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Film and Print Processors
 A valuable darkroom tool that you might want to consider is a film and print processing system. There are several manufacturers on the market who make reliable machines for home and lab use. The advantage of these machines is that they are, basically, self-contained labs. It is possible to process negatives (once rolled and secured in a tank) or prints (once exposed under the enlarger, rolled and placed in a tank) with a great deal of consistency.
 They offer the user an alternative to traditional lab processing while not giving up the quality and control that pro labs maintain. Even though most of them do not include a dry-to-dry sequence, the system is expandable to purchase separate washers and dryers.
Installation of the basic system is comparatively simple with some connection to your main water supply required.
 These machines, like the JOBO system, allow you to have total control over the three key processing elements: Temperature, agitation, and developing time. Temperature control is achieved by using a tempered water jacket to surround the chemical storage bottles and processing tank. A bi-directional rotation motor controls the agitation. With the manual processors, you control the development time for each of the chemical and rinse steps. General guidelines for processing are supplied, but the user may wish to "tweak" his/her own running times. The vicissitudes of hand processing are eliminated because the machine will hold the temperature steady and rotate the same way each and every time you process.
Although these machines are light tight, the tanks that hold the undeveloped negatives and prints must be loaded in the dark. Once they are loaded, daylight processing is possible. The machines themselves are of hard plastic construction, can be cleaned with relative ease, and come with complete, detailed instructions. Tech support for these products is generally quite good. These processors can be installed wherever it is convenient: in a converted bathroom, closet, kitchen or even in the darkroom itself. One of the big advantages of this sort of processor is that you can work anytime and not have to wait for your lab to open in the morning.
A variety of accessories are available for these systems including chemical storage bottles, timers, analyzers, tanks and reels for all size negatives and prints. Please note that for most of these machines, a separate washing system is required.
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