Kodak Type 3 Thermometer

[jrose125]

Hello gang! Since I have absolutely no clue about this item (other than the fairly limited info I found online), I figured that I'd post here on the forum to try and gather some information.

Long story short, I've been trying to sell a Nikon lens (70-300mm f/4-5.6 AF) for quite awhile to get some cash for film developing equipment. Today I got the first bite and somebody offered me a Kodak Type 3 Thermometer plus $50 cash (canadian dollars) for my lens (asking $120 CAD). I see that these thermometers are going for around $100 US on eBay so it seems like a great deal to me. This is a face to face transaction so I'm not too worried about the item not working, broken, etc. because I verify in person.

My question is: Would this thermometer be a good start to my developing kit? I understand that temperature is pretty crucial but what I'm not sure about is whether or not I need such an expensive thermometer. Any thoughts/recommendations are welcome!

 

[BLKRCAT]

I use a meat thermometer... As long as you don't stab yourself with the pointy end it's great and cheap. Been using for years. I have some older mercury Kodak thermometer I got with my darkroom when I got everything for printing. Never used it tho. It's glass and seems like it would be a mess if it got dropped.

 

[jrose125]

Yeah I kind of figured as much.

According to the owner, this thermometer is used to calibrate developing machines. IT would be nice to have something reliable, but I'm not certain I need that level of accuracy. Thanks!

 

[Nokton48]

I have had several of them. Just don't drop it. If the mercury becomes seperated in the glass tube, put it in some very hot water so the merc goes all the way to the top. Then it is OK, I have done this.

The last one I bought twenty years ago and I seem to remember I paid about $50 so the price is good.

It's a process thermometer, yes it used to be utilized for calibrating pro lab equipment. Among other things.

 

[x-ray]

The type 3 is what I've used for nearly fifty years. They're accurate to 1/2 degree f or better and suitable for critical B&W and color. You simply can't go wrong with one and in my opinion worth $50.

Sometimes the mercury can seperate in the column. When this happens I use a bath of water a little hotter than the thermometer is designed to read and but the thermometer in it until the break in the mercury goes into the reservoir in the top of the column. Then I let it. lol and all is well.

Sometimes you can get really good alcohol thermometers from scientific suppliers that are good and might be cheaper although I feel the type 3 is one of the best. Besides accuracy the stainless sheath around it is a plus for durability.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

You can buy a fast acting dial thermometer suitable for dev use for $5 plus change on Ebay.
I'm still using a Weston, a better brand, I got back in the '80's, accurate and long lasting, around $20.

 

[jrose125]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I think I'm going to go for the thermometer and I guess if I don't really need it (which I sure I will), I can always sell it.

Thanks again!

 

[x-ray]

You can buy a fast acting dial thermometer suitable for dev use for $5 plus change on Ebay.
I'm still using a Weston, a better brand, I got back in the '80's, accurate and long lasting, around $20.

I have several dial thermometers including a couple of Weston and none are very accurate.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

The Kodak is one of the few thermometers you will find that, if you buy two or three of them, they will all most likely read the same, because they are actually accurate. Not sure if yours will come in the original box with directions; the directions will stipulate that it should be stored vertically. Doing so will prevent the mercury from ever separating as described above. It's a one time purchase, and well worth it if you care about reproducible results.

 

[Dwig]

I have several dial thermometers including a couple of Weston and none are very accurate.

Generally, Westons can be adjusted. You hold the "nut" on the back and turn the dial housing. A good glass thermometer, like the OP's Kodak, can be used as a reference for calibrating an adjustable dial.

I started with hand-me-down glass thermometers from my dad and later moved to dial thermometers. I retired the glass thermometers, one was a large and very accurate one, to calibration use.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Been using a Kodak Deluxe Darkroom Thermometer for 41 years. Reliable as heck (even bought a back up about ten years ago when Kodak stopped making them). You can pick them up on the auction site for $10 -$15.

Best,
-Tim

 

[jrose125]

I can't thank you guys enough for the comments! I'm glad I quit being a lurker and joined the forum! 🙂