Nova Processor and Processing

Mahler_one · Sep 27, 2007

I have a rather compact ( neigh, small! ) darkroom, and in the interest of conserving space I was considering adding a Nova Processor. Hence, several questions to those who have used Nova Processors, and would care to comment:

1. Can one effectively process FB paper in the processor intended for RC paper, i.e., is there a reason why the less costly unit can't serve two functions?
2. How "valuable" and "necessary" is the unit with temperature control if one does not plan on processing color? In Florida the water from the tap is usually above 75 degrees. However, since everything is air conditioned one can use distilled water to mix chemicals, and simply wait a day for the temperature to come to the level that the interior is set to.
3. How common is the "streaking" that I have occasionally read about, and is preventing such streaks difficult?
4. How often is it necessary to completely empty the slots in order to clean the unit?

Any other addtional comments would be most appreciated. I would be pleased to PM as needed.

Thanks.

Edwin

Fotohuis · Sep 27, 2007

In principle all Nova processors are suitable for RC/PE and baryt paper.

Temperature control depends on the room temperature for B&W paper processing. I have one due to the fact my room temperature in the winter is going down to about 15-16 degrees C. which is to low. 20-22 degrees C is perfect. Further I am also doing some RA-4 processing but mostly in an ACP252 Thermaphot (roller) paper processor.

If you mean by streaking uneven development, this is valid for the big formats. Further you can add some wetting agent for smooth development.

The water bath ones a year, but I am using an anti bacteria material in the water bath.
In about 4-5 weeks you have to empty the slots and clean the unit. I have a Master lab from Nova. (4 slots, heated + film tank + chemical bottles) and also working in a relative small darkroom. Big photo's (>30x40cm) I am making in a paper drum.

Best regards,

Robert

Bob F. · Sep 27, 2007

1) Yes - no problem using fibre in the normal units though you may need two clips (or one clip and a print tong) with some papers at 12x16 and over.

2) No reason to use a heated unit if you are sure you will not want to use developers above room temperature (but I sometime use Ansco 130 which seems happier at warmer temperatures so I do all my developing at 24C).

3) I keep the print agitated for the first 1/2 of the development and intermittently and almost continuously thereafter and have never had a problem with streaking or waffle marks.

4) I spring-cleaned mine a couple of weeks ago for the first time in at least two years... I normally just rinse it out between new chemicals.

One would normally keep the chemicals in the unit as this is one of the major advantages: no set up and break down time wasted. It is not recommended to move them with chemicals in as they can easily break. The 8x10 ones I guess could slide along without danger but even those should not be lifted when full.

Have fun, Bob.

jeroldharter · Sep 27, 2007

I have a Nova Quad 16 x 20 unit.

1) Processing fiber based paper is no problem. The Nova clips are designed for RC paper which is thinner so it takes some practice to make it work. I have some other types of film clips that can work also. Large prints (> 11 x 14) work better with 2 clips.

2) The heating element is sometimes useful in B&W printing if your room temperature drops below 68 degrees in the winter.

3) I have never encountered streaking. I gently rock the print back and forth with the Nova clip for agitation and no problems.

4) Cleaning is dependent on your normal habits. If you are a clean freak (like me) you will clean it often. Also, it depends on the unit. For example, with the quad you might use one chamber for hypoclear/PermaWash. That should not be used more that one day or else you can get a floating, scummy precipitate which is a pain to clean out. If you really use the darkroom on a daily basis then leaving the chemicals in the slots is great because you will change them when exhausted anyway. However, for occasinal darkroom use I would drain the chemicals into storage bottles anyway. I just don't like the idea of gratuitous stains on an expensive piece of equipment. Also, don't do what I did and experiment with selenium toner in one of the slots. It stains rapidly and is hard to clean.

Mahler_one · Sep 27, 2007

Thanks for the useful and rapid responses so far. Now....where to purchase the darn thing. A fortune to ship from the UK, and none on Ebay now.....

Edwin

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 27, 2007

With the bigger units (I have a 16x20) when full, you CAN'T lift them unless you're Arnold Schwarzenegger circa 1980. Fully loaded, you're talking about nearly 5 gallons of fluid including the tempering baths. I know I've mentioned this elsewhere on a previous thread, but the thing to watch out for when using one of these units with fiber paper is the paper sticking to the sidewall of the slot and acquiring the waffle pattern in the image where the paper stuck to the sidewall long enough to inhibit development. With careful observation and proper agitation, this can be avoided. Most of the time. I haven't been able to demonstrate the phenomenon consistently enough to prove the cause (which side sticking does it, if the tank is not clean enough, if the tank is too freshly cleaned, etc). If you stick to smaller paper than the maximum capacity of the unit, this also helps avoid the problem.

pentaxuser · Sep 27, 2007

I'd be careful about even moving one unless it has no chems and no water in the water jackets, should you have a heated one. They are still pretty heavy with the water jackets full. No problem sliding over a relatively short distance but lifting an other than empty one is putting a big strain on it.

pentaxuser

Jeff Searust · Sep 27, 2007

OK let me play devil's advocate here.... I just looked up the processor you were talking about, and it seemed really interesting, but really at the end of the day I have to ask...Why?

It seems that all the problems and such associated with the unit and even it's large foot print are more than enough to let me say --just use trays that are above each other than beside, or find a bigger counter space. For the price of one of these units you can do quite a bit of carpentry work making your darkroom space more comfortable.....Just my $.02

fidget · Sep 27, 2007

I have the 8x10 4 slot heated unit and have just acquired a 16x12 version which needs a repair. I use them for B&W only. The great attraction for me is due to my laziness. The chems can be left in the slots, in some cases for weeks and the top sealed with the tubes and further sealed with plastic cling film.
The start up time and clean down times are very little, I can spend more time printing and most importantly (for me) is that I can nip in for a quick 1 hr session without the prep and clean down times making it not worthwhile.
My 8x10 version has given very good results, I' m hoping that 16x12 is the same for prints from 9.5x12 to 16x12.

Dave....

Dave Miller · Sep 27, 2007

Fidget, providing you don't drop the paper into the slot you can use the larger unit to process 10x8 or smaller paper. It would save having two unit on the go, and allow the smaller one to be sold on.

Elox · Sep 27, 2007

Speed

Jeff Searust said:
OK let me play devil's advocate here.... I just looked up the processor you were talking about, and it seemed really interesting, but really at the end of the day I have to ask...Why?

I don't know why Edwin wants one, but I do know why I just bought one.

Speed.

I often find I have an hour here and there that I can spend in the darkroom, but several uninterrupted hours is rare. Not having to get all of the chems out and mixed, have to pour them back up or dump them, and not having as much to clean will give me more time to actually print.

Jeff

grezs · Sep 27, 2007

I have to agree that the biggest plus is time saving. I've been using a 12X16 for 3 years and an 8X10 before that. Think about the time you spend setting up to process in trays. Then think about how long it take to remove a cover. The ability to go down to the darkroom on any evening, lift the cover off and be ready to print is invaluable to me.

Yes, you can procees fiber or RC papers, but I always use two clips on fiber prints bigger than 8X10.

If you can control your darkroom temp, the B&W version(no heater element) works fine.

maxby · Oct 5, 2007

I have a 12"x16" Nova Quad processor mounted on a rolling platform. I roll it under the table to save some space in my small makeshift darkroom. The only problem I found so far were the rubber hoses connecting the taps to the unit, it tends to leak after a while.

Peter Williams · Oct 5, 2007

I also use the 12x16 quad and love it. The value in convenience cannot be overstated in my opinion. I was able to find one on Craigslist for a small fraction of the new price. It took me close to 18 months to find a used one that I could afford, but it would have been worth the money at full price.

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