Büscher drying press for silver gelatine prints.

[Erik van Straten]

I've been looking for a press like this for many years. Finally I found one, a huge one, 50x60cm. The bigger they are the better it is. Small ones dry uneven. This one works and produces a tremendous heat.

However, there is a problem with the external thermostate. This does not work, so it seems, the contact for it on the press itself is a bit loose.

Does anybody have an idea if this is repairable?

Erik.

 

[retinax]

I can't say anything specifically to your issue, generally things like that tend to be repairable, the problem often is finding a repair person who is willing to do it because they fear they my become liable for any accident possibly happening with an electric device that doesn't comply with modern safety regulations. I don't know if thus legal worry is justified, but people think like that in any case. If you can't find someone to do it for you, you might have better luck finding someone to tell you how to do it yourself, if not here than maybe on other forums or in a local repair cafe or something, these are popping up everywhere.

 

[Noserider]

I'd have a go at it; the thermostat is probably a commercial part. It would depend on how easy it is to get to the part you need to exchange and hope you can track a suitable replacement.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I'd have a go at it; the thermostat is probably a commercial part. It would depend on how easy it is to get to the part you need to exchange and hope you can track a suitable replacement.

The thermostate was a genuine part of the machine, but was detachable. I replaced it with a modern digital thermostate that works fantastic: "H Tronic". You just give in your desired maximum and minimum temperatures, stick the sensor into the machine and off you go. The machine receives its current through the thermostate that clicks on and off automatically at the desired temperatures.

I am very happy with this Büscher, I've been looking for one for years.

Erik.

 

[john_s]

Erik, do you get any cloth fibres on the print surface? I have a different brand (made in England maybe 40 years ago) and I find that very fine fibres get stuck in the emulsion. Perhaps using a hardening fixer would help, but that then introduces other issues (washing is more difficult).

I noticed that when I did a search for your dryer, that replacement cloths are available at Fotoimpex Berlin.

(edit: maybe the wrong size)

 

[Erik van Straten]

Erik, do you get any cloth fibres on the print surface? I have a different brand (made in England maybe 40 years ago) and I find that very fine fibres get stuck in the emulsion. Perhaps using a hardening fixer would help, but that then introduces other issues (washing is more difficult).

I noticed that when I did a search for your dryer, that replacement cloths are available at Fotoimpex Berlin.

(edit: maybe the wrong size)

Yes, my dryer has a canvas (linen) that holds the picture flat against the metal drying plate. It is good when this is not too new. You can wash it a few times before using it.

Cotton is not good, because it stretches. Canvas (linen) is very rigid, that is why it is used by art painters.

When the emulsion melts, the dryer is too hot. Therefore you need a thermostate. If you use a moderate heat (about 50 degrees C), there should be no problem of fibres getting stuck into the surface.

I remember that in the old days often a hardening bath was used, but you do not want the smell of that stuff around you.

Adox MCC 110 has much less trouble with the cloth than Ilford Multigrade.

Erik.