4x5 Developing Tank

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

I've been using 'taco' method for my 4x5 processing but I find it a PITA for using so I want a proper tank.
Thinking about purchasing a Jobo 2521 tank with a 2509n spiral. Are they any good?
No automation. I will be using hand inversion.
Thanks

Monito · Jul 2, 2011

eSPhotos said:
I've been using 'taco' method for my 4x5 processing but I find it a PITA

Switch to donair?

What's the "taco method"?

Dan Henderson · Jul 2, 2011

I have had good luck with Yankee tanks. A lot of people here talk down on them, but a lot of people complain about the much more expensive Combi-Plan tanks too. I've never used a Combi tank, but they sound more complicated and fragile than my trusty old Yankees.

2F/2F · Jul 2, 2011

How many sheets do you want to do at once?

vyshemirsky · Jul 2, 2011

I am using a jobo tank with a 4x5 reel. The best thing since sliced bread. Ideal setup for developing 4x5. Get a set of rollers from Jobo - that simplifies rotation by hand.

Adrian Twiss · Jul 2, 2011

I am another Jobo tank user. I load four sheets onto the spiral using the innermost and outermost slots. I hand invert so have to use 1500ml of chemistry. No big deal for me as I mix my own developer so the economics make sense.

M. Lointain · Jul 2, 2011

If you have the money the best thing to do is get a Jobo 3010, although they are getting pricey. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who says negative things about it.

frobozz · Jul 2, 2011

Everyone says the Nikor 4x5 tank is pricey (they can be had for $150-$250 generally) but I'd say that's cheap compared to what the Jobo tanks are getting up to... And I've really enjoyed using mine. Up to 12 sheets at a time.

Ducan

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

PM sent

MattKing · Jul 2, 2011

Monito said:
Switch to donair?

What's the "taco method"?

Here's a thread that discusses the "taco" method:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Rick A · Jul 2, 2011

I have an old FR daylight tank you can have for free. It holds 12 sheets in an adjustable rack.

eSPhotos · Jul 2, 2011

Thanks all.
No negative feedback on the Jobo so that's good. I know it take quite a large amount of chemical if I do inversions but if I process 6 sheets that's not too bad.
Eventually I will get an automated system.

Rick A, thank you for the offer but I like to stay with the Jobo for the future expansion to automated system.

CatLABS · Jul 2, 2011

inversion with 2523 tank takes 1.25L, not bad at all if you use anything beyond 1+1.
if you use stock, it might be a bit wasteful, but the results you will get will overcome that with ease.

Monito · Jul 2, 2011

MattKing said:
Here's a thread that discusses the "taco" method:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Very good. Thank you!

It reminds me of this device / system I saw recently when it was pointed out on eBay:

I think the inventor is a member: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Doc W · Jul 5, 2011

I have used both the tank with spiral reel for inversion, and the Expert Drum for 4x5. Both work ok, but the Expert Drum is by far the easiest. It is a lot more expensive, however, and the drums are getting harder to find.

Paul Howell · Jul 5, 2011

You can also use an old Bessler or Unicolor color print drum , both have sections for 5X7. You can do 2 5X7 without modification but if you divide the 5X7 by 2 with a little silicon goop you can do up to 4. Uses very little chem. You can roll by hand or get a motor base. I usally shoot 20 or more sheets at a time so I use hard tanks and hangers, but if shoot just few I will dig out my Bessler drum.

sandholm · Jul 5, 2011

Personal i really like the Jobo system, but dont forget the Nova Combiplan 4x5 tank, it takes six sheets and holds 1 liter of solution. I just got a daylight processor (ANFP-D54) from a pro lab that are closing, I have done some E6 in it and the result is perfect, but you can use the tank by itself.

http://www.novadarkroom.com/product/123/Combiplan_5x4_Sheet_Film_Tank_.html

2F/2F · Jul 5, 2011

Doc W said:
I have used both the tank with spiral reel for inversion, and the Expert Drum for 4x5. Both work ok, but the Expert Drum is by far the easiest. It is a lot more expensive, however, and the drums are getting harder to find.

One of the best investments I made for my darkroom was spending $225 for a 3010 Expert Drum and another $25 on a hand roller base. The setup had nearly paid for itself by the end of a 50-sheet box of C-41 film, by eliminating $4 per sheet lab fees. And all my classmates used it as well. I highly recommend these, especially if shooting color.

MOD_Photographic · Jul 15, 2011

As Monito has shown my little device i though i'd show you a bit more,

have a look at this video which explains a bit more about my processor-

[video]http://youtu.be/o0Hs7DxCkBg[/video]

cheers,

Morgan.

CatLABS · Jul 15, 2011

MOD_Photographic said:
As Monito has shown my little device i though i'd show you a bit more,

have a look at this video which explains a bit more about my processor-

[video]http://youtu.be/o0Hs7DxCkBg[/video]

cheers,

Morgan.

This this is just Darn GREAT!!!

does he make it himself?

Monito · Jul 15, 2011

MOD makes it. Looks really cool.

4x5 Developing Tank

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