Timers and light meters

[Jim Jones]

A basic enlarging meter may give me a better first test print, but after that the exposure and manipulation are based on the previous print from that negative. Long ago even my first expousre, based on the difference between shadow detail and negative blank areas, was almost as close as with a meter. Except for mass production of prints with little or no dodging or burning, counting seconds with perhaps the help of a metronome or quartz clock is efficient.

[unregistered]

Get yourself an enlarger timer. If for nothing else than to produce consistant exposures with the same negative so you can learn about printing. The basic rule in printing is first to set up a system where by you can get repeatable results. Then print and pay attention to the results of the actions you did exposing the print. If you don't do those 2 basic things, you'll never be even a mediocre printer.

And forget about those damn light meters. They are a waste of money and further handicap your ability to learn how to print. Just as you learn to see the light when making the exposure in your camera, you will learn to see the light coming thru that negative on your easel. It just takes time, practice and paying attention.

[DannL]

I'm not sure what most folks do, I being self taught and all. Infact most of my methods are probably most archaic/primitive by any standard. LOL! I do use a timer attached to the enlarger, which allows for 0-6 sec, 0-60 sec and 0-6 min exposure settings. The timer in combination with a Unicolor Mitchell Picture Box II makes the first test run a real breeze. I couldn't go back to doing test strips. Plus the added benefit of getting 4-5 fair wallet size photos from the test sheet, leaves very little to waste. I don't use a light meter in the darkroom. I might if I had one.

[MattKing]

A meter is quite useful if you use rented darkroom facilities, and are therefore constantly having to deal with change. It also makes it much easier to deal with changing magnifications. Just make a point of either using a standard test negative, or metering without a negative in the carrier.