Anyone use a Print processor ?

srtiwari

srtiwari

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I am thrilled to have recently bagged a Focomat 1C enlarger for a very reasonable price, and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. :D
As I expect to do this work in a small bathroom, I am trying to be as space efficient as possible. I would like to make prints as large as 20x30, but can live with 11x14 if need be. I am intrigued by the Nova line of Print processors, but don't know what that experience will be- that is, if I could even manage to get one sent here to the US.
So, wonder if it is a good idea, or should one stick to the 3 tray system ? (Once this whole thing gets going, don't know how difficult it will be to keep things clean and tidy- my bathroom already smells of Fixer from my film developing !)
Look forward to some expert opinions on this.
 
I used to use a Nova upright slot processor. It definately has its pros and cons. They are nice for small permanent darkrooms due to the fact that they are always ready to go and they take up a small footprint. When set up correctly they are very fast to work with. If you require your equipment to be portable (set up/taken down for each session) I would take a pass on it (filling it up and emptying it every time would be a major PITA). Eventually I sold it due to the fact that it was a pain to clean. Last time I checked (several years ago) NOVA will ship to the US, but they are pricey new and shipping would be expensive. NOVA also occasionally sells used processors - might be worth contacting them and getting a quote.

A ladder rack would be another option if you have limited space (the trays are stacked on top of eachother).

JOBO processors are also popular alternatives (a drum based system for developing prints and film).

For big 16x20 prints you might want to think about using the 1 tray method (keeping the print in the tray and adding/removing chemicals as needed).
 
I have two Nova processors, a 10x8 and a 12x16. I find that they are excellent and would certainly not like to go back to processing my prints in tray. Having said that I totally agree with dap - if you can't leave it in place and filled permanently it will be more trouble than it is worth.
 
dap said:
They are nice for small permanent darkrooms due to the fact that they are always ready to go and they take up a small footprint.
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The chemicals can stay in the tank and there is no set-up time. One can literally go into the darkroom for a single print!

When set up correctly they are very fast to work with. If you require your equipment to be portable (set up/taken down for each session) I would take a pass on it (filling it up and emptying it every time would be a major PITA).
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No need to empty the chemicals even in a temporary darkroom. Despite having a fixed darkroom my Nova is mounted on what was originally intended as a rolling printer table. These kinds of "rolling carts" are ideal for moving the Nova while filled--- one can't (and SHOULD NEVER) try to carry the Nova with chemicals in it as they are not that structurally resistant (the larger the Nova tanks are, in my opinion, structurally flawed and under-dimensioned).

Eventually I sold it due to the fact that it was a pain to clean.
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They are no more difficult to clean than trays--- actually easier since their materials are better and most resistant to chemicals than most plastic trays people tend to have in their darkroom. Laboratory glass cleaner, tray cleaners, processor cleaners etc. and a bottle brush (to reach down) work very well. To clean out the water bath one just uses some chlorine bleach as it does not have to be too terribly clean and if it needs to be cleaned its really just the algae from using tap water. I use distilled water in mine.
 
srtiwari said:
I I would like to make prints as large as 20x30, but can live with 11x14 if need be.
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With a temp. darkroom I'd strongly suggest you get keep to 8x10" prints and get either a 8x10" Nova or Jobo Duolab (a combination vertical processor and rotary film processor) or (if you can find one) Jobo Prima (a simple but quite effective vertical processor, similar to the Nova Printpod that was).
For larger prints one can use a single large tray or a drum/tube but...
 
for space saving you can build a rack so that trays are one above the other but you have to be careful with drips from one contaminating the one below.
In my bathroom I used a piece of MDF(fibre board) layed on top of bath. I could just get 3 20x16 trays to sit on that and pretty simple to set up. And extra tray on floor as a holding bath.
Enlarger was in adjacent bedroom permanently set up on a desk.
 
Edward C. Zimmermann said:
They are no more difficult to clean than trays--- actually easier since their materials are better and most resistant to chemicals than most plastic trays people tend to have in their darkroom. Laboratory glass cleaner, tray cleaners, processor cleaners etc. and a bottle brush (to reach down) work very well. To clean out the water bath one just uses some chlorine bleach as it does not have to be too terribly clean and if it needs to be cleaned its really just the algae from using tap water. I use distilled water in mine.
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We'll have to agree to disagree on this one...
 
srtiwari said:
I did think of this, but how do you carry your (light sensitive) paper (after exposure) to the bathroom ? How do you protect it from light exposure on the way ?
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The ilford paper I use (and all other makes I think) comes in a lightproof black plastic bag. Once you have a few empty boxes of paper you have plenty lightproof paper size bags. Just slip paper in bag and fold top over and you can walk about in daylight to your hearts content. (well maybe not full sunlight but its safe enough indoors).

Just ask if anyone can send you some bags to get you started. I'm moving house(when current one sells) and all my stuff is packed or I'd send you some. Or just ask a local lab for some empty bags. They would normally just bin them.

The only downside was having to have two blackout systems but it did give me much more enlarger space without over cramping the already very small bathroom.
 
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tlitody said:
for space saving you can build a rack so that trays are one above the other but you have to be careful with drips from one contaminating the one below.
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There are a few problems with stacked trays:
  1. Contamination: Not just from top down.
  2. Oxidation: large surface area since they are trays and many photochemicals don't last long
  3. Set-up time
Chemicals also last much longer in vertical tanks since there is less surface area exposed to air. Since one can seal them off with floating lids--- like filling chemicals into plastic bottles--- one can leave most chemistries in the tanks--- some last even months. This means ZERO set-up time and longer lasting chemicals! Vertical tanks also demand much less chemicals so are, leaving aside the one time purchase price, much more economical to use--- and the purchase price is quickly offset, I feel, by the tremendous time savings in set-up and clean-up as well as making the darkroom more accessible (its always ready to print!).

There are some lids for trays--- in fact my large trays all have lids--- but they are not as effective. Large robust trays with lids are also neither cheap to purchase or as DIY--- the materials themselves are expensive (my large trays I got for special baths such as toning).
 
I knew one old chap who used to print in his kitchen at night. He reckoned it was plenty dark enough just pulling the curtains but I always thought his prints were slightly fogged.
 
Edward C. Zimmermann said:
There are a few problems with stacked trays:
  1. Contamination: Not just from top down.
  2. Oxidation: large surface area since they are trays and many photochemicals don't last long
  3. Set-up time
Chemicals also last much longer in vertical tanks since there is less surface area exposed to air. Since one can seal them off with floating lids--- like filling chemicals into plastic bottles--- one can leave most chemistries in the tanks--- some last even months. This means ZERO set-up time and longer lasting chemicals! Vertical tanks also demand much less chemicals so are, leaving aside the one time purchase price, much more economical to use--- and the purchase price is quickly offset, I feel, by the tremendous time savings in set-up and clean-up as well as making the darkroom more accessible (its always ready to print!).

There are some lids for trays--- in fact my large trays all have lids--- but they are not as effective. Large robust trays with lids are also neither cheap to purchase or as DIY--- the materials themselves are expensive (my large trays I got for special baths such as toning).
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I don't disagree. But it comes down to whether you can leave this kit in the bathroom. If you have to shift it in and out between printing sessions then where do you store this tank full of liquid chemicals between print sessions.
It may be they way to go or it may not. Depends on his space and circumstances. I'm just throwing ideas out there from my experience.
 
I have a small walk-in closet, where I can put the enlarger atop a small freezer quite permanently, and can likely black-out the area with black vinyl/velcro sheeting etc. The sheeting can be rolled up and out of the way for access. (Wonder though, if I should shut off the freezer each time to avoid any vibrations ?) The latent image can then be taken to a blacked out bathroom for developing. I thought of tray setup in the closet itself, but the absence of water/sink in the area, and the prospect of fixer/stop bath spillage on the wooden floor discourage me.
 
I'd definitely switch freezer off when printing.
If the closet has a door then you can put those rubber draught strips round the door which will light seal it when you close it. My first darkroom door was done like that. Worked a treat.
Velcro sealed stuff is a pain so avoid it if you can. I tried that on some windows and the velcro let some light through and then the glued side came unstuck from the window frame.
 
I've used the Novas for well over 10 years and agree with the comments here - it's great in a permanent darkroom and can be left set up with chemistry to make a single print or spend an evening. The developer (Formulary's Liquidol) stays good for two weeks if topped off. I don't have a lot of space, and the Nova leaves enough room for drying screens on the same counter top. A wonderful piece of darkroom equipment; I wouldn't be without it.
 
tlitody said:
I If you have to shift it in and out between printing sessions then where do you store this tank full of liquid chemicals between print sessions.
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If its on a rolling table---- the printing table (as were quite common in the 1980s when dot-matrix printers and endless paper were common) I used is just the right size to support a 12x16" Nova Club (3 Baths + integrated washer or 4th bath, eg. as Quad). I have a dedicated darkroom but I've found not having to keep the Nova glued to a spot to be useful--- all my counter space tends to get filled anyway.
The 8x10" versions are much smaller more structurally sound and quite suited to be rolled about. I have a 8x10" Tandem (intended for RA-4 where on can work with 2 baths) and its really tiny! A printer cart could support the 8x10" Nova, tanks and all the chemicals where the paper once went.. Another alternative would be a Duolab.. Very small and compact.. also ideal for rolling around on a cart.. It does not have floating lids but they are simple enough to make!
Another alternative to a rolling cart is a rolling cabinet. They have drawers to hold paper and one can put stuff on top..
 
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