Nova Print Processor

The picture the OP shows seems to suggest this is the tank without a water-jacket. If so then emptying the slots is quick and easy. All you need is a room temperature of close to 20C but 17-18C will be fine with a slight increase in developing time.

As the darkroom is his bathroom then the required room temp shouldn't be a problem. Based on what is said to be prices in the U.S. it would seem that the Nova tank is an appreciating asset so what's not to like?

pentaxuser

Novas revolutionised by printing and without exaggeration I wouldn't be printing today if I didn't have one. Time, space, longevity, low odour - everything is on my side. I print RA4 in a heated 10x8 model. Smaller ones are not too expensive in the UK.

AgX said:

Isn't there a fail-safe thermoswitch at the tanks?

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No, there isn't.

I use a 12x16 four slot Nova, the second slot being for running water rinse, but I use stop in it. It was made for a colour process and named "Chrome," long discontinued. I wouldn't be able to print without it in my tiny darkroom. As mentioned above agitation has to be careful otherwise some mottling can occur, which seems to be the imprint of the textured slot surface. This can be invisible until toning. I leave developer and fixer in it for quite a while, but running a bottle brush in the slots to move deposits prevents the mottling. I use FB paper with no problems, but I need two clips (and use two hands) for 12x16" size. The Nova clips are very expensive but they work well. I use dental film clips if I need more.

naaldvoerder said:

No, there isn't.

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I had to replace the two heaters in mine at some expense. It had never run low in water in the heating jacket. The two original heaters were wired together but I replaced them with separate ones, better if one fails I wouldn't have to replace the pair.

mnemosyne said:

Bottomline: It will need a permanent place with some clear area around for being able to connect hoses, power connection etc. For 12x16" you will definitely save quite some space compared to an arrangement of three trays horizontally, but unlike the trays the unit cannot be stowed away easily.

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Not so. I made a platform with 4 castors (one in each corner) upon which my 16x12 Nova Quad sits. When I've finished using it I wheel it carefully and slowly out of the way. Doing it this way means little movement of liquid within the unit and no direct stress placed up the body itself. I've been using it this way since day one with no problems whatsoever. Fibre base paper processes wonderfully in the upright units - indeed, I think the paper sits better in the slots than RC papers. Don't think about it too long - just get one.

I have just made an improved 8x10 vertical slot processor for 150AUD material cost or 250AUD for heated version.

Improved compared to what? The Nova?

Calebarchie, can you take a picture of this DIY slot processor you made?

calebarchie said:

I have just made an improved 8x10 vertical slot processor for 150AUD material cost or 250AUD for heated version.

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AgX said:

Improved compared to what? The Nova?

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Correct. These slot processors are relatively simple things so improvements are mainly in its construction.

ivanlow said:

Calebarchie, can you take a picture of this DIY slot processor you made?

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OK, I lied, It is not completely finished. Once it is though and I put with through its paces I will post a thread about it when I can with pictures.
I recall posting a thread about it a while ago; Stainless Steel and Chemistry with some info.

I've been using a 16X20 for more than 10 years. One of the great advantages is saving time and chemistry. True, it takes much less space, but the B&W chemistry stays good for weeks at a time. The developer goes after a couple of weeks, but the stop and fix lasts a month. It's nice to go into the darkroom, switch the enlarger on, pull the floating lids off, turn on the water, and print. No mixing and discarding for every print session. Wouldn't be without one.

I have a 16x20 that I've had for 16+ years. With three slots and the two water jackets loaded, you can't even move it around within the sink, let alone pick it up and carry it anywhere - damn thing must weigh close on 100 lbs! I haven't used it much lately because I've been having issues with fiber paper in it - I get the waffle texture of the sides of the slots showing up in my prints in spots where the paper gets stuck to the side without constant agitation. On the up side, your chemistry lasts forever in it - brew up a gallon of Ansco 130 and it will be good for literally months, even with regular use. For one of the bigger units (12x16 or 16x20) I would definitely recommend picking up some extra print clips. You do NOT want to try and handle a wet 16x20 piece of fiber paper by a single print clip - tearing the paper is almost guaranteed, and folding and creasing IS guaranteed.

If you do get one, watch a video online on how to use it - the edges of the tanks are designed to squeegee excess chemistry off to minimize carry-over, but the technique takes a little practice to get used to, especially in the dark of a safelight.