I bought this 3 years ago and never unpacked it until today to take a few pictures. It is absolutely as-new and includes everything that came in the box. You can see the protective plastic over the display in one of the pictures. Product details and specifications are here: https://www.dektronics.com/store/p/printalyzer-densitometer
Before it arrived I acquired and started using a Heiland TRD2. My original plan was to flip the Heiland unit since I got it at a good price, but I really liked it so the Printalyzer never came out of its box after it arrived. I really don't need three densitometers (I also have an X-Rite, which is considerably larger) so it's time this one found a new home. These are still available new for $311 ($299 plus shipping), take this one for $240 to your US address. This price includes shipping and PayPal fees.
It measures the density of your film. One application is to measure the characteristic curve of a film for your specific developing recipe. This will give you the film speed and contrast, and these are especially important if you are doing analog prints so you can match the curve of your negative to the curve of the photo paper.
It’s technology that can ultimately save you time and materials.
This unit measures both transmission (for negatives) and reflection (for prints). I find I rarely use reflection mode on my Heiland, but transmission mode has been valuable in tuning development time.
Dang, one of those items that I'd never think I needed until I see this and realize how messed up my recent development has been with new tanks, new scanner, etc. Time to do a little science. PM sent.