Optima Processors Appear to be Shipping

https://www.optimadarkroom.com/

Maybe I'm just late to the news but I've noticed that Optima processors are shipping to customers. As a new owner of an old Nova 3 slot processor these are interesting to me. It's pretty neat that they can be an all in one darkroom solution from processing to printing, though it does not look cheap to go that route. I already own a Versalab washer so I'm more interested in this as a solution for B&W and RA4 prints.

Some interesting notes. They claim that oxidized solution floats to the top and they sell a little syringe to remove it. That could make for a very simple way to replenish developers like Ansco 130 or RA4. I have 'sort of' done this with my Ansco 130 solution, though more because I am losing developer to the stop bath.

Looks like the heating element is both widely available and user replaceable, more good stuff.

Anyone planning to purchase one? I am considering a 12. 12x16 is as large as I go in the dorkroom. Epson does the big stuff.

Looks nice but I wonder how easy or hard it is to get the prints in the correct slots. Or is everyone using night vision goggles these days.

ic-racer said:

Looks nice but I wonder how easy or hard it is to get the prints in the correct slots. Or is everyone using night vision goggles these days.

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I use a Nova slot processor for B&W printing. Since that gives me the luxury of a safelight, I've never had an issue moving a print from slot to slot. I just follow Nova's advice to drag the back of the print along the slot divider in order to minimize chemistry carryover and that makes it easy to locate the print in the next slot. I don't know if the same protocol applies to the Optima processors, however.

I think it's cool that the chemical pod in the front is clear now, so you can watch your print appear at least for B&W. I might see if I have problems with my Nova in the future before I invest but I really like seeing new darkroom equipment on the market. Between this, the Heiland LED cold light, and midtone machines it's almost like we have a bright analog future!

Now I just need continued parts support from Noritsu for the V30.

Wow! Looks impressive.

Greg Davis said:

They are sending me a unit to review. I’ll post it in the resource section.

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Lucky you! That's awesome.