Nova print processor replenishing frequency.

logan2z · Mar 19, 2020

Just curious how frequently users of the Nova print processor are replenishing their chemicals. I have the 11x14 processor and the recommendation from Nova is to replenish after ten 8x10 prints. That seems pretty conservative. I'm using Ilford's Multigrade developer and their data sheet indicates that you can print many more 8x10s than that before the developer is exhausted.

I don't use appreciably less developer in the Nova than I would in a tray so I don't think that's a major factor.

What are other Nova users' experiences? How many prints are you processing before replenishing?

bdial · Mar 20, 2020

I don't replenish mine per se, I top it off as needed to replace carry-over, and change out the developer when it's spent. For me, that's many more than 10 prints.

tezzasmall · Mar 20, 2020

I'm not a huge user but I top up if I do a big session, over about 10 prints, and if the liquid levels have dropped.

I follow the advice that came with mine (and still on line I think), in that I add 10ml of WORKING SOLUTION for every 10 x 8" print that has gone through the developer. This includes any test strips etc I have done, which sometimes make up another 10" x 8" print or so.

Using the Nova like this, I find my developer can last for up to about 3 months, before I drain, rinse and refill the slot.

I have an indicator stop, so colour change is when I change that.

And I use a whiteboard to keep track of how many prints I have put through my dev and fixer, replacing the fixer when I've done about half of what Ilford recommend to be on the safe side.

Terry S

logan2z · Mar 20, 2020

tezzasmall said:
I'm not a huge user but I top up if I do a big session, over about 10 prints, and if the liquid levels have dropped.

I follow the advice that came with mine (and still on line I think), in that I add 10ml of WORKING SOLUTION for every 10 x 8" print that has gone through the developer. This includes any test strips etc I have done, which sometimes make up another 10" x 8" print or so.

Using the Nova like this, I find my developer can last for up to about 3 months, before I drain, rinse and refill the slot.

I have an indicator stop, so colour change is when I change that.

And I use a whiteboard to keep track of how many prints I have put through my dev and fixer, replacing the fixer when I've done about half of what Ilford recommend to be on the safe side.

Terry S

I use Ilford's indicator stop as well and their Rapid Fixer. I've been following Nova's advice and replenishing/topping up all three chemicals at the same time, but I'm not sure that's really necessary.

john_s · Mar 21, 2020

Using fibre paper, I was surprised by the amount of topping up of developer needed due to absorption. Subsequent baths not much. If I run out of spare mixed developer towards the end of a session, I top up with water: small dilution not serious, but level below edge of paper must be avoided.

logan2z · Mar 21, 2020

john_s said:
Using fibre paper, I was surprised by the amount of topping up of developer needed due to absorption. Subsequent baths not much. If I run out of spare mixed developer towards the end of a session, I top up with water: small dilution not serious, but level below edge of paper must be avoided.

I've noticed the same. The stop and fixer levels change very little relative to that of the developer.

Nova print processor replenishing frequency.

logan2z

bdial

tezzasmall

logan2z

john_s

logan2z

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