Description
- Compact size (5.5″x8″)
- Agitation, temperature and timings control.
- Compatible with the two most common Paterson tank sizes: 2 reel and 3 reel.
- Fully customizable parameters.
- Internal memory records how many rolls have been processed and automatically compensates by adding extra time.
- Easy to clean and store when not in use.
Contents:
- PIRA – Darkroom Helper device. Developing tank not included.
- Magnetic disc with two column size adapters: for use with either 2 reel or 3 reel tank.
- Retaining steel clamp. Optional use when developing a single roll to keep reel from lifting up in the column.
- Removable low friction liners for the bottom of the tank (3pcs).
- 12VDC wall adapter. Ships with US, Euro, UK or Australian plug depending on destination.
- 2x 1 Lt. pouch bags for storing chemicals.
You will be charged in full right after placing your order, then get a confirmation email shortly afterwards.
Once your order has been fulfilled you’ll get another message with the tracking information.
Shipping time for items in stock is 1-3 business days, for backorders we have an estimated lead time of 2 weeks.
Note to American Express card holders: Please use PayPal checkout to complete your order.
angelo koyfalas –
Hand-developing B&W film takes a good amount of time; and C-41 requires a great deal of precision. Now I can let the Darkroom Helper handle the tedious work and enjoy effortless, consistent results.
With a fully customizable, in-depth process, this machine preserves the creativity of film developing while eliminating the unpredictable flaws and inconsistencies of human operation.
Amund Blix Aaeng –
This thing is remarkable, makes it so easy to develop film, could not be happier! The review above said most, 100% agree.
JT –
Makes my life so much more efficient. I don’t have to sit around for 10+ minutes (sometimes 20+) making sure I agitate the tank. The darkroom helper is really one of a kind.
Marc –
I was looking for a solution to help me in my processing, and I couldn’t find a machine that really was tailored to my needs. I usually do a very long process (B&W reversal) with a lot of different chemicals and I didn’t wanted a continuous rotary system, so most of the usual machinery were not for me. Then I found the Darkroom helper and it ticked all the boxes. Can’t be happier now. Consistent, effortless results in any process I do. And it has a very good price too!
Nicholas –
I was very new to developing film myself but was already shooting a whole lot of formats and types. 35mm, 120, 4×5, B&W, C-41, E-6, ECN2. It was costing me a ton to develop at a lab, so decided to figure out how to do all this myself. I was recommended the Darkroom Helper by a couple other people who had one and I couldn’t be happier. I haven’t had a single thing go wrong with development yet, and I attribute a lot of the success to the Darkroom Helper eliminating the possibilities for human error out of several of the steps. Once I hit start on the DRH it is smooth sailing. I very much enjoy developing all my film now and save a veritable ton of money. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to develop their own film.
Eric –
What a great device! I used to develop C41 B&W by hand and the darkroom helper makes things so much easier. Just pour the chemicals in and let it do its thing. Customizing programs for different film types is easy and flexible, especially how it automatically adds development time when reusing chemicals or pushing/pulling film. I chose the darkroom helper for its ability to maintain the tanks temperature because I felt like it gave the most control.
I’ve developed 35mm, 120 and 4×5 film all with great results. I don’t miss having to do manual inversions, watching the clock or having to burp the stupid Patterson cover to prevent leaks.
Customer support is also great. I emailed Dan with some questions and suggestions and he hooked me up with a bunch of test stuff free of charge.
Kacie –
Very innovative, compact, and easy-to-use machine. Perfect for film processing in small volumes, with less hassle than having to manually invert the tank yourself.
Bill Reynolds –
Great product, tank heater works well to keep temperatures consistent. I get the best results using the slow speed agitaion setting, have been developing 120 and 4×5 film with good results, highly recommend.
James Sharp –
Easy to use. Better than other “automatic” developer/processors I (or friends) have used. Really consistent results. A couple of months ago I developed my first C41 film using the Helper – it made it a breeze and gave great results.
So far used it to develop mostly 35mm but have done 110 and 120. I haven’t used my 4×5 camera in a while but plan to try the Helper for that too and compare to the Stearman tank. I worked out I can use less chemicals with the Helper and tank on its sides. So looking forward to see the results.
Scott Hogan –
I hate developing film, mostly the time waiting between long agitation. I owned a Jobo and Photo Therm SK8 for years to much work and chemistry need for the small amount of rolls developed not worth the trouble.
After careful consideration I purchased the Darkroom Helper before it was even available, I looked at other brands but this seemed to be what I was looking for small footprint and plenty of features after a few uses I ordered a second for backup and color film or to develop multiple rolls at one time.
This is a great little machine that can deliver as intended for a very reasonable price!
If you are looking for a film developing machine get this you won’t be sorry!!
Also Daniel is great and responsive to all questions in very timely manner.
Jack Agopian –
In my opinion this is the best automated developing station I have ever used. It is simple where it needs to be, and has well thought out touches in the programming. The build quality feels superb, and it works with my Paterson tank as if it were an OEM product. I appreciate the heat control and automated nature, which has helped immensely in further simplifying the process of developing at home.
Nicholas Proctor –
TBH, I enjoyed using the Darkroom Helper. At first it was tricky finding the right settings for my film, but now it’s a real time saver.
To anyone looking for a good processor this is it and it’s very affordable.
Jocelyn Simard –
After 2 weeks now, I can say that the Darkroom Helper is not only very affordable, very well thought out for its counter space, but of remarkable efficiency. Manual development is interesting at first, but the routine is installed, it quickly becomes a less interesting task, especially when you have several films to develop. With this wonderful instrument, I am now looking forward to the film development phase, no matter the number to be treated. Thank you Dan for the fast delivery, and the very detailed support on your advice. I recommend it without reservation, to all those who are looking to automate their work, at an affordable price and of very good quality.
Michael Haarstad –
I so far have only developed BW film at home but I’ve begun pushing my film further and further with xtol. This meant incredibly long dev times that made manual inversion a real hassle. The pira processor allowed me to set it and return when dev is complete. The interface is very straightforward and I appreciate it’s all done on the machine and not requiring any app. The only finicky part is a plastic stop that must be placed on the center column. It’s a must be a tight fit so it’s a little scary getting on and off. Outside that it’s a well put together package that has worked perfectly for me so far.
piotr.hernik@mailplus.pl –
The Pira MX film processor has opened up a whole new world of developing C‑41 negatives on my own—the device’s programming is delightfully simple. It lets me process more rolls at once while keeping everything consistent and under tighter control. Daniel is a wonderful person, responds to messages very quickly, and the unit arrived safely in Poland. I’m absolutely delighted.