Rh Designs Timer 3 procedure

Ibicus · Jan 13, 2022

Hi!
I've just received my Timer 3 and I'm having a look at it, but I really can't figure how to use it in f-stops.The user manual is very brief when it comes to f-stop mode..
1) let's say I want to espose for 10 secs, and I want to add a 1/6th stop (1.2 secs).
which is the procedure? If I turn the dial clockwise I'll have a 11 secs exposure, while I just need to add 1.2 secs to the the previous 10 secs.
2)When set to f-stop mode, it gives me a geometric progression starting from 1 sec( 1..1,2..1,4.. and so on). Does it means that I'm not able to choose, let's 1,3 secs (in the display it shows only 28 or 32) and start a progression from it?

Anyone here using it and so kind to explain how to use it?
Thanks
Marco

Nicholas Lindan · Jan 13, 2022

It is my understanding that you can only set the time to 1/6 stop intervals. This isn't any limitation in real life. 1/6 may be a bit tight if using grades #4-5.

Ibicus · Jan 13, 2022

thanks for you reply.
1/6 stop intervals is ok, but how am I supposed to use it?
How can I add a 1/6 stop to an already exposed frame if I need to burn an area?
In FADU app I can choose a time, and add little intervals.
Are you saying that this is impossible with timer 3?
I really can't figure out how it's meant to be used..

Ibicus · Jan 13, 2022

No one with a clue about it?
It seems really a totally useless f-stop mode to me..

logan2z · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
How can I add a 1/6 stop to an already exposed frame if I need to burn an area?

My reading of the Timer 3 manual is that you can't, although you can with the Analyzer Pro and the StopClock Pro. The f-stop mode of the Timer 3 is probably just there so that you can examine a print and decide that it needs 1/6, 1/4 or whatever additional/fewer stops of exposure and set the timer appropriately. I suppose you can use the f-stop mode to set the additional time in f-stops, then set the difference from the base exposure time. Not exactly what you're looking for, I know, but I don't think the Timer 3 is meant to be that sophisticated.

Ibicus · Jan 13, 2022

logan2z said:
My reading of the Timer 3 manual is that you can't, although you can with the Analyzer Pro and the StopClock Pro. The f-stop mode of the Timer 3 is probably just there so that you can examine a print and decide that it needs 1/6, 1/4 or whatever additional/fewer stops of exposure and set the timer appropriately. I suppose you can use the f-stop mode to set the additional time in f-stops, then set the difference from the base exposure time. Not exactly what you're looking for, I know, but I don't think the Timer 3 is meant to be that sophisticated.

The fact is, I can't even do that. Let's say I want to add a 1/6 stop to a 30 secs exposure. It's not possible, as I can choose between 28 and 32. I really can't figure out a sensible way to use it in fstop mode. What's the point in selling it as a fstop timer?

Deleted member 88956 · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
The fact is, I can't even do that. Let's say I want to add a 1/6 stop to a 30 secs exposure. It's not possible, as I can choose between 28 and 32. I really can't figure out a sensible way to use it in fstop mode. What's the point in selling it as a fstop timer?

Did you think of getting to RH Designs directly on this? Seems to me like the first stop for questions.

Ibicus · Jan 13, 2022

VTLD said:
Did you think of getting to RH Designs directly on this? Seems to me like the first stop for questions.

Yes, I wrote to them and waiting for a reply..

Deleted member 88956 · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
Yes, I wrote to them and waiting for a reply..

My understanding is they are good at clearing things up.

MARTIE · Jan 13, 2022

Hello, I've just had a quick look again at the video of this timer and I have to agree with you, it's just too limiting for the price.
The video does explain fairly clearly how the timer works and how to switch between the S (seconds) & F (f-stop) modes.
Personally, I'd rather pay the difference and gain the added features of either the stop-clock pro or analyser pro.
For years and currently, I use excellent timers, all with tenths to 99.9, and manually adjust the times via an f-stop table.
Is it not something that you could return or trade up?

RalphLambrecht · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
Hi!
I've just received my Timer 3 and I'm having a look at it, but I really can't figure how to use it in f-stops.The user manual is very brief when it comes to f-stop mode..
1) let's say I want to espose for 10 secs, and I want to add a 1/6th stop (1.2 secs).
which is the procedure? If I turn the dial clockwise I'll have a 11 secs exposure, while I just need to add 1.2 secs to the the previous 10 secs.
2)When set to f-stop mode, it gives me a geometric progression starting from 1 sec( 1..1,2..1,4.. and so on). Does it means that I'm not able to choose, let's 1,3 secs (in the display it shows only 28 or 32) and start a progression from it?

Anyone here using it and so kind to explain how to use it?
Thanks
Marco

I only havethe timer 2 but, it is certainly possible to do what you want to do. The manual alone doesn't do it for you I would contact the manufacturer and ask your question.

mshchem · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
Yes, I wrote to them and waiting for a reply..

What happens if you set the timer to 4 seconds in f stop mode, then 1 full stop should be 5.6 seconds, 8, 11, 16 etc.

I'm challenging by everything that doesn't have lots huge huge phenolic knobs for the UI.

I use Metrolux II timers to control VC cold lights, this works great, I have a f stop chart and an app on my phone.

Ibicus · Jan 13, 2022

mshchem said:
What happens if you set the timer to 4 seconds in f stop mode, then 1 full stop should be 5.6 seconds, 8, 11, 16 etc.

I'm challenging by everything that doesn't have lots huge huge phenolic knobs for the UI.

I use Metrolux II timers to control VC cold lights, this works great, I have a f stop chart and an app on my phone.

It's set in 1/6 intervals, so if I set the timer to 4, turning the dial clockwise I'll have 4.4 5 5.6 6.3 7.1 8 etc..
So what I'm trying to achieve is setting an exopsure (4 secs) and then adding (separately) the 1/6 of a stop.

albada · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
How can I add a 1/6 stop to an already exposed frame if I need to burn an area?

For a burn, the burn-time must be calculated as follows:

burnseconds = 2^(b+1/6) - 2^b, where b is the number of stops in the base-exposure (the "already exposed frame" above).

The Timer 3 cannot perform this calculation, but more sophisticated timers can.

Mark Overton

MARTIE · Jan 13, 2022

Ibicus said:
It's set in 1/6 intervals, so if I set the timer to 4, turning the dial clockwise I'll have 4.4 5 5.6 6.3 7.1 8 etc..
So what I'm trying to achieve is setting an exopsure (4 secs) and then adding (separately) the 1/6 of a stop.

From what I saw and understood in the video, is that when the timer is in the F-stop mode, ALL of the times have been pre-programmed.
That is to say, you cannot arbitrarily choose your own time and change in 1/6 stops. You must use a fixed pre-programmed time and change in 1/6 increments/steps that are standardised and predetermined.

mshchem · Jan 13, 2022

Such complicated thinking. 1/6th is to fine. I auto bracket with slide film 1/3 of a stop.

This is why I use a free app.

jvo · Jan 13, 2022

i had an rh designs timer, can't remember 2 or 3. I only used it as a normal minute/second timer and found it a joy to work with. I had always used gralab timers and found the rh design to be head and shoulder above the rest in quality and ease of use.

albada · Jan 14, 2022

I thought of a way to do a 1/6-stop burn with this simple f-stop timer. I'll use the original numbers the OP provided.

1. Put the timer in seconds mode. It displays seconds, but steps in 1/6-stop steps.
2. Set the exposure to 3 2/6 stops, which is 10 seconds. This is your base exposure.
3. Rotate the knob until the displayed number increases. This is another 1/6 stop, and it will display 11 seconds (which is actually 11.3 seconds).
4. Subtract this bigger time from the base exposure. 11.3-10 = 1.3 seconds of burn-time.
5. Turn the knob anticlockwise until it shows 1.3 seconds (which should be 2/6 stops).
6. Expose the burn.

This clumsy procedure shows why an f-stop timer needs to have burn/dodge capability.

Mark Overton

logan2z · Jan 14, 2022

albada said:
I thought of a way to do a 1/6-stop burn with this simple f-stop timer. I'll use the original numbers the OP provided.

1. Put the timer in seconds mode. It displays seconds, but steps in 1/6-stop steps.
2. Set the exposure to 3 2/6 stops, which is 10 seconds. This is your base exposure.
3. Rotate the knob until the displayed number increases. This is another 1/6 stop, and it will display 11 seconds (which is actually 11.3 seconds).
4. Subtract this bigger time from the base exposure. 11.3-10 = 1.3 seconds of burn-time.
5. Turn the knob anticlockwise until it shows 1.3 seconds (which should be 2/6 stops).
6. Expose the burn.

This clumsy procedure shows why an f-stop timer needs to have burn/dodge capability.

Mark Overton

That's what I was suggesting in my earlier response to the OP, but you articulated it far better.

MARTIE · Jan 14, 2022

Sorry, but for £200 I'd expect greater capabilities and user friendliness from a timer. And many a decent timer can be picked up for a lot less, some with memory channels that can be set-up with your own steps. 2 I've used are the Durst Protim and the Durst s1000 (also hauck brand).

Ibicus · Jan 14, 2022

albada said:
I thought of a way to do a 1/6-stop burn with this simple f-stop timer. I'll use the original numbers the OP provided.

1. Put the timer in seconds mode. It displays seconds, but steps in 1/6-stop steps.
2. Set the exposure to 3 2/6 stops, which is 10 seconds. This is your base exposure.
3. Rotate the knob until the displayed number increases. This is another 1/6 stop, and it will display 11 seconds (which is actually 11.3 seconds).
4. Subtract this bigger time from the base exposure. 11.3-10 = 1.3 seconds of burn-time.
5. Turn the knob anticlockwise until it shows 1.3 seconds (which should be 2/6 stops).
6. Expose the burn.

This clumsy procedure shows why an f-stop timer needs to have burn/dodge capability.

Mark Overton

Mmmh.. I'm not sure I understood exactly what you mean..
1 Are you using it in Sec or Fstop Mode?
2 Whats' the procedure if you're not starting from 10?

The fact is, I'll probably figure some way to use it, together with a fstop table or Fadu, but:
1 it's very clumsy and slow, and I could probably do it better with another and more precise timer, given the fact that decimal are shown only before 10 secs.
2 ad noted by MARTIE, for a £200 timer I find it very, very limited(in fstop mode).

RalphLambrecht · Jan 14, 2022

albada said:
For a burn, the burn-time must be calculated as follows:

burnseconds = 2^(b+1/6) - 2^b, where b is the number of stops in the base-exposure (the "already exposed frame" above).
The Timer 3 cannot perform this calculation, but more sophisticated timers can.

Mark Overton

my Timer 2 can be set to 1/3, 1/6 or 1/12 increments, which is the finest I need.

MARTIE · Jan 14, 2022

RalphLambrecht said:
my Timer 2 can be set to 1/3, 1/6 or 1/12 increments, which is the finest I need.

Which begs the question; Why produce a new Timer 3 model with less functionality and probably at a higher price point than an old Timer 2 model?

Ibicus · Jan 14, 2022

MARTIE said:
Which begs the question; Why produce a new Timer 3 model with less functionality and probably at a higher price point than an old Timer 2 model?

Or (second question) why sell it as a secs/fstop timer..

RalphLambrecht · Jan 14, 2022

MARTIE said:
Which begs the question; Why produce a new Timer 3 model with less functionality and probably at a higher price point than an old Timer 2 model?

I had RHDesigns make me my own firmware chip at extra cost!

Rh Designs Timer 3 procedure

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