In photography, a timer is a device or clock used to control the duration of chemical processing, exposures, or other time-sensitive procedures. It ensures that each stage of developing, printing, or scanning is precisely measured for consistent and predictable results.
Timers are essential tools in both darkroom and laboratory photography, helping photographers maintain accurate development times and avoid over- or under-processing. By using a timer, photographers can achieve consistent image quality, proper contrast, and reliable reproduction across multiple prints or film batches.