Timers

The Use And Importance Of The Darkroom Timer

The timer is an important piece of darkroom equipment. It is attached to the enlarger for the exposure of the print and is used again for the processing of the print. There is a bewildering array of timers available for purchase on the market. The most trusted name in timers among professional and amateur photographers is Gralab. The standard analog Gralab timer costs $140, and for an electronic Gralab timer, the price can reach as high as $400. For those just starting out, it is probably best to purchase a cheaper model and brand of timer and save your money for other things that you’ll need in the darkroom. Timers can be bought used on various online auction houses and may be purchased on sale at photography specialty shops. Many shops periodically clear out their inventory to make room for the newer models. You should check with these stores every once in a while to see if they have put their timers on sale. It’s an excellent way to pick up a brand new timer and not have to sacrifice any quality for price. If you want to save money and not waste time waiting for a sale, then you should check with online auction houses. Before you buy, make sure that the seller is reliable. You can do this by reading the seller feedback and by checking the seller rating. Often you will find a seller that is trying to get rid of his or her entire darkroom. Make sure that they are willing to sell only the things that you’ll need. Sometimes the seller will try to sell everything at once for one low price and will not entertain individual offers for certain pieces of equipment.

The Digital Timer

The digital darkroom timer is much more expensive than its analog counterpart and can cost as much as $400. The digital timer will most likely work just as well as the analog but will give the added comfort of correct and accurate readings. Digital timers also have certain functional settings that can be used for repeated tasks. These added extras are not necessary for the beginner and in the long run are of little value. If you are set on having a digital timer, it is best to buy one used from your local photography shop or from a seller online.