What kind of timing device you are using for developing films?

gorbas

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Since my beginnings in mid 70's I'm using some kind of stopwatch to time my film developing, first mechanical, then digital. For the last ~20 years I was using Ikea Wirra 18951 watch, alarm clock, stopwatch, room temperature device, deepening of the orientation of the sensor. Now lower half of the digits start disappearing and precise timing become iffy. I'm looking for something similar to replace it. Of course, Ikea does not make it any more.
What are you using for timing that is not label "for photography" " like Gra Lab or..??
 

Peter Schrager

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I use a zone vi timer with a foot switch
It counts UP...
 

MattKing

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Usually a Gralab 300, because I use a roller agitator for all but the majority of the development stage, but the timer on the microwave works well.
The kitchen stores have lots of inexpensive options similar to the Ikea item you have been using - some offer two or three timers.
You can even find some really inexpensive ones in the Dollar stores.
 

BradS

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I have an old GraLab 300 that seems to get the job done. I like the BIG dial and hands and the BUZZer!
 

MattKing

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BradS said:
I have an old GraLab 300 that seems to get the job done. I like the BIG dial and hands and the BUZZer!
Click to expand...
I intentionally retired one of the versions I had of the Gralab 300 - the one with the rotary dial for the buzzer. I much prefer the ones with an on-off switch for the buzzer so that I can leave it OFF!
I swear those buzzers were designed for those who used the timers for high school basketball games in big gyms!
 

Pieter12

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The Massive Dev Chart Timer app on my iPhone. https://www.digitaltruth.com/apps/mdc/ Times development, stop, fix, hypo wash, wash & Photoflo (like you really need that one!). Includes the Massive Development database. Love it: you can adjust it for temperature, custom development time, A&B times. Can't add a new film, but you can modify any existing film/developer time.
 

BradS

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Oh man, it does sound like that! The sound also reminds me of the "wrong answer" buzzer on TV game shows.
I treat it kinda like the penalty for not paying attention to my process.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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Massive Dev Chart timer for iPhone is great, with ability to edit programs for different film/dev/speed combinations and automatic time/temperature conversion.

If I’m developing sheet film in open trays, I use my Omega ProLab timer to avoid fog from the iPhone backlighting.
 

mcfitz

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The above, works well for me.
 

Truzi

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For my enlargers I have a used GraLab timer, a Colorstar, and some old tube-driven timer - but those are for printing.

For film I either use one of those cheap digital kitchen timers similar to what MattKing mentioned, or just watch a clock (using daylight tanks, obviously). My "darkroom" is a bathroom, so those kitchen timers that stick to the refrigerator by magnets work well on the bathtub or cos-box. If I'm lazy I just open a door and stare at the alarm clock in the bedroom.
 

Anon Ymous

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gorbas said:
Thanks guys!
Do you protect phone from wet hands? Plastic bags, wrap it in Saran?
Click to expand...
Actually, no. I have it far enough so that any spill won't have any consequences, but close enough to be able to see it. I also have some paper towels handy to wipe my (gloved) hands, although my tanks don't leak at all.
 

James Bleifus

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I use Siri on my iPhone, so there’s little touching. Around the five minute mark I tap the screen with my knuckle to keep it awake so that I can see when to agitate.

“Hey Siri, start a timer for 9 minutes.”
(Timer sounds)
“Hey Siri, cancel timer.”

In the darkroom I use a metronome app to time my exposures and Siri for timing the chemistry.

Cheers, James
 

Sirius Glass

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For film development a Gralab 300 [using the buzzer or watching the dial] and a Jobo processor. For enlarging Chromega Dichroic II 5D-XL with its timer.
 
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David A. Goldfarb

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I could disconnect that annoying buzzer from my Omega Pro Lab timer. Who has such a big darkroom that they need the volume turned up past one or two? I occasionally turn it on, if I’m washing film or prints and leave the darkroom, but even then, I’m now more likely to set the timer on my phone and carry it with me instead of using the buzzer.
 

NedL

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macfred said:
Does anyone uses a metronome ?
Click to expand...
For printing. Once the print is in the developer, I have a regular old clock with a second hand.

For developing film I just set an old watch ( w/o a wrist strap ) on the counter and keep an eye on the seconds.

Seems like I'm the only one here who just uses a plain old clock or watch for timing development / stop / fix.
 
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