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Darkroom timer recommendations, please

tkamiya

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Would someone please recommend a fairly simple timer for enlargers?

I am currently using an very old electronic timer (analog) that is neither accurate nor consistent. I have to check its setting against my watch to make sure it is set correctly.

I'd like to have something that will be accurate to, and readable to a second, do up to 60 seconds at minimum, have an ability to repeat the same setting multiple times, and cost as little as possible.

Thank you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Novex R? still analog or analogue - ha, Czech made, so robust and reliable ,does all you require, mine is still accurate, do not know if much of this eastern euro stuff ever got to the US though. regards
 
I favour a metronome, counting the seconds. The enlarger lamp stays on all the time, with red filter between exposures. My on/off is a card under the lens.
 
time-o-lite

time-o-lite

automatic repeating

easy to set

accurate

no chance of using focus when you want time

durable

cheap
 
I use an older model GraLab 520 digital timer I found for $15. Very functional and reliable. It counts up or down to 1/10 sec. and can be used for timing film and print development as well as enlarging. Can be used as a metronome too.
 
I like Rayco timers, simply because it's what we used when I worked in a pro lab and I'm used to them. They may be a bit old fashioned but they're reliable and have tens, seconds and tenths. I use one on each of my 2 enlargers.
 
I have always liked kearsarge timers (the 301 is a good basic model). Lektra timers are nice too - and usually cheap on the second hand market.
 
Lektra made the Zone VI enlarging timers. They are workhorses. Highly recommended.
 

If you're are looking for a new darkroom timer anyway, it may be a good opportunity to start with f/stop timing and look for a timer that supports it.
 
I just refurbished the old Omega Solid State timer for a friend. Its the little box that forms the top of the "Power Tower" for the Chromega light source.

That is a fantastic little circuit. All resistors (high quality) and capacitors (Sprague 'orange drop') and a single SCR (that was blown). Very straight forward design. Big relay with easy to clean contacts. No complex integrated circuits or rare components.

If I ever see one of these in a box of junk I'm going to pick it up for myself. Should be easy to get working.
 
I think Ralph makes a very valid suggestion. If one is indeed "starting from scratch", then one should at least check the two F stop timers that are easily available, i.e., R.H. Designs, and Darkroom Automation. I have rarely seen these timers available on the used market though. Furthermore, the initial cost will certainly be somewhat higher than the other timers mentioned.
 
Lektra TM8

jgjbowen said:
Lektra made the Zone VI enlarging timers. They are workhorses. Highly recommended.
Click to expand...

The Lektra's are surely workhorses! They are indestructible.

Any insight on how the keep over the years re: repeatability? accuracy? I am beginning to suspect some drift with my LektraTM8 workhorse and would like to solicit insight before I take it apart, etc. I can get my hands on a Kearsarge to replace the Lektar. Good move? Bad move?

Thanks in advance.
 
This thread is from four years ago...
 
I know the thread is old but I thought it would be a good venue to pose my question re; Lektra TM8 timers.
 
Novex R recommended

It's probably a bit late in the day to join Craig in putting in another good word for the very dependable Novex R timer, but perhaps my two bits' worth can benefit newer members who are wondering where to find an affordable darkroom timer.
Czech precision mechanics are outstandingly reliable and durable ('Planned Obsolescence' definitely played no role in post-war Czech industrial production). I have two working Novex timers, one at home and one at the youth club. They are about 45 years old, and both are still eminently trustworthy. I think a beginner could do much worse than pick up a Novex R; they are plentiful at European auction sites and can be had for a song.

Regards, Michael

PS: The only thing about them I havent figured out is what to make of the inner scale on the display (see picture). The ascending arithmetical seconds scale is self-explanatory, but the descending logarithmic scale remains a mystery to me - but then again, I have never needed it. Suggestions would be most welcome, however!
 

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