So in my search for an 11x14 print washer, I checked craigslist and came across a versalab print washer locally.

I picked it up yesterday and it seems to be a very efficient and well designed print washer. Living in the desert where water consumption is always a concern, this seems to be a decent answer to the problem.

I was able to get it for about a 1/3 of the retail price so I am pleased.

Anything I should know about this washer?

Good Afternoon, David,

Most of what you need to know is obvious just by looking. Congratulations on getting one at a good price, even though new ones are not particularly expensive. Just be sure that you place the washer on an adequate support; it will weigh a lot when filled. Water flow doesn't need to be very agressive at all, just enough for continuous change. If you plan ahead and wash a number of prints simultaneously, water use will be fairly economical on a per-print basis. I've had my Versalab for several years, use it occasionally, and have had no complaints.

Konical

Same here - just one thing to add: the tub has to be pretty level for the siphon to work properly. Weighs about 100 lbs when filled. If you don't have the complete instructions with it, you can down load a pdf from the Versalab site:

http://www.versalab.com/server/photo/products/washer1.htm

Good luck

Bob

$330.00 for a 16x20 print washer?

THANKS! (That puppy just got bookmarked :) )

Murray

... Just be sure that you place the washer on an adequate support; it will weigh a lot when filled. Water flow doesn't need to be very agressive at all, just enough for continuous change. ... I've had my Versalab for several years, use it occasionally, and have had no complaints.

Ditto. I have the 11x14 also.

I agree with all the others. Great washer.

Two things.

One...If you have trouble getting a flow rate that stays consistant, try making the siphon tube a bit shorter. That dramatically improved the way mine worked.

Two...Don't worry about the fact that the prints will seem to want to stick to the plastic separaters. Once the tank is full, and the jets are reasonably well centered in each compartment, the prints will naturally float away from the walls and wash evenly.

David,

i just want to say thanks as I emailed Donny Burk for the 16x20 you passed up over on the LF forum :) Now I'll be able to wash my 8x10 pd/pt prints w/o resorting to trays!

No problem Jeremy. Enjoy it. I am quite pleased with mine and will be using it tomorrow.

Slight hijack: Can you use a printwasher like this to wash 8x10 negs too?

I have my 11x14 model on a shelf and draining into an adjacent sink. Do make sure that the siphon is running correctly as it is easy to pump more water into this device that the over flow will handle. It takes time to fill, but don't be tempted to leave it before you have the flow rate throttled down to the working level 8-)

I see no reason why it could not be used to wash film, though I have nothing of that size. One would need to take care to avoid scratching the film. At least the Versalab has flexible partitions so it is easy to reach in for small or delicate items.


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