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

IMG_6621.jpeg

A
IMG_6621.jpeg

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Carved bench

A
Carved bench

  • 0
  • 3
  • 79
Anthotype-5th:6:25.jpg

A
Anthotype-5th:6:25.jpg

  • 6
  • 4
  • 137
Spain

A
Spain

  • 2
  • 0
  • 104

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,059
Messages
2,769,021
Members
99,548
Latest member
Clément Rabineau
Recent bookmarks
0

gorbas

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
1,269
Location
Vancouver, Canada
Format
35mm Pan
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..??
unnamed (1).jpg
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,342
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
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

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
8,116
Location
Soulsbyville, California
Format
35mm
I have an old GraLab 300 that seems to get the job done. I like the BIG dial and hands and the BUZZer!
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,342
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
I have an old GraLab 300 that seems to get the job done. I like the BIG dial and hands and the BUZZer!
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

Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2017
Messages
7,551
Location
Magrathean's computer
Format
Super8
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

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
8,116
Location
Soulsbyville, California
Format
35mm
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!

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

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 7, 2002
Messages
19,974
Location
Honolulu, HI
Format
Large Format
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

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2006
Messages
144
Format
Multi Format
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.

The above, works well for me.
 

Truzi

Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Messages
2,640
Format
Multi Format
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

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2008
Messages
3,661
Location
Greece
Format
35mm
Thanks guys!
Do you protect phone from wet hands? Plastic bags, wrap it in Saran?
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

Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2004
Messages
375
Location
Currently Thailand
Format
Digital
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

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,252
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
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.
 
Last edited:

David A. Goldfarb

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 7, 2002
Messages
19,974
Location
Honolulu, HI
Format
Large Format
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

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 23, 2012
Messages
3,376
Location
Sonoma County, California
Format
Multi Format
Does anyone uses a metronome ?
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.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom