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The project team has a working demo, not the final product. Their ability to begin production may be affected by product development or financial challenges.
The Darkroom Timer with the most useful features:
-Countdown timer
-F-Stop adjustments
-Test Strip mode with F-Stop control
-Dodge and burn actions based on F-Stops
-Auto time-compensation for dry-down, toning, aperture and paper size changes
-Safelight and room light control
-Film development timer
-Metronome
-Modular hardware with add-ons, buttons and switches
-...and many more!
Yet at the same time, The Darkroom Timer with the cleanest, most intuitive and informative interface ever!
Hello!
MAYA is an enlarger timer that is designed help you create beautiful prints in your darkroom by offering you all the functionality you'll probably ever need. It can also help you develop your film by timing your development, fixing and other processes and with the modular interface, it might even one day develop your film and slow cook your food for you!
We've started working on the project a few seconds after our old darkroom timer broke down. Realizing all the possible replacements were either lacking almost everything we'd like to have in a timer or having absolutely horrible interfaces with requiring button push combinations and no clear display to communicate with you, we took the matters into our own hands and started building a better product.
Even though we've started designing MAYA for our own use in the first place, getting it out there for the whole analog community was always something we had in mind. We wanted to give something capable to well seasoned master printers so that their prints will be even easier to make and at the same time, we always wanted to give a warm welcome to the newcomes to the world of enlarging.
For those who are on a budget or simply dislike seeing lots of lights in their faces, we knew we had to create a simpler alternative that would also be cheaper. However, all the core functionality had to be there. So maybe for the first time ever, we are democratising the F-Stop adjustments, test strip modes and almost all the other features that the most expensive timers have. That's right, our cheaper MAYA White Edition hardly is an entry model. Where it differs from the Black Edition is the interface, extension capability and the choice of materials.
Finally, we've reached a point in the prototyping phase where we're happy to present you with. So, here it is.
FEATURES
Easy to Use Interface
With the clean interface and dual rotary dials, you can quickly navigate between the menus and manipulate settings. You don't have to remember button combinations or try to decipher meaningless error codes, everything is displayed very clearly on the main LCD. And when you are ready, all you have to do is to press the Focus or the Expose buttons to direcly access the most important functions.
F Stop Based... Everything
If you are remotely interested in photography, you've probably heard of stops. All the exposure values in both photographing and printing are related to each other. Which means you can change your aperture one stop (from f/8 to f/5.6 for example) and compensate that with one stop of a change in the exposure time.
In darkroom practice, you can also speak in F-Stops or Exposure Values (EV) when you want to modify your print in a particular way. If you want your subject to appear slightly brighter, you can decrease the exposure time by 1/3 stops or if you want a much darker background, you can go for a 1.5 stop longer exposure.
Since they are so practical to think in, we've implemented F-Stop editing anywhere we could. You can edit in EV when you're adjusting your base time, when you want to add a dodge or burn time or you can even specify EV increments between your test strips.
Everything will be much faster to work with. You no longer have to guess what 1/4 stops of burning would require for a sky that was exposed for 43" at f/11.
Adjusting the Base Time in 0.1 Seconds and/or EV (F-Stop) Mode
It is very easy to set a time for countdown and you can even modify it in either seconds or F-stop values. The left dial makes large adjustments while the right one makes smaller adjustments. While under 10 seconds, the left one adds or subtracts 1" to your base time while the right one does the same with 0.1". Over 10 seconds, they become much faster and add/subtract 10" and 1" respectively. In the F-Stop mode, they adjust in 1 EV and 0.1 EV respectively.
Test Strip Mode with EV Steps
Timing test strips is easier than ever. Having an F-Stop based strip mode makes it so much easier to nail down the required base time, even with papers and negatives you don't have experience with.
Since each individual exposure time is automatically calculated within a set F-Stop difference of each other (as opposed to simply increasing it by 5" each time), you'll get even exposure differences between each test strip instead of all the darker ones looking similar to each other while the brighter ones have significant jumps in exposure.
You can decide on the number of strips you want as well as the EV difference between them. You can have your starting value as the middle strip or the shortest exposure time. You can even choose to do all your strips on a single piece of paper or individual ones. And you can set your favorite settings as the default mode so you'll never have to adjust them every single time.
You got your base time in the ballpark but you want to refine it further? You can go to your preferred settings for the REFINE mode with a single click and do a test with a much tighter spread. Once again, you can set the defaults for this mode so all you have to do is simply click REFINE after selecting your candidate from the initial run.
F-Stop Based Dodge and Burn Timers
You can record up to 9 separate dodge and burn actions per memory channel. After doing the base exposure, MAYA will remind you which dodge/burn areas you've set and how long you need to expose them for. All adjustments are EV based so all you have to do is to enter how much lighter/darker you want a particular area. You can even set them separately for each filter while doing split grade printing.
Split Grade Channels
Having two channels per memory bank, you can use them for split grade printing. The grade display will remind you which filter you have to use. Each channel stores and recalls separate base times along with dodge and burn times.
Compensation with Smart Resize, Aperture Compensation and Dry-down Offset
You've changed the aperture on your lens, paper size or simply you want to manually adjust your settings by some amount? MAYA will take care of all the calculations. You just enter in the values you want. You can even compensate both memory channels if you're doing split grade printing. You can also specify an offset amount to give you more headroom for dry-down or toning.
Memory Channels
Even though both models have twin channels for split grade printing (or simply for working on two prints at once), Black Edition takes it several steps further by offering 6 memory banks, each with two channels. That way you can save all your settings for a negative that you print often, go back and forth between two variations of a single print, have multiple people use MAYA without disturbing each other's print recipes or use one memory position to time the paper developer and toning, which will give you much more consistent results.
Here are some videos of the prototype in use:
FILM DEVELOPER MODE
This wasn't the main goal when we started developing MAYA but since everything that is needed is already in, we simply said why not.
Select your film and developer settings from the list or simply add a custom one. Then enter the recommended development time. The whole development will be timed and you'll be reminded to agitate the tank at required times (every minute or every 30 seconds as you've chosen). You'll also get a visual and audible notification towards the end to pour out. You can even use the memory banks (separately from the darkroom timer memory banks) to store your favorite development settings and get consistent development each and every time.
What is more? We are also working on a thermometer module so that MAYA will compensate the development time for the changes in chemicals' temperature.
POWER BARS
Unless you want to turn your enlarger off and on manually, you'll also need a power bar. If all you want to do is develop some film or make prints without any automation, you obviously don't need these.
The power bars will both power MAYA and your other darkroom tools such as your enlargers, safelight, room light and maybe a paper flasher you've built. All sockets are connected to internal relays so they'll automatically be switched off and on as required.
For the most basic functions, which is enlarger and safelight control, PB2 with two power sockets will suffice. For more complicated tasks, PB3 and PB4 are recommended which have 3 and 4 sockets respectively. All sockets are reprogrammable as an enlarger, safelight, roomlight, paper flasher and a second enlarger. The more sockets you have, the more flexible the whole setup becomes.
ACCESSORIES
You can choose to have footswitches, desk switches, hand remotes to trigger various functions such as countdown, focus, split grade channels and even toggle your room lights between red and white.
You can assign two different functions and select them by using the sliding switch. You can attach masks using paper clips to use when making a test strip, dodging and burning and start the exposure, change the split grade channel and start your second exposure without taking your hands off.
Compact and easy to use by hand. Has a slide switch to select between two assigned functions and has a big, soft and red button to trigger it. Can be used on a desk or can be attached to the side of the enlarger.
Slightly harder to press by hand but since it's made of metal, it's usable as a footswitch. Can be assigned a single function.
Usable on your workbench or on the floor, each of the metal switches can be assigned to trigger different functions.
You can also make your own remotes or use the ones you have (from almost any brand, even guitar amp and tattoo machine footswitches can be used). The required adapters, schematics for building your own remote and the physical interface (type of accessory port) will be announced later on.
THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
At the current point, we need some time and money to go on with developing this product any further. What we also need to see is how many of you are interested in this project. We've talked to many photographers of different experience levels to determine what needs to be in the design, now we need to know how many of you are out there.
In short, we need to have a better idea on the market size to determine what the final shape of the product will be. 50 of us out there? This'll be a boutique, handmade, hand assembled product. 250 of us are enough to turn this into a semi-mass produced product with a different finish, maybe material choices and production methods, as well as some interesting add-ons. 1000s of us analog photographers? That means we'll have the budget to use even more sophisticated production methods, start working on some really interesting projects.
No matter what, we will keep on working on various add-ons, accessories and even bigger things such as SD-Card reader to save your recipes, multigrade controllers for enlarger heads with built in filters, thermometers to measure your developers and auto-compensate development times and even a fully automated film processor and a completely new LED multigrade enlarger from the ground up! A more successful campaign will only make things much faster.
Like the promises but you have something more in mind? From the day one, we've had the idea of making the project go open-source at one point. Some elements of the hardware and software will be shared publicly, so you can develop your own sensors, buttons, a custom power unit and even a relay box for your own needs.
If everything goes well and we become confident in going full open source, we will certainly do so as it'll only benefit all parties involved. If we receive the funds to develop a stable and flexible platform for all of our (both us and you!) darkroom needs, we're hoping to release both the firmware and the hardware specs so anyone can develop and carry the whole project to points we can't even imagine at this point.
Here are the ways you can contribute:
Did you know we also make one of the better designed leather camera straps on the market? Whether or not you want to participate in one of the more serious perks, you can choose to buy a $15 gift card, valid in our Etsy Store, for only $10.
You like the idea, you'd like to use MAYA as a film developer but you don't have a darkroom yet? No worries, you can simply buy MAYA and start using it as a film developer with auto temperature compensation. If you ever build yourself a darkroom later on, you can always choose to buy one of the power units to make it enlarger-capable.
You want the enlarger control along with the safelight control and all the features we have built in but don't exactly need the Black Edition interface? This one is for you.
For those who are slightly more ambitious, which means those who need a 3-socket power unit. Guessing it's for the room light control, which is one of our favorite functions. Or do you have something else in your mind? Care to share?
You want the whole deal... We can't blame you. After all, we did the whole design around this package and if you like all the bells and whistles (Lights and buttons in this case), this is the one you need. Comes with a 3-plug power unit so you can control both your safelight AND your room light. Or maybe a paper flasher? Also available as an Early Bird package! Also also comes with a free remote of your choice!
The truly ambitious package. You didn't only like the the full package, you want to go beyond it. For whatever reason, you need those 4 sockets. Maybe for a second enlarger. Maybe just in case... Whatever you have in mind, we're throwing in two remotes of your choice for you. Enjoy!
This is getting really interesting. What are you buying it for? Are you buying for a school? Are you one of the last remaining photo labs in your area? We'd certainly like to have a chat with you.
For other group purchases, please don't hesitate to reach us.
We are already deep into our prototyping phase. Most of the coding has been done, interface has been designed, so apart from the finishing touches here and there, we need to find a supplier for the PCBs, various parts and the casing. Of course, the final physical form of everything can only be determined after we have a good number of how many units we'll have to make. More than a few dozen units and we'll be able to afford custom made electronic boards, extruded aluminium chassis and even injection molding. In more limited numbers, we'll have to stick to off-the-shelf electronic modules and a folded chassis with laser cut plates.
Alternative Sketches
The exact design of the interface will be finalized after the crowdfunding campaign.
We're already in touch with some manufacturers but to order various prototypes, we need the funds and some time. Here's the schedule we have in mind at the moment:
Early April 2019: Order Pre-Release PCB
Late April 2019: Finalize the case design and get some prototypes made
May 2019: Final testing, Order Release Candidate PCB and casing
Late June/Early July 2019: First batch delivery
Late July 2019: Second batch delivery
Late August 2019: Third batch delivery
Having a healthier funding will let us go through more prototypes in less time and also start working on all the other projects that we've mentioned above. We'll also be able to afford more industrial production methods such as prebuilt PCBs so even though we'll end up spending more time on the design phase, the production phase will be much easier on us so we'll still be able to respect the delivery dates we've suggested above.
Hope you've liked what you've seen and we honestly hope there are enough darkroom printers in the world so we can elevate this project to a point where a new era of analog photography related gear can be based on.
Even if you're not interested in participating in this crowdfunding project, please, spread the word. Drop us a line. Share a comment. Discuss your own ideas and criticise ours! There have been a great collaboration for this project by quite a few members of the online analog communities so even if you can't physically help this project reach its goal, let us know that we have some support.
Many thanks,
Can Çevik
Looking for more information?Check the project
FAQ
MAYA Black Edition with the 3-Plug power unit and a free remote of your choice.
Included Items
Power Bar PB3
MAYA Black Edition
Remote
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
2 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Doku Etsy Store Gift Card
$10 USD$15 USD(33% off)
Have $15 off of any of the fine leather straps we have in our Etsy store. Cashing it out is completely optional, in case you just wanted to show us your support :)
Check out https://etsy.com/shop/DokuBespoke
Included Items
$15 gift card on our Etsy shop
Estimated Shipping
February 2019
1 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Additional Remote - Small
$24 USD$29 USD(17% off)
Buy an additional Small Button to be shipped with your MAYA unit. Has two position switch so you flip back and forth between two functions, such as Focus, Expose, Channel Switch or Safelight/Room Light Switch.
Must be purchased alongside one of the White Edition or Black Edition models, otherwise you'll only receive a thank you note in your e-mail
Included Items
Remote - Small Button
Estimated Shipping
Original: August 2019
Current:
September 2019
2 claimed
Additional Remote - Medium
$24 USD$29 USD(17% off)
Buy an additional Medium Button to be shipped with your MAYA unit. Can be assigned one of the following functions each: Focus, Expose, Channel Switch or Safelight/Room Light Switch.
Must be purchased alongside one of the White Edition or Black Edition models, otherwise you'll only receive a thank you note in your e-mail.
Included Items
Remote - Medium Sized Button
Estimated Shipping
Original: August 2019
Current:
September 2019
1 claimed
Additional Remote - Trigger
$24 USD$29 USD(17% off)
Buy an additional Hand Trigger to be shipped with your MAYA unit. Has two position switch so you flip back and forth between two functions such as Focus, Expose, Channel Switch or Safelight/Room Light Switch.
Must be purchased alongside one of the White Edition or Black Edition models, otherwise you'll only receive a thank you note in your e-mail.
Included Items
Remote - Hand Trigger
Estimated Shipping
Original: August 2019
Current:
September 2019
2 claimed
Additional Remote - Twin
$34 USD$39 USD(12% off)
Buy an additional Twin Button to be shipped with your MAYA unit. Has two buttons that can be assigned one of the following functions each: Focus, Expose, Channel Switch or Safelight/Room Light Switch.
Must be purchased alongside one of the White Edition or Black Edition models, otherwise you'll only receive a thank you note in your e-mail
Included Items
Remote - Twin Button
Estimated Shipping
Original: August 2019
Current:
September 2019
0 claimed
MAYA White Edition - Solo
$139 USD$159 USD(12% off)
MAYA White Edition with no power brick. You can't control an enlarger with this one but it's still good for film development and DIY projects.
Included Items
MAYA White Edition
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
0 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Maya White Edition w/ PB2
$169 USD$199 USD(15% off)
MAYA White Edition with the 2P Power Brick so you can start printing right away.
Included Items
MAYA White Edition
Power Bar PB2
Estimated Shipping
December 2019
0 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
MAYA White Edition w/ PB3
$199 USD$239 USD(16% off)
White Edition with the much more flexible 3P Power Brick. It means you can control a paper flasher, room light or a secondary enlarger in addition to your primary enlarger and safelight.
Included Items
MAYA White Edition
Power Bar PB3
Remote
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
0 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
MAYA Black w/ PB3 - Early Bird
$249 USD$329 USD(24% off)
MAYA Black Edition PB3 Early Bird deal. First 10 units at a really good price. Comes with a free remote button of your choice.
Included Items
Power Bar PB3
MAYA Black Edition
Remote Control Type 1
Estimated Shipping
Original: July 2019
Current:
September 2019
Only 1 left
Ships worldwide.
MAYA Black Edition w/ PB4
$329 USD$379 USD(13% off)
MAYA Black Edition with the 4-Plug power unit and a free remote of your choice.