De Vere Universal Enlarger Timer broken(?)

[henryyjjames]

Hi all,

I'm only now noticing that the timer for my De Vere 504 is not working properly. I have attached an image of what this timer looks like (from the internet, I'm not photographing mine rn). The three dials, left to right, control time in intervals of 10 seconds, 1 second, and 1/10th seconds. Pretty standard. What I have now discovered is that the middle dial on mine is accurate for 0, 1 and 2 seconds, but for 3 seconds and up it just stays on and doesn't turn off. The values on the other two dials do not affect the operation of the middle dial. Not sure what I should do. Does anyone have any experience with this issue or these timers and reparing them?

Thanks!

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

First line of attack:

Try opening the unit and spritzing contact cleaner on the middle switch mechanism. Contact cleaner available on Amazon, CRC or some other cheap cleaner will work fine.

 

[henryyjjames]

First line of attack:

Try opening the unit and spritzing contact cleaner on the middle switch mechanism. Contact cleaner available on Amazon, CRC or some other cheap cleaner will work fine.

Ok, I will give this a try. I will get some cleaner tmr and try after work.

 

[mshchem]

Secondhand Darkroom Supplies sells a really sexy F stop timer for this enlarger, just saving. Maybe put it on your Christmas wish list.

 

[henryyjjames]

First line of attack:

Try opening the unit and spritzing contact cleaner on the middle switch mechanism. Contact cleaner available on Amazon, CRC or some other cheap cleaner will work fine.

Wow, I can't believe that worked. Let's see if it lasts!

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Wow, I can't believe that worked. Let's see if it lasts!

If it stops working then it's possible the switch is worn out - only thing then is to replace the switch, a rather more involved procedure.