Enlarger timer choices

[baachitraka]

I have acquired Focomat Ic and looking for a timer. I do not know which are reliable(mechanical or electronic). But, my first choice is Jobo Time switch.

Any other good suggestion?

 

[degruyl]

I really like the f-stop timer from Darkroom Automation. http://www.darkroomautomation.com/fst.htm I have no idea if it is designed for european voltages.

 

[jeffreyg]

I have been using an electronic for very many years and doubt that it is still available. The features I would look for are: one that lets you set seconds in 10 sec increments, 1 sec increments, .1 sec increments, has a focus switch, turns off the safelight during exposure, has a foot peddle, and has a 1 sec audible. Mine doesn't have the audible so I have an electronic metronome plugged in to it. The foot peddle lets your hands free for burning and dodging and the audible is useful for those procedures as well.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

 

[Jim Jones]

A metronome or digital clock that ticks once a second sounds primative, but has advantages for low volume printing with dodging and burning. A timer is worthwhile for routine high volume printing.

 

[Vincent Brady]

I use the f-stop timer from RH Designs and I love it.

 

[Martin Aislabie]

I use a RH Stopclock Pro - they are expensive but worth it - http://www.rhdesigns.co.uk/darkroom/html/stopclock_professional.html

I was sceptical about whether they were worth the money - until I did bought one

To begin with it seems to have features you don't want or would ever use.

However, after using one for a few times, you will wonder how you managed with them.

I don't know anyone who has one and doesn't absolutely love it.

If mine were to ever break I would buy a new one the very next day

Martin

 

[hadeer]

I use the RH Design StopClock Pro in combination with a Zonemaster II meter, expensive equipment but worth every cent. Takes a variables out of the equation and once you are acquainted with thinking in stops instead of seconds and minutes makes you wonder why you did'nt invest in one much earlier?.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

Darkroom Automation fstop timer. Love it.

EDIT: Just realized you were posting from Germany, which means the RH f-stop timer would probably be appropriate for the funky European voltage. Cost-wise, it may seem like a stretch, but an f-stop timer is crazy awesome. Once you get it you'll wonder how you survived without it.

 

[paul ron]

Call me old fashion, but I love my old Time-O-Lite. Set the time arm n push the button for repeated exposures, or use a foot switch to set her off. Simple n easy to use n read. This was a real upgrade from my old GraLab 300.

I also had a GraLab 450 electronic digital display with a foot switch (will be selling it soon if I get to clean the garage out). It was more anoying than anytihng I've ever used. I couldnt'd "see" the time on my pie face analog clock which has that feel a digital just can't give you. It is amazing how some of us grew so accustomed to our analog watch face style rather than a digital display with no future or past, just void with the imediate now numbers. I like to see that a quarter of the dial is for dodging instread of calculating 15 digital sec or counting ticks.

If I need to double or half an exposure, I just work my ƒ-stops, no brainer.

.

 

[bdial]

Paul makes an excellent point, that an F-stop timer isn't a requirement for doing F-stop printing, though it does help. For a simple approach, it's hard to beat the Time-O-Lites and similar resetting analog timers.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

haha Paul! I use those time-o-lites all the time, but I really do prefer my gralab 451, which is basically the same model as yours (there are so many variations of that model though). I like the memory feature to it, and the ability to have a metronome feature as it counts down seconds. I use it with mounted on the wall, and with a footswitch to minimize any possible transmitted vibrations.

Got it for $15-20 bucks which I think is a great deal. Im not sure I could spend 200 pounds on a enlarger, Id probably not use half the gizmos on it.

 

[manet]

I use a electronic timer built by a buddy in 1970. It is somewhat cumbersome but works fine...

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

an F-stop timer isn't a requirement for doing F-stop printing, though it does help.

True. A 4/10 stop dodge, and five 3/10 stop burns are infinitely easier if you DON'T have to do the math.

 

[tkamiya]

I used to use Gralab 300, the old mechanical type. They are fine timer and reasonably accurate.

I now use Gralab 450 and 451 electronic timers. They are accurate but unfortunately, not as reliable as electrical timers can be. These can be susceptible to electrical noise on the mains line and malfunctions every now and then. I still use them though. Another thing about these is, above 10 second, I don't have fractional seconds. I don't need 0.1 second resolution but 0.5 would have been nice.

These can be had for $50 or less in used market in US. I'm not sure about in Germany.

 

[X. Phot.]

I currently use several GRALAB 300's for timing development of film & prints, and there's a Time-o-Lite timer at each enlarger. I do have a digital timer and a solid-state timer in storage, just in case. But, I don't care for them much . . . too many buttons and knobs.

 

[baachitraka]

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Jobo-ComTime...der_Entwicklungsmaschinen&hash=item3a6c5d70cf

Any idea about this timer...

 

[MattKing]

Here is a link to the manual: http://www.jobo.com/jobo_service_analog/us_analog/instructions/instructions_manual_comtime.htm

It looks like a combination meter and timer.

I don't have any direct experience with it, but it looks promising.

 

[Martin Aislabie]

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Jobo-ComTime...der_Entwicklungsmaschinen&hash=item3a6c5d70cf

Any idea about this timer...

Never used one - but - Jobo make good quality darkroom equipment

I'm sure it will be fine

Most top printers don't use an Enlarger Meter (which this has) - but its good for getting you started and then close to where you want to be

Good luck

Martin

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I use the f-stop timer from RH Designs and I love it.

ican only second thisproposal

 

[phelger]

I have a simple big clock hanging on the wall ticking seconds loud and clear, that enables me to count dodging and burning. Then I have a Stop Clock Pro and a Zone Master from RH Design, they are coupled to give you precise indication of exposure time, and they work beautifully well. It's an investment but your savings in paper and time is impressive. Have a look at their web site http://www.rhdesigns.co.uk/darkroom/index.html
Peter

 

[tkamiya]

My taste in darkroom equipment has evolved quite a bit from start to present. All I can suggest is to get whatever is available at reasonable price and get started. You'll have to find what works for you yourself. Even for something as simple as timers, I tried at least 4 different ones and I don't think I'm done, yet.

 

[Greg Heath]

RH Designs Analyser Pro

 

[Richard Jepsen]

For a cheap analog solution Time-O-Lites are easy to use. Depends on your setup but if not elevated or tilted at an angle the Time-O-Lite face can be more difficult to see. Gralab electronic timers are easier to see. I prefer the older black/blue Gralab 450. The switches are fussier and metronome sound irritating on newer Gralab models.