I have been using a Nova Monochrome (not heated, 3 slots) for fiber for about a year now.
Ouch! Disappointing that the processor can't be practically moved when full of chemistry . I don't think I really want to leave the processor full of chemicals in my bathroom and having to drain it at the end of each printing session eliminates a significant advantage of the processor.Do not move the processor when it is full of liquid! I was washing it out and carried it over to dump out the water when I dropped it, half-full, on my foot. Here is the aftermath--I was wearing sandals at the time (Hey, I'm in So Cal).
What exactly is a US market Nova quad? Is that a processor that was available when Nova had US distribution?
I'd be more than happy to use an RC processor but Nova's own web site seems to discourage it . Not exactly sure what it is they think makes the RC processor unsuitable for FB paper or why it's important to angle the slots for fiber. I've dropped them an email and hopefully they'll respond soon .
Also, out of curiosity, is the Nova suitable for a non-permanent darkroom? I've read that it's not recommended to move the processor when it's full of chemistry . If that's the case then I'd need to empty the chemistry after every printing seesion, which would seem to nullify one of the processor's primary advantages.
The quad is similar to the current trimate with a water jacket and heater, but it has 4 slots. The fourth slot is set up with a large diameter outlet to be a wash. I use it as a second fixer bath.
I didn't buy mine new, but it is from the time when they were actively importing them to the states, and they had a version with a 110 volt heater, it's basically an aquarium heater, without much in the way of electronics. It has a simple thermostat and a variable-resistance heat selector. They've made several changes to the heating system since mine was made, for a while they had a upgrade available, but I think that got dropped some time ago.
The FB model uses a frame that supports the paper on all four sides, it seems. That would be useful for single-weight papers, but for the usual double-weight paper, I've had no problems using the clips, even with Ilford Art 300. I suppose the holes the clip makes are visible, but you need to look for them, and I'd presume they are less apparent on a fiber paper after drying than RC. If you print with borders, then the holes for the clip land in the border area pretty easily. My processor is 12x16, I use two clips with fiber paper if it's the full 16 inches, and often use two clips for flexible papers like Art 300 with 11x14 paper.
Moving a Monochrome processor with liquid is probably feasible, but would take some care. My quad is pretty heavy with the jacket and the 4 slots full. Moving it full is not an option if it involves lifting it. If you need to move it in and out of a temp darkroom you may want to investigate getting a cart that it can stay on, assuming you can spare the space.
For a darkroom with limited space, the Nova's are better than sliced bread. And if you print regularly (and don't have to worry about moving it) it's great for speed too, take the floating lids off and you're ready to turn off the lights and start printing. The developer lasts a very long time, if you use an inherently long-lived developer like Ansco 130 or Liquidol, the developer can last weeks.
The Nova is one of my favorite pieces of gear in my darkroom, if it somehow died unrepairable tomorrow, I'd order a replacement asap in spite of the costs.
The Monochrome doesn't have floating lids, just covers made of some lengths of PVC tubing that lay across top of the slots.
The 'floating lids' are just the same as the ones used on the heated units = small lengths of pvc pipe. I sometimes think that the term used is a little confusing until you see them.
As for odour, I have used my heated unit in both a bedroom and a dedicated space and have NEVER noticed any odour when entering the rooms when the unit is full of chemicals. Even in use with the lids taken off, a smell is barely, if at all noticeable.
And as mentioned, if the clips are prone to come out of the FB paper you use, even with two clips or maybe to avoid using them, there are some frames, especially designed for FB paper, to buy and use. I picked mine up off of ebay for a good price, but they don't come along very often: https://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Print-Processor-Accessories-Spares
And just reading about them on the Nova site, it is stated that, 'THE NOVA FIBRE PAPERHOLDERS... Available in various sizes - only compatible and useable with the Nova FB Processors - does NOT fit archival washers nor standard Nova print processors.'
Well I totally disagree with this comment, as I use the holders in my STANDARD Nova processor with NO PROBLEM at all. Strange that they say that. So has any one else have any comments about using these holders like myself, in the processor that they are not designed for?
Terry S
You can do fibre in a big quad but it can be tricky. The fibre holder probably won't be of any use as it needs a slanting slot to work but you could try it, I suspect the paper will just buckle though. I've heard that many folks use two clips to hold 12x16 inch fibre paper and gently move from slot to slot in a quad.
You can probably adapt the fibre holder to work in the original Nova slot processor. I was the photographer who persuaded Nova to make a fibre clip and worked with them for over 2 years in helping to design and test it. The original idea was to make a clip that would work in the upright processor but we did have problems in stopping the paper from slumping downwards and came up with the idea of the angled processor. We did have a clip that worked with fibre paper in the upright processor but it was quite a fiddle to load the paper on to it and it also involved fixing the paper along each side with a clamping device.
I have made 12 x 16 fibre prints in the upright slot processor using one ot the original clips and supporting the paper along the bottom with the tube that lies in the top of the slot as it is transferred. I found this more efficient than using two clips.
I don't make large prints - mostly 8x10, occasionally 11x14, and I always print with white borders and on double-weight paper. So I'm wondering if I could get away with the regular clips in a vertical processor.
The smelliest B&W chemical I use seems to be the Ilford Rapid Fixer. I don't really get much, if any, smell from the Ilford Multigrade Developer or the Ilford Ilfostop stop bath. I've been thinking of trying the Clayton Odorless Fixer but haven't gotten around to it yet.With b/w chemicals I have absolutely no smell. But then I never really got any even with trays. Having switched to acetic acid stop, I can smell that one, though. I like acetic acid... and ammonia.
Great to hear. I ordered a second clip just in case but it sounds like I may not need it .I have used a 16x12 Nova Quad for years and move 16x12 sheets of fiber paper using 1 regular clip only. With a bit of care, that has worked perfectly.
................. I found I was less likely to damage a sheet of 16x12 with 1 clip attached then with 2. I always make sure when attaching the clip both teeth are properly locked into the edge of the sheet.......
I asked them how the analogue side of the business was going. I always thought Nova ,made their own products but it seems it was Novacrylics all along and these are not Nova branded.
So that leads me onto my question: How is the analogue side of the business going? Last time I was there was about a year ago and while the analogue stuff was there for purchase the guy serving me knew in his words nothing about it i.e. he couldn't give any advice on analogue products although there was someone there normally who manned the analogue side but that person wasn't available that day.
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