbytes]

For the benefit of anyone who finds this thread while researching print washers please note that the Versalab washer is perfectly fine and functional which is used with no problems by many photographers. I just checked and could find no serious mention of problems with the Versalab washer with a search for "Versalab washer problem". It ain't pretty to look at and yes, you do have to put it together, but to condemn almost every aspect of how it works (eg "debris from the water in the tub clogging your siphoning hole") is, in my opinion, stretching things a bit too far.

"Perfectly fine & functional" is how I would describe a $20.00 Doran tray washer. I don't know if you own or ever owned a Vesalab, but it certainly leaves a bad taste in your mouth to simply throw away almost $400 bucks on something that, though functional, is entirely overhyped and altogether substandard for it's price tag. That is the contempt you're hearing. I could've gotten "Perfectly fine & functional" for $20.00 with the Doran. I fell for the hype and paid the price. This post is simply putting things into perspective for folks like you & I who don't enjoy being taken. When we spend a sizeable sum on a product of a given class, we expect it to meet expectations. The Versalab washer falls desperately short in this department.

As far as it not being "pretty to look at", I don't recall "criticizing" it's appearance (perhaps implicitly in passing?) only it's design, construction and functionality. "Perfectly fine & functional" doesn't serve to, imo, dispute any of the points and observations on which I've based my description of the Versalab washer's inadequacies.

 

[stormbytes]

All the praise for the Calumet washer makes me happier yet that I found a 24x24, like new in the original box, for 300 bucks.

Wow! Congrats! That's a steal!

Good luck with the wand. Sounds like an eraser would work fine for deep reaching for small prints. Just make sure you test it out so as to ensure it doesn't leave any tracks or smudges on your prints.

Good luck!

 

[Dave Starr]

Wow! Congrats! That's a steal!

Good luck with the wand. Sounds like an eraser would work fine for deep reaching for small prints. Just make sure you test it out so as to ensure it doesn't leave any tracks or smudges on your prints.

Good luck!

It made up for the $400.00 CPP-2 that died 6 weeks after I got it. Anyway, if the eraser doesn't work out, I'll try a small "ball" of silicone sealer on the end of the rod. I think I'll try that first; I've already got silicone. Plus, it should be "sticky" enough to pull the print up and soft enough to avoid leaving marks on the print.

 

[Jon Shiu]

How about an acrylic rod with a piece of surgical tubing on the end? I have the pieces somewhere around here if you would like them.

Jon

 

[stormbytes]

It made up for the $400.00 CPP-2 that died 6 weeks after I got it. Anyway, if the eraser doesn't work out, I'll try a small "ball" of silicone sealer on the end of the rod. I think I'll try that first; I've already got silicone. Plus, it should be "sticky" enough to pull the print up and soft enough to avoid leaving marks on the print.

Jon just read my mind - I was thinking exactly that. If I'm not mistaken, it's the yellow/orange elastic "band" that they use when they want to draw blood from your arm. The stuff's tubular, so you just cut off a peice and use a sealer/adhesive to get it to stick to your rod.

I'm truly sorry to hear about the Jobo. Is it the motor? I'm pretty sure the units are serviceable.


Good luck!

 

[lee]

that is what I use works like a champ

"""How about an acrylic rod with a piece of surgical tubing on the end?"""

lee\c

 

[reggie]

I just picked up my Calumet Deluxe 11x14 Archival Print Washer unit today.

Well, I got tired of waiting for one to come up on eBay so I ordered a new 20x24 one from Calumet. Besides, bidding on these items get near 80%+ of the new price anyway. I am looking forward to getting it based on all the positive comments.

I have had a Zone VI 11x14 washer for 20+ years and love it. I went with the Calumet because of the construction and the drainage. I hope I don't regret it.

BTW, if you ever need your 11x14 Calumet washed, just ship to me and I'll pop it in my 20x24.

-R

 

[dancqu]

I simply can't recommend this unit enough.

That is true. I'm wedded to a still water diffusion
method of print washing which uses two trays and
and hydrophobic separators. Dan

 

[reggie]

I just received my Calumet 20x24 print washer from UPS and it came out of the box with a large crack in the 1/4th inch acrylic outside wall. I wish this was made of 3/8ths inch like the other walls are. This seems a little thin for such a beast.

I called Calumet and, with no hesitation in the slightest, they shipped out a new one to me. It will be on it's way tomorrow. The Cust Svc manager will call me and arrange for UPS to come by and inspect and return everything. All this at no cost to em, of course. I can't thank Calumet enough for their perfect handling of the situation. You hear so many horror stories about customer service sometimes that it's great to salute a company that oes such a great job.

So, in another week, I will have another brand new washer, hopefully intact this time.

-R

 

[seyerm]

Hi guys, is anyone able to tell me the dimensions for the 16x20 version?