Help with Nova print processor

[maxby]

Hi,

I am very new in darkroom work. There is a very good offer for a Nova print processor. Wonder if anyone here has any experience with this print processor.

What is the maximum print size it can process?

Is it suitable for colour, cibachrome and B&W processing?

Where can I download an operations manual?

Thanks for your help.

 

[bmac]

YOu can get info on the Jobo site. It all depends on what model the processor is. Some do only RC paper, some are B/W only.

 

[maxby]

Thanks, have found what I wanted.

 

[gareth harper]

I use a Nova 12x16 inch fiber processor.
Very happy with it.
What do you need to know.

 

[maxby]

Thanks for your offer. Am only taking delivery of the print processor next week. So far I only have a preliminary idea on how it works.

Will let you know if I need further help.

 

[gareth harper]

No problem.
Just think of it as verticle trays.
Also chemicals will last weeks and weeks in the Nova, particulary if mixed with distilled water. I usually do my fiber stuff just after I've drained cleaned and re-filled it and then contiue to use it for weeks after to do my 10x8 RC stuff. Often it's the build up of silver in the dev slot that makes me drain it down. It should pay for itself in the long run.

If you got the fiber one doing fiber prints is a breeze once you get the hang of the holder. If you have one of the bigger quads you can still do fiber but may have to use two paper clips and take great care when moving from one slot to the next.

Have fun.

 

[baronfoxx]

HI Maxby

I use Nova vertical tanks for Black & white, ra4 and cibachrome print processing, they are all first class bits of gear.
you can get all the information from Nova on their web site at
WWW.novadarkroom.com

you can ask them any questions by email on sales@novadarkroom.com they are very knowledgeable and helpfull

 

[maxby]

Hi,

I have taken delivery of the Nova print processor...it is a 16"x 12". The whole set up looks ok. I have yet to set it up.

This unit comes together with a Meopta 6a enlarger with a 3 color head and a 50mm rodagon 2.8 lens and an assortment of accessories that is required for the darkroom.

Got it at below USD350 from another enthusiast who have no use for it.

Do you think it is a reasonable price?

 

[bmac]

totally.

 

[maxby]

Yes,....lock, stock and barrel including an ilford multigrade filter set and a paterson film processing kit. Only the red darkroom light is missing.

 

[gareth harper]

Sounds like a reasonable deal.
You don't say which 12x16 Nova you have though, there are different models. If it's one of the heated ones you are really laugthing. If it's not the fiber version like I have I belive with care you can process 12x16 inch fiber paper in the others.
Loads of safelights on e-bay.

 

[maxby]

Thanks for all your comments...just check, there is a temperature control with the Nova print processor.

Will be setting up the darkroom in the next couple of weeks....perhaps more problems will pop up.

I like this forum, everyone here is sooo helpful and knowledgeable.

Many thanks

 

[gareth harper]

If it has a temperature control then you really have got a bargin. Does it have 3 or 4 slots? The fiber version differs in that it has 4 slanting slots along with paper holders to support fiber paper, it's only been on the market a few years and is very rare secondhand.
When I do big RC prints or fiber I set the temperature to maintain a dev temp of 20 degrees C. When I do 10x8 RC prints I go for a dev temp of 30 degrees C to speed things up a bit.
Have fun.

 

[maxby]

Hi,

Checked the print processor....it is a Nova Quad,....4 slots. It is not possible to maintain the temperature at 20deg here. The ambient temperature is already 22 to 28 deg the whole year round. Maybe 30 deg would be feasible alternative.

BTW, I have heard a lot of discussions regarding RC and Fibre paper. What is the difference and how it will affect the final image?

Sorry for asking such a basic question.....still very green behind the ears.

 

[gareth harper]

You got an exceptional deal. It's an excellant processor. You can use the fourth slot either as a quick rinse or for two stage fixing.
RC paper is resin coated paper, it has a plastic coating, this makes it much more resiliant and easier to handle. It is also much quicker to process and only needs a few minutes wash time.

Fiber paper is uncoated. For some reason it gives a bigger spread of tones and has more depth. Some fiber prints seem to have a jump into the picture look to them, where RC can look flat in comparision.
Fiber paper is slow to process, fragile (as it soaks up the chemicals) and difficult to wash.

I do all my general 10x8 inch prints on RC paper. If I want stuff to add to my serious portfolio or for display I grit my teeth and get out the 12x16 inch fiber paper.

You also have a choice of VC or graded paper. Most folks go exclusively for VC these days.

Try to find as low a consitiant temp as you can for the fiber paper. You can lose a bit of the tonal spread if you increase the dev temp. The 12x16 RC paper I sonetimes use I also do at 20 degrees as it's difficult to get it quickly from slot to slot. The 10x8 RC is all done at 30 degrees C, 30second dev, 10 second stop, 15 second fix.

You can I belive get fiber paper through the quad with a little experimentation and care.

Oh and don't forget the selenium for finnishing your prints.

 

[maxby]

Thanks very much...really appreciate your input.