What kind of timer is it?

[kiemchacsu]

Well, i bought a lot of darkroom equipment and this timer was in that even though i may not need this.

Without plug the AC in 125v 15A only, the timer is still working mechanically to count down 60 seconds.

Does anybody know what type is it the timer? If possible, an online user manual is more than perfect.

Thank you and happy new year.

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[Bill Clark]

Is this it?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/634804...query=darkroom+timer&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&frs=1

This one maybe:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/656153...uery=darkroom+timer&ref=sr_gallery-1-10&frs=1

Or for some various photography timers:

https://www.etsy.com/market/darkroom_timer


I just googled photography timer.

 

[kiemchacsu]

Thank you.
I forgot the function of image search.
The first 2 are exactly the same what I have now.
I will entertain to search more of how it works.
It is very well made and feel solid.


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[kiemchacsu]

It is M. H Rhodes 78100 model
Still no user manual so far, only ads listings.
Having said that, not sure if it works as 125V electrical system is quite odd here. We use 220V system, and normal transformer can switch to 110V


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[Steve M.]

I'm pretty sure that's a Mark Time timer that is strictly mechanical. The electrical connection is to turn the enlarger off when the time runs out. I had a number of these over the years that came w/ enlargers and none were particularly accurate.

I'd recommend you get a decent timer. The one below can be found for small money and they're accurate and easy to use.

Don't let B&H's ripoff prices fool you, these can be bought all day used on eBay for $20 to $30.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/57992-REG/Time_O_Lite_TLGR90_GR_90_Darkroom_Timer.html/?ap=y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImfyui_3C3wIVRdbACh1AFAe1EAQYBSABEgLg4vD_BwE&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y

This is the more upscale model, my personal favorite. On the first one, look for the timers that have two electrical plug ins on the back, one to turn the safe light off and on and one for the enlarger. As for the 220V thing, better ask about this. Here in the US these run on 110V.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-MA...h=item468cd20626:g:S6EAAOSw2pBcJSrL:rk:1:pf:0

 

[Timmyjoe]

I agree with Steve that you can get a Time-O-Lite timer for small money, but I never found them to be that accurate. Had one for years in my parent's darkroom, and the darkrooms at college. It's more money, but will last for decades, and is incredibly accurate, have had one like this since 1993:

GraLab GR451R Electronic Timer

Best,
-Tim

 

[Steve M.]

Like Timmy said, electronic timers are very good, and probably good candidates for buying used. They will either be as accurate as the day they were made, or they won't work at all. I found the Time O Lites to be easily good enough for black and white. Maybe if you do colour you would need more accuracy? I don't even use a timer anymore, just count it down in my head. Lots of folks use metronomes too, but the last time I priced those they were more money than a good used darkroom timer.

 

[kiemchacsu]

Thanks Steve for super detailed explanation. Now I know what it is.

As I said earlier that timer was included in a darkroom bundle that I bought. I may not need it know but always good to know how it works.

Cheers.


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[ChrisPlatt]

It's been 35-40 years since I had a Mark-Time timer, my first timer in my very first home darkroom.
As mentioned they are not super accurate and difficult to set, especially for short exposures.
IIRC you should turn knob to about 30 seconds then back for shorter exposures, to ensure mainspring is sufficiently charged.

I recommend a good used Gralab 300 timer. This model was once the standard, used in many institutional darkrooms.
Large numbers were made and many are still in use. They are plentiful used and can be found at bargain prices if patient.
It's large, easy to set and can be seen from across the room. It goes up to to 60 minutes, so is useful for developing film as well.
I have tried various timers including some electronic models. I always come back to the friendly and easy-to-use Gralab 300.

Chris

 

[Dogman]

I had one of the Mark Time timers for my first darkroom-in-the-bathroom in 1971 or 1972. I think I had several over the years. They worked fine for my purposes but I eventually replaced the last one with a Time-O-Lite and I replaced that by one of the digital models (I forget the model/brand) before I shut the darkroom down for good. We used the Time-O-Lites for the enlargers and the Gralab for developing film at the newspaper where I used to work. For developing film at home, I settled on a cheap digital kitchen timer.

 

[kiemchacsu]

What kind of timer is it?

I had one of the Mark Time timers for my first darkroom-in-the-bathroom in 1971 or 1972. I think I had several over the years. They worked fine for my purposes but I eventually replaced the last one with a Time-O-Lite and I replaced that by one of the digital models (I forget the model/brand) before I shut the darkroom down for good. We used the Time-O-Lites for the enlargers and the Gralab for developing film at the newspaper where I used to work. For developing film at home, I settled on a cheap digital kitchen timer.

Since you are familiar with it, just wanna to confirm that the Mark Time timer is limited to 60 seconds count down only, is not it? Or is there other way to set longer time?

EDIT: found out that the timer is indeed 60s



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