For Sentimental Reasons Only

I saw this old Kodak darkroom timer for sale on eBay a few weeks back for $10 and clicked the BUY IT NOW button, purely because this thing brings back pleasant memories for me.

I've loved photography all of my life. It's been the one constant through good times and bad. I've occasionally wandered away but not far from it. I've had my own darkroom twice, the first one in the basement of my parent's home when I was a teenager and the second (my dream darkroom) in my home in Phoenix. I always enjoyed darkroom work, especially printing. There's something quite pleasant about spending an afternoon tucked away under the glow of a red safelight with some favorite music in the background. These days, I process my own black and white film in the kitchen, but I'd sure love to have a full darkroom again someday.

Kodak not only made film and photographic paper, they also manufactured processing chemicals and all sorts of supplies for home darkroom enthusiasts. They sold this mechanical, wind up timer for years. I've had several and sold them along the way as life dictated. 

I've always liked the classic looks of this timer. Crisp industrial design that still looks sharp today. I use my iPhone to time my film development. I think I'll put this on my desk at work. It makes me feel good...for sentimental reasons.