3x4 Film in JOBO Expert 3006?

[pandino]

I'm contemplating buying either an Expert 3006 or 3005 drum, mostly for use with 5x7.

Since I don't have a convenient way to develop 3x4, I'm wondering if the 3006 will work with 3x4 film without modification. If not, I'll probably go for the 3005 to do 5x7 and speed up my 8x10 developing.

I also like the idea of developing six versus five sheets at a time. I really don't like the thought of managing half loaded film holders.

Has anyone tried 3x4 in the 3006 that can offer some feedback?:confused:

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

you can do 10 sheets of 4x5 in the 3010 drum, or 5 sheets of 5x7. The 3x4's should work the same way in the 3010, just orient them with the long axis around the circumference, instead of pointed down the length of the tube. I don't know that I'd use a 3005 for doing 10 sheets of 5x7 at a time- there's too much chance of the top sheet slipping down over the bottom sheet while rotating.

 

[Oren Grad]

I've done six sheets of 3x4 in a 3006 without any problem - no special procedures necessary. The 3006 is great for 4x5 and 5x7 too.

 

[pandino]

Thanks for the help! It looks like I have a couple of options.

I'll be shooting a whole lot more 3x4 once I get the drum. It's a great format for those times that you don't want to lug a tripod around.

 

[dancqu]

How about an Extremely Rare Omega C 31/4x41/4
enlarger to go with that sheet film? I've one I should
be rid of. Dan

 

[pandino]

Well, I finally tried the 3006 Expert drum for the first time this weekend. It works great with 3x4. I really love this format for portability and the Efke has some nice character.

I did have some problems with chemical coverage at 250 ml. It may have been that my sink is not level or that the 3x4 lifts off the walls a bit more due to the shorter dimension. I increased to 400 ml and flipped the drum halfway through developing and everything turned out perfect.

I am using a Unicolor tumbler with the reversing switch disabled. The drum has increased my productivity in the darkroom 50% with 4x5 and 300% with 5x7 over using Unicolor print drums. Now my problem is that I'm running out of hangers to dry negs!

Thanks to all for the help.