4x5 Yankee Agitanks

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I've used my 4x5 Yankee Agitank for years and I found them not the greatest. The way the 12 sheets of film is packed in the rack makes for poor agitation. Also, the tank is made is that inversion of it is impossible. But I discovered the perfect use of the thank. No I'm not talking of making it a planter, but it's great for stand development. I processed 6 sheets of FP4 in HC-110 diluted 1:100. I agitated for a minute and let the tank stand for an hour. Works like a charm. The tank requires about 55 ounces of developer about 1.6 liters. I use a syringe to draw off 16 mls of developer and add 1.6 liters of water. Stand development is pretty forgiving. I could let it stand for another 5 minutes and it will make little difference. The process is great for taming contrasty shots.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

As a general rule, regarding Yankee Agitanks, just say no. But I agree, if you're going to do straight-up stand development, they're fine. The rack to hold the 12 sheets is horrible for regular agitation, though, because it causes developer surge at the edges and overdevelops. It wasn't a big deal back in the day when they were designed, because most film being run through them was being enlarged and cropped for newspaper use, so the margins were expected to get lost. Sucks if you want to contact-print from them though.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I agree

As a general rule, regarding Yankee Agitanks, just say no.

I love daylight tanks and I'd love to buy one of those Nikor 4x5 tanks. I usually get outbid on Ebay. But some day..

 

[removed account4]

its funny you use your tanks for that,
i have a few FR tanks and i use them for
stand development too, i just have trouble loading them
( even with the dohickey ) ...

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

The doohicky works great on the Yankee Agitank

its funny you use your tanks for that,
i have a few FR tanks and i use them for
stand development too, i just have trouble loading them
( even with the dohickey ) ...

If the thingy clicks it will load fine. If it's cockeyed, it won't click. Click=good.

 

[Sirius Glass]

As a general rule, regarding Yankee Agitanks, just say no.

I found the 4x5 Yankee Agitank so agitating that I returned it to FreeStyle to buy the Jobo 3010 Expert Tank at the full fare price. I am so glad that I got rid of the 4x5 Yankee Agitank and I am so happy that I bought the Jobo 3010 Expert Tank in its place.