Can somebody recommend a good print washer that preferably also conserves water.

-- Solveig Perkins (solveigp@earthlink.net), November 08, 2001

Answers

I've been very pleased with the Cascade washer from Summitek. Their 11x14 size, which handles (if memory serves) 15 11x14s or 30 8x10s, uses only 250 ml/minute. A 16x20 version is also available. They permit adding "dirty" prints downstream of those already washing without contaminating the earlier ones. Summitek has a Web site with details. My only connection to the company is as a satisfied customer.

-- Sal Santamaura (santamaura@earthlink.net), November 08, 2001.

easy to empty?

Is the 11x14 sized washer also somewhat cumbersome to empty? Are the dividers removable, or do you have to turn the washer upside down to empty it?

-- solveig perklen (solveigp@earthlink.net), November 09, 2001.

Another satisfied Summitek user. I have the 16x20 and leave it full of water all the time. I spray a little water with some hypochlorite (the active ingredient in household "chlorine" bleach) on the surface of the water after use to prevent algae from growing. If you wanted to empty it each time for storage etc it would be rather less convenient in this size.

-- john stockdale (jo.sto@bigpond.com), November 08, 2001.

How do you buy that hypochlorite, John? Is it commonly available?

-- Alec (alecj@bellsouth.net), November 09, 2001.

I'm happy with the Nova Promaster. Textured dividers prevent sticking, each slot has its own water supply, can be used on bench or sink, siphon action for emptying, and removable dividers for cleaning.

-- Chris Ellinger (chris@ellingerphoto.com), November 09, 2001.

I don't have a permanent darkroom; the 11x14 Cascade is used on a bathroom counter. When it's time to break things down, I lift out the removable dividers, slide the washer so one end hangs over my regular bathroom sink, unscrew a brass plug near the bottom, and it drains right out.

-- Sal Santamaura (santamaura@earthlink.net), November 09, 2001.

Alec, I use sod. hypochlorite solution labelled "Liquid Chlorine for Swimming Pools". It is labelled "125g per Liter available chlorine." I use a teaspoon in a cup of water in a spray.

It is normally sold in 4 Liter and 20 Liter containers. I think it lasts reasonably well, but will eventually decompose. Diluted, it decomposes fast, but to benign components.

The brand of household bleach most commonly available here (Australia) is labelled "40g per Liter available chlorine" plus it contains cleaning agents that might or might not be useful in a print washer. I don't know.

Hope this is useful..........John

-- john stockdale (jo.sto@bigpond.com), November 14, 2001.