3d printed holder for developing 5x7 sheets

[OeT]

I got a 5x7 camera that I haven't used a lot because of the hassle of developing the film.
I'm sketching on a 3d-printable version of other holders out there to try and make it a little easier.
Hoping it will work the same when scaled up.
It won't work i a regular Paterson tank instead I'm using the larger Jobo MultiTank 5.

I haven't tested it for real yet.
I might make the filmslots a little bigger to make it easier to load.

 

[robert.raymer]

I love this idea. Lack of a good option for self developing is one of the main reasons my 5x7 Series B Graflex remains unused.

 

[btaylor]

I think the idea of the Mod54 on steroids is a good idea, hope it works. As far as solutions to developing 5x7, film hangers and tanks are pretty easy to use (though it does require a darkroom).

 

[awty]

Well done, great work. Looks a little chunky, guess you need to try and find out how it works.
I have a unicolor unidrum ii, works fine for me as it will do 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10, with minimal chemistry, easy to load and the rollers do all the work.

 

[OeT]

I've tried it last week and it did not go well, the negatives got loose and stuck together.
Plus it used a ton of chemistry, 2,4 liters.
I made a complete redesign I'm hoping will work better and use less chemicals when used in a Jobo machine

I will make a stop so the film dont slide out thats held on with magnets

 

[mshchem]

This is excellent. I hope it all goes well.
I will ask everyone. For black and white, why not use cheap hard rubber tanks, hangers, and work in the dark? I have Jobo stuff, a Nikor 4x5 tank, Beseler drums etc. I still think open tanks are pretty easy. I love 5x7, I sure wish I had the design talent. You guys can make just about anything you can imagine.
Good luck, Mike

 

[nosmok]

While I can't solve the 'ton of chemistry" problem, a 1-liter Nikor type tank will hold 4 5x7 sheets, folded emulsion side in into a teardrop shape (viewed edge on). a tiny strip of tape will hold them that way, or just pack them tight. A plastic lid set is the most watertight, and then I process horizontally, rolling the tank back and forth on my kitchen counter. It's a little clunky but it works, another darkroom-less 5x7 solution.

 

[halberst]

While I can't solve the 'ton of chemistry" problem, a 1-liter Nikor type tank will hold 4 5x7 sheets, folded emulsion side in into a teardrop shape (viewed edge on). a tiny strip of tape will hold them that way, or just pack them tight. A plastic lid set is the most watertight, and then I process horizontally, rolling the tank back and forth on my kitchen counter. It's a little clunky but it works, another darkroom-less 5x7 solution.

As for the ton of chemistry problem, I've had very good luck with semi-stand development using HC-110. Seems in the area of 1:150 works well. Might also be beneficial in so far as less movement to knock the film off the reel. If I have my maths right, this would mean 16ml developer (about US$0.50 per tank.)

Also, there's somebody on eBay selling 5x7 plastic reels that appear to be 3d printed plastic. I ordered one but have yet to receive (it's coming from Mexico.) The reel I ordered fits in Paterson tanks and is more of a conventional reel shape than the "mod" version here. The seller goes by "chris.cyan" and has also made reels for Jobo for 5x7 and 8x10 films.

I hope to report how my new 5x7 reel works soon.

 

[halberst]

I should report I've been quite happy with my new 3d printed 5x7 reel. It's as easy to develop as rollfilm with the same Paterson tanks. My first time loading took longer than expected but was easy thereafter. The only potential problem I noticed - if you wanted to use the Paterson "agitator" that won't work because there is no friction between the center tube and the reel. But few people use the agitator anyhow and i suppose adding a little something to the inside of the reel would fix that issue.