Timers

Photographers need precise timing when processing and developing film. In the past, photographers used every day timers to know when to stop the enlargement process and to remove the reel from photo processing tanks. Today, companies work to develop specialty timers a photographer sees in the dark without worry of destroying precious film.

The Adorama Company creates numerous photography items, such as camera flashes and lenses, filters and camera bags. They also manufacture timers of all types. Two glowing hands read the seconds and minutes on a Gralab 300 timer by Adorama. Photographers find this easy to read in total darkness with its luminous hands, dials, and numbers. It includes two outlets, one for an enlarger or priner and the other for a safelight. Though it does not include an automatic reset, a buzzer goes off when time is up with a control to set the volume. The Gralab timer measures approximately 7 ½" by 7 ½" by 2 ½" making it compact enough to fit anywhere in the darkroom.

An electronic timer, the GraLab model 450 Electronic Enlarger timer was created specifically for use inside a darkroom. It measures only 3.5" by 4" by 8" and is encased in plastic. It reads in seconds to ninety nine tenths of seconds. This timer sells for just under two hundred dollars.

Many photographers prefer digital timers over manual timers. A digital timer provides better accuracy and more options. Manual timers tend to only move in minutes or seconds. Digital timers can time down to 0.1 seconds with accuracy down to 0.01 percent.

The ET-500 digital timer precisely times exposure over a broad range. It controls exposures within a 1/10 of a second. It is great for handling film and paper processing as well as print exposure. After each exposure the timing automatically resets. Use this timer with color and black and white printing.

Some online photography forums and websites list step by step instructions on how to put together your own darkroom timer. Most sites assume the photographer knows a bit about working with electrical components, but a few offer finer details from the complete beginner.

Search for darkroom digital timers and electronic timers online, in photo catalogs and through online auctions, such as eBay. Brand new timers made to view in the darkroom sell from sixty dollars and up. Many sellers offer used photography equipment including digital and electronic timers.