R.H.DESIGNS: I'm in need of an extra hand in the darkroom!

Stoo Batchelor

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Hi Everyone.

I have been reading good things about the R.H.Designs Stopclock professional and thought I had made my mind up to buy one. Then, I read about the Analyser Pro, which I understand incorperates a stopclock timer and a ZoneMaster 2, in the one box.

I'm A little bit confused (not the first time) as to which way to go. The Stopclock Pro does every thing that I need and I like the sound of working in stops. But after reading a few threads on APUG, it has been said that people own both the Stopclock Pro and a ZoneMaster 2.

My question or questions are
Are there Any APUG users who use the Stopclock Pro, and if so, is it money well spent?
If I bought the Spopclock Pro, would I find myself regretting not spending the extra on the Analiser Pro at a later date?
Has the Analyser Pro got all all the features that the Stopclock Pro has got and if not, what's missing?
After reading R.H.Designs web site about the Analyser Pro, I found the info about calibration a bit daunting, is it or will it give me a headache I don't really need?
And finally, but most important, Will it improve my time spent in the darkroom?

Your thoughts , comments and experience with these products will be most helpfull.

Thankyou.

Stoo
 

Les McLean

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Stoo I have used the Stop Clock Pro since it was created, IMO it's the best timer available anywhere in the world.
 

naaldvoerder

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Stoo Batchelor said:
Hi Everyone.

IAnd finally, but most important, Will it improve my time spent in the darkroom?
Click to expand...

O, yes, definitely, whichever way you go. I own an analyzer myself.

Jaap Jan
 
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Stoo Batchelor

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Thankyou

Les, would you pay the extra for the Analyser Pro, or stick with my earlier decision and go with the Stopclock pro?

Regards

Stoo
 

Les McLean

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Stoo Batchelor said:
Thankyou

Les, would you pay the extra for the Analyser Pro, or stick with my earlier decision and go with the Stopclock pro?

Regards

Stoo
Click to expand...

I'd stick with the Stop Clock Pro but the addition of the Analyser is very popular with many printers. I would chat with Richard ar RH if I were you to check out the differences in the two systems
 
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Stoo Batchelor

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Thank you Les

As always, I will follow your sound advice.

Regards

Stoo
 

Nacio Jan Brown

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Stoo - I use the StopClock Pro with the ZoneMaster II and wouldn't be without them. I believe that the metering features of the Analyzer Pro are the same as those of the ZoneMaster II. However, the timer features of the two are quite different, the StopClock Pro being a more sophisticated device with many more features. A close reading of the timer specs of each on RH Designs website spells it out. njb
 

ScottH

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Nacio is correct in that the Stopclock has quite a few additional 'timer' and memory features vs. the Analyzers densitometer feature. I suppose part of your decision needs to be made based on your printing needs. I chose the Analyser, in part because it saves ME a considerable amount of time on the front end of a print, often getting a proof print on the first try. If your printing sequences tend to be particularly involved, the Stopclock might be better. Check the users manuals of each and compare them against what you need. I don't think you can go too wrong with either choice...
 

naaldvoerder

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If a understand things correctly, (Les?), the stopclock comes into its own when you do a lot of splitgrade printing, using the multiple channels. It also has a convenient dry down feature. The omision of the latter on the analyzer can be circumfined by taking 1/12 stop of exposure on the final print or avoiding drydown by taping the print to glas when it dries
 

Les McLean

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Thats correct the Stop Clock has two channels. It also has a compensating feature for those who use cold cathode enlargers as the light source is likely to fluctuate as the voltage changes. The practice of taping down the print to dry is very good for it means that the print will also be flat when dry. The down side is when you have made a number of prints that all need to be taped down, needs lots of space.
 
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Stoo Batchelor

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Jaap Jan, Les, Nacio and Scott

Thank you all for your help in making up my mind. I spoke to a gentleman, and I mean a gentleman at R.H. Designs today, and he reflects all that you say.

I feel that the Stopclock Pro is the one for me as I feel it would suit the way I wish to work , which is to squeeze every last drop from a negative (wish they were my words) in a methodical way, and I feel that the extra control features that the Stopclock Pro delivers over the Analyser Pro in the finishing of a print, will help do this for me.

I hope to put my order in a.s.a.p.

Thanks again.

Stoo
 

mikeg

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naaldvoerder said:
It also has a convenient dry down feature. The omision of the latter on the analyzer can be circumfined by taking 1/12 stop of exposure on the final print or avoiding drydown by taping the print to glas when it dries
Click to expand...

The Analyser Pro doesn't need the dry down feature as it is calibrated to the dry print. I love my Analyser Pro, I think it's the best piece of kit I own. However, I can see that the advanced timing features of the Stopclock Pro would be very useful for complex printing.

Mike
 

philldresser

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Les McLean said:
Stoo I have used the Stop Clock Pro since it was created, IMO it's the best timer available anywhere in the world.
Click to expand...
I have used Les's timer as well and I agree it is a great piece of kit. Plus I have now saved enough to buy my own

Phill
 

Blighty

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Stoo,
I got a Stopclock Pro a couple of months back and I wouldn't be without it. I also got myself a Zonemaster II. The calibration is quite easy and once set up gives very good results. Most of the cock-ups happened because I tried overriding wha the Zonemaster recommended. The Zonemaster also links with the Stopclock. Originally, I also considered the Analyser but, I think I've the got the more versatile set-up (IMO).
 

roy

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Had the Stopclock Pro for years. A super piece of equipment.
 

RH Designs

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Hi all

Having been mired in computer hell for a couple of days I've not had a chance to look at this thread but it looks as though all of Stoo's original questions have been answered. Thanks all for your glowing praise! (blush)

To summarise, yes, the StopClock is a more versatile timer than the Analyser, having the two channels and the programmable sequences. It's great for those who like to make mulitple exposures on the print, and maybe then make several copies of the print. The programmable memories are a direct result of me wanting to do that and having a lousy memory myself ;-)

The Analyser has the convenience of an all-in-one unit and is ideal for those who have lots of negatives they want to print well and quickly. As Mike says, it doesn't need the dry-down feature as you're basing the tonal range judgement on the grey scale which is calibrated to the final dry print. If you just use it as a timer, then between 1/12 and 1/6 stop is usually about right for dry-down depending on the paper.

The StopClock - ZoneMaster combo is ideal for StopClock users who want to get a good work print quickly and then go from there. The ZoneMaster and Analyser have identical metering and display systems.

Incidentally, the latest StopClock software has an enhancement to the split-grade mode allowing you to adjust the exposure and contrast of the print pretty much independently. While it would be claiming too much to say that contrast adjustments won't require an exposure adjustment, this is minimal for medium contrast grades. It tells you the equivalent paper grade of your split exposure, and offers even grade spacing between the extremes - the total range is governed by the combination of your filters and your paper.

Regards
Richard
 
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Stoo Batchelor

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A big thank you to all of you for your help.

The above quote swung it for me and I have gone for the Stopclock Pro.

Kind Regards

Stoo
 
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