Phototherm Sidekick film processor

[Andy Durazo]

Does anybody have any experience with these? Pros/cons? Our Wing Lynch processor is pretty much dead and we (East Los Angeles College Photo Department) need to replace it.

[anikin]

I've got one. Superb machine, fantastic support. No complaints from me. PM me if you have specific questions.

[BainDarret]

I had the older version of the SK8 and it was pretty much bullet proof. Very consistent temperature and agitation control. I dealt with the manufacturer in New Jersey a couple of times and found them very helpful. I developed E6, C41 and Tmax films with it. I sold mine a few years ago but if I ever see one going cheap I'll buy it!

[alanrockwood]

Good machine. Good company. Relatively easy to use.

Has some degree of user-programability... mostly to vary the processing time. The extent of programability depends on the model. It can do most processes, but not Kodachrome, as if that mattered any more. If you want a custom program you can have the company burn a new controller chip for you for a small fee.

You can't vary the temperature unless you burn a new chip. You can't run the processing temperature at below room temperature.

[Andy Durazo]

Thanx for the replies! I'll pass this on to my boss and see if he wants to replace our old and dying Wing Lynch with one of these. If anybody else has one please let me know what you think and if you're in the L.A. area; would it be possible to see one in action.

[SWphoto]

I'd bet that if you contacted Phototherm, they'd be glad to refer a prospective customer to someone local in LA area.

Thanx for the replies! I'll pass this on to my boss and see if he wants to replace our old and dying Wing Lynch with one of these. If anybody else has one please let me know what you think and if you're in the L.A. area; would it be possible to see one in action.