Nova Print Processor, any other similar setups?

The two partners comprising Nova Darkroom split around 25 years ago with the inventor of the Nova processor Graham starting a new plastics fabrication company called Novacrylics Engineering (Optima).
Novacrylics Engineering continued to produce Nova processors for Nova Darkroom (now imaging warehouse) up until around a year ago.
The new Optima system has been designed from scratch by the original inventor of the Nova processor. It is better in every way by quite some distance. It's a combined washer and processor unit which is completely adaptable to whatever process you are running.

I'm a fan of the Nova vertical processors due to my space limitations. I used to use an 8x10 Nova heated four slot before upgrading to their latest model in 16x20. Last year I was lucky enough to purchase a 98% complete unit for £50. I was able to finish it up myself at home and it's served me well since.

This Optima business is quite interesting. It actually started out as a Kickstarter. Here is a link to the page: https://www.kickstarter.com/project...ic-darkroom-printandfilm-proces/posts/2430669

I've been following up updates on Imaging Warehouse regarding the new Nova processors, and as of this morning, the website is notes that the new Nova models are due later this year. (Never mind the rolling revised estimates since last year).

Looking at Optima's website, only RK Photo, a UK based photographic supplier, is listed as a retailers for Optima's units. (Though I couldn't find the Optima units on their website at the time of writing.) We'll have to see how this changes in the time to come. I wonder if there will be both Optima and Nova units, or just Optima.

I ended up building my own much smaller unit as a proof of concept for a larger, more complex unit, which I plan to make in the future. Attached is a picture of the little gem. It works a treat for making photographic postcards!

Has anyone tried the new Optima processor/print washers? Are they compatible in the US?
Thank you!

Alan9940 said:

I have a 16x12 Nova Monochrome that I'd be willing to sell, and I'm in the US. PM me, if interested.

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Hi Alan,
How much chemistry is held in each slot ?

Aidrian Long said:

Hi Alan,
How much chemistry is held in each slot ?

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Sold some time ago, but IIRC each slot held about 2L.

Does anyone know of any US-based sellers of the nova Monochrome? I have been reaching out to Nova about when they're planning on selling again for the last 2 years and I haven't heard anything back so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any sellers with old stock? Or honestly anyone willing to part with one! I've got a small darkroom and I would love to save some space.

Lam-Bartll said:

Does anyone know of any US-based sellers of the nova Monochrome? I have been reaching out to Nova about when they're planning on selling again for the last 2 years and I haven't heard anything back so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any sellers with old stock? Or honestly anyone willing to part with one! I've got a small darkroom and I would love to save some space.

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I don't believe there has been a US dealer of Nova processors for many years. When I bought my Monochrome I had to buy it directly from Nova in the UK. I used it for several years but sold it a while back to a Photrio member.

Have you considered using print drums instead of a slot processor if you're space constrained? They're relatively inexpensive, take up little space and allow you to print in daylight. I switched to drums a while back and prefer using them to trays or a slot processor.

abruzzi said:

I finally got enough stuff together to give enlarging a try, and was successful. The one issue is my space is cramped, and 8x10 trays take a lot of space, and 8x10 paper is somewhat challenging getting in and out of 8x10 trays. I was looking online and found the Nova vertical tray system, and given my limited space, may be just the ticket.

I’ve seen positive reviews of these, before I spring for one, are there any other similar solutions out there? The Nova is only sold in one shop in the UK that I can find, and I don’t know what shipping will cost to the US. (It’s also kind of annoying that the heated model doesn’t work with and can’t be adapted to 60hz power.)

https://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/Products/Nova-Print-Processors

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Nova Processing has not produced a new slot processor for a few years although there is to be a new design model (although this has been on the cards for several years) The delays have been blamed on non available suitable materials. Thus may be correct given the adhesive used to bond the components together may contain chemicals which are banned/no longer available. The one in a shop you saw for sale will therefore almost certainly be a pre owned example. (This is my thoughts & not official)

The voltage problem is one that you should be able to over-com - I don't know of the availability but I suggest you contact NOVA in UK who may have the solution to your problem. I am fairly certain that this was/is a problem they have come across before

I have used my Nova since 1993 when I started colour printing and it is an utterly reliable piece of equipment if used as it was designed. (Don't let the heating slots run dry or it will burn out!) I had to change mine when it sustained irreparable physical damage. Otherwise they are superb.