Kodak Process Thermometer Type 3

[Chan Tran]

 

[BrianShaw]

Very nice. A classic and “the standard”.

 

[mshchem]

It was a lot easier to ship mercury filled thermometers in the old days. Parcel Post.

I have a couple of these. Come in very handy!!

 

[ic-racer]

I suspect they made some variations. This is what mine looks like. The mercury column is flattened out to make it easy to read. The scale is stretched out so there is a lot of space between each degree. No centigrade marks, but 20C and 24C are marked with black triangles. Overall very easy to use.

 

[mshchem]

I suspect they made some variations. This is what mine looks like. The mercury column is flattened out to make it easy to read. The scale is stretched out so there is a lot of space between each degree. No centigrade marks, but 20C and 24C are marked with black triangles. Overall very easy to use.

View attachment 383701

68 and 75°F. B&W and color.

 

[Chan Tran]

New picture of the thermometer

 

[DREW WILEY]

It's the only type of thermometer I use or recommend for darkroom work. I have tried other types, including electronic ones.

 

[Alan9940]

Looks exactly like mine--box, padding, etc. I use mine to calibrate all the other thermometers I use in the darkroom. Otherwise, it stays safely tucked away.

 

[Chan Tran]

I suspect they made some variations. This is what mine looks like. The mercury column is flattened out to make it easy to read. The scale is stretched out so there is a lot of space between each degree. No centigrade marks, but 20C and 24C are marked with black triangles. Overall very easy to use.

View attachment 383701

Now I think yours is type 2

 

[ic-racer]

Now I think yours is type 2

Could be. I don't think it has any identifying marks on it.

 

[DREW WILEY]

If there are the black triangles, it's a Type II, or variation thereof. Chan's own pictures show a TYPE III, with both C and F scales, and no triangles.

 

[ic-racer]

I suspect there is a Type 1 also?

 

[Doremus Scudder]

Looks exactly like mine--box, padding, etc. I use mine to calibrate all the other thermometers I use in the darkroom. Otherwise, it stays safely tucked away.

Likewise.

 

[mshchem]

There's an entire religion devoted to Kodak Process Thermometers.

I know I have a couple of them. Mine are calibrated for maximum accuracy during a full moon

 

[gorbas]

There are pictures of #2. No other markings than on the box. What is more appropriate name to work for Kodak Canada if not Al Gray. No idea who he was?
I got it from a friend of mine why was closing his colour darkroom in Vancouver.
This one has full working history with stain and everything else.
It looks like IC-racer also has #2?

 

[ic-racer]

Yes, mine looks like that. I never had the box, so now I know which model. Like most everyone I have quite a few thermometers, but I use the Kodak frequently because it is durable and the easiest to read.

 

[radialMelt]

I have a WTB thread going as well, but figured I'd post in this thread to say I'm currently looking to purchase a Type 3 if any of you folks are looking to sell one. Thanks!

 

[MattKing]

There are pictures of #2. No other markings than on the box. What is more appropriate name to work for Kodak Canada if not Al Gray. No idea who he was?
I got it from a friend of mine why was closing his colour darkroom in Vancouver.
This one has full working history with stain and everything else.
It looks like IC-racer also has #2?
View attachment 383770

@gorbas ,
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Al Gray passed away recently. Al Gray was a Kodak Canada sales and service rep who, IIRC, had various responsibilities over the years, including the Graphic Arts industry, among others. As my Dad’s position as the Customer Service Manager at the Western Canada Kodachrome processing facility was also in the Marketing division, they were colleagues and the Gray family were family friends. I see his wife and some of his kids from time to time, so I’ll mention this post to them.

 

[gorbas]

I knew it Matt that there is some connection with Al and you! My sincere condolences for losing a friend.
Did you know Eric Chan, his small lab was a few doors west from ABC lab on 4th?

 

[DREW WILEY]

One merely needs to handle a Kodak Process Thermometer to recognize that it is something especially well made, for sake of the long haul. These were no doubt specially subcontracted out to another party specializing in scientific thermometer manufacture, and private labeled for Kodak sale. The quality control inspection level would have been high. For example, an equivalent item today might well cost $400 or more. And if you want a signed calibration certificate from a third party included in the box, expect to pay a least a hundred more.

I once sold machinists tools like that, with a signed Natl Bureau of Standards certificate provided with each micrometer or caliper or whatever.

 

[MattKing]

I knew it Matt that there is some connection with Al and you! My sincere condolences for losing a friend.
Did you know Eric Chan, his small lab was a few doors west from ABC lab on 4th?

I didn't know Eric I'm afraid. Was that Abbott & Tincombe?
And which 4th Avenue location for ABC - there were three!?

 

[gorbas]

Abbot was a few blocks west, uphill and at that time doing only BW and headshots. You are showing your age Matt! 30 years ago, when I landed at YVR, only ABC was at Fir and 4th. They are still in business and across the street from my place in former G.King building.

 

[MattKing]

Abbot was a few blocks west, uphill and at that time doing only BW and headshots. You are showing your age Matt! 30 years ago, when I landed at YVR, only ABC was at Fir and 4th. They are still in business and across the street from my place in former G.King building.

It has been a long time since I had a professional account at ABC - mostly during their time at their second 4th Avenue location, and before they moved to the Fir and 4th location.
A friend of the family, Gordon Kern, the owner of Artona Studios, was part of my Dad's generation and was actually one of the group of five (?) professional photographers who originally got together to create ABC - long before I started using them.
And no, George King wasn't a relative .
Here are some photos of my copy of the Type 3 thermometer, including the box and the instructions. I'll scan the instructions and post them separately .

 

[MattKing]

As promised:

 

[ic-racer]

Here are the specs for the Type 2: