Temp reading devices.

[Guest]

I am a rather serious cook as well as a BW printer. I have been thinking of this as a purchase, not low in price $96 but it could work well for film processing and paper chemical temp control. My current device is something I do not trust...........so does anybody have a better idea than this.........Americas test kitchen swear by this thermometer and the range starts at 50, so my 68 is well above the start temp.

Thermapen digital instant-read thermometer

 

[Ronald M]

insufficient accuracy. Might work if you can calibrate it against something reliable.

My solutions go into a small neck bottle and then into a water bath. you need to measure the solutions.

Think you should use one for food and chenicals?

 

[burancap]

On a whim, I picked up a generic version at the local grocer's for under ~$15. Love it.

 

[kxl]

Don't know that I'd use the same thermometer for food that I use for darkroom chemicals (if that's what you are thinking)

 

[rbiemer]

How accurate does this need to be? I can't remember as it's been a very long time since I did any home developing.
If +/- 2 degrees is close enough, I would suggest something like this:
http://www.chefsresource.com/digital-thermometer-cdn.html

Relatively inexpensive and simple to use.
There are also bi-metal thermometers that are better in a couple of ways: they don't need batteries and they are easy to re-calibrate. Just as accurate but the mechanical types are slower to get a reading from and the dials are fairly small so might be problematic in a darkroom.

Whichever you do get, keep it out of the kitchen. I don't think most photo-chemicals in the amounts that might remain on the probe would be too awful but I wouldn't risk it.

Rob

 

[Shac]

Considering that the Thermapen has an accuracy of ±0.7°F (±0.4°C) why wouldn't it be just fine for use in the darkroom - as for contamination - the probe is stainless steel and easily cleaned

 

[Nokton48]

Hey Rob,

The most accurate and best darkroom thermometer I know of (and I use!)
is the -Kodak Process Thermometer-. Professional photographers and photo labs use this one.

They normally go up to 50 Bucks. Here is a cheaper one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KODAK-PROCE...851?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd3fc05a3

 

[Dan Daniel]

I've been using this Taylor dogital thermometer for the last three years. It has held up well, needed one new battery, seems repeatably accurate. And it cost $15, not $96.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009WE4B/?tag= taylorusacom-20

There are other models listed. Including some that can be calibrated.

I am doing B&W work, so +/-.2 degree accuracy isn't needed.

 

[Photo_Smith]

I use an old Ilford glass thermometer and a Patterson Certified glass; both are accurate and will continue to be.
I don't trust digital thermometers unless they have been calibrated regularly.

 

[nikon_sam]

This is what I have and use...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Weston-Dark-Room-Thermometer-140-/221260801926?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33842be786

Been using a Weston Thermometer for years...no problems...