Darkroom Ventilation Nova Processor

[gmfotografie]

Hello,

I will get a the FB-Nova Processor 16x12 soon.
Actually I don´t have a ventilation-system in my room. I want to take care about myself so I want to spend money on an effective system.
Can anybody tell me his experience with such a processor; his solution.

Best Michael

 

[BMbikerider]

I have 2x 12x16 Nova processors. 1 x 3 bath for colour and a 1 x 2 bath for the stop/fix stage of B&W. Yes they give off an odour but it is not very strong and then only for the RA4 developer. I have been using them for about 24 years now and never had a problem even without ventilation. the smell is slightly noticeable when you first go into the darkroom after they have been warming up but it is not objectionable at all.

They have a very small footprint with regards to the exposed chemicals and this I think compliments their ease of use and environmental friendliness for use in a house. I would not even think about any need for fitting a forced ventilation system.

One hint which will reduce the smell and prolong the life of the RA4 developer is to cover the whole top of the processor with cling-wrap after use and replenishment of the chemicals. If you get a good seal, and that isn't difficult, the surface of the cling wrap will show a small vacuum depression as the chemicals cool and contract. My current RA4 mix is now approaching 10 months old and with regular replenishment (100cc's per 80sq ins of paper) it should last almost indefinitely.

Even after cleaning out the tanks can be done by draining the chemicals, washing the accumulated sludge with the appropriate cleaner then THOROUGHLY washing the tanks out again before replacing the dev, stop, and bleach.

 

[gmfotografie]

Thx, I have forgot to mention that I will process only B&W

LPD, Dektol; Acid StopBath; Rapid Fixer



Best Michael

 

[john_s]

I use a 12x16 ordinary Nova (not FB) in a small darkroom and I have a mains voltage computer fan drawing air out at a top corner of the room, with fresh air coming in from a vent/light trap at the opposite bottom corner. The darkroom is in a larger shed and there is very little turbulence so there isn't much dust. I use a less smelly fixer (Kodak Flexicolor or other C41 fixer, pH less acid so less SO2) but a smellier stop bath (sodium metabisulphite) which smells of SO2. But because of the small surface area it isn't nearly as bad as open trays of rapid fixer and acetic acid stop bath.

The fan is only a 3inch model but it moves enough air to keep the room reasonably fresh.

 

[pentaxuser]

Same comments as BMbikerider. Even if it is not possible to ventilate during use just leave the door open when not in use and the air will change quite rapidly and little or no smell will escape if you do, as you should, what BMbikerider has said about covering the slots.

My darkroom is a converted bedroom next to my actual bedroom and no problems so far after nearly 10 years

pentaxuser

 

[ajmiller]

The above is good advice. You specifically mention you want to look after your health so even though the Nova is pretty self-contained the chemicals still give off some fumes (albeit low, some people are more sensitive to it than others). In the UK recommendations are for 10-15 air changes per hour. This is no different than the requirements for a domestic kitchen. May be different in Austria and your room size and facilities may vary.
People will say you don't need ventilation, or the above is over the top, but it makes for a better working environment and long term is better for your health.
A few links:-

Air changes per hour guidelines (UK)
Darkroom Fans Vent-Axia
B+H darkroom ventilation

 

[BMbikerider]

If you are only using it for B&W then use odourless stop and fixer and the problem is solved. The developer is almost always without smell too. My darkroom is also my garage and there is always a through draft anyway - sadly even in winter!!!!!

 

[Deleted member 88956]

You can get quite fancy with a ventilation, but gravity set up works well, especially if you can position inlet/outlet on a diagonal or opposite walls (with darkroom sink in its path, so the draft takes any fumes with it easily). It all depends on actual room shape. Having no fan to deal with makes it bullet proof. If a louver is to communicate through an exterior wall, then you might also think of some way to control the flow, including ability to close it completely.

 

[perkeleellinen]

My darkroom is a small cupboard under the stairs next to the sitting room, it's less than a meter wide. Any wiff of chemistry and my wife would shut it down. Luckily the Nova never gives off a smell and I have no ventilation system.

 

[Richard Jepsen]

Same comments as BMbikerider. Even if it is not possible to ventilate during use just leave the door open when not in use and the air will change quite rapidly and little or no smell will escape if you do, as you should, what BMbikerider has said about covering the slots.

My darkroom is a converted bedroom next to my actual bedroom and no problems so far after nearly 10 years

pentaxuser

I worked out fume issues with my small laundry room DR. Use fresh developer, bromide buildup has a little odor. Use a water stop or weak citric stop. Use an alkaline fix. Keep the house HVAC fan circulating and move in and out as you place completed prints in a hold try outside the DR. You could also cover the slots between prints.