5 x 4 process

[pquser]

Hi all

just been given the chance to try a 5 x 4 camera. it's a cambo monorail

any ideas on how to process the sheets cheaply and simply
as this is not likely to become a main activity for me

I do have a dark-room but it isn't 100% light tight so tray processing is
probably unlikely. except perhaps after dark.

I have looked at the combi tank but too expensive for just the odd sheet
also jobo with the same comment.

If I get bitten by the cambo I'll willingly buy a proper tank

all advice would be most welcome.

pquser

rochdale uk

 

[Nick Zentena]

A used Jobo tank and reel can be cheap with luck. Just takes some time to find it. Other then that nothing wrong with tray processing at night.

OTOH I think people over worry about light leaks. If the light leak doesn't hit the tray area is it really a leak? Light doesn't go around corners. I bet a cardboard box aimed at the light leak with the trays inside would be good enough. Box on it's side facing the light source.

 

[Ian Grant]

You can sometimes pick up 5x4 tanks quite cheaply, a Jobo 2000 or 3000 series with 5x4 spirals would also take 35mm/120 spirals. Some use Paterson Orbital tanks you need to add some locators to stop the sheets sliding over each other though.

Maybe there's an APUG member near you who could lend you a tank.

Ian

 

[CBG]

Trays are the cheapest by far.

Light leaks can frequently be sorted out very cheaply too. Depending upon the configuration od whatever windows and doors are the sources of light, you will be able to plug the leaks with darkroom blackout fabric, cardboard, plywood panels, duct tape, towels under the door, hanging blankets ...

Scrounging workarounds is a valuable substitute for the usual high costs of outfitting a darkroom
C

 

[JBrunner]

The severity of a leak depends on your tolerance for fog, and the speed of your film, and how big the "leak is. Tray processing is the cheapest easiest way to process a few sheets, but plug up those holes. When someone says it doesn't matter, that means it doesn't matter to them. To each his own, but I prefer the full range of my negative, rather than dinging up my highlights.

 

[bill spears]

I use a paterson orbital. There needs to be a few modifications done, which are described here elsewhere. They come up on ebay fairly frequently although sometimes the prices are a bit steep. However, I've recently been getting streaking, visible on large areas of even tone, which is really puzzling me.
I know some here will laugh at me but I've found open tray processing in the dark a bloody nightmare - no way !!
The combi tanks I've heard so many gripes with them from leaking, uneven development, long filling times and expensive, even secondhand.
Not tried the jobo systems yet.
Guess this isn't much help is it ? sorry!
Will watch this thread with interest and see what comes up cos after 15 months of 5x4 developing I've still not found a satisfactory method !

Bill

 

[BradS]

When I started out, I used to do a sheet at a time in the same Paterson two reeel tank that I used for 35mm roll film. You need the center column but, obviously, don't use the reels. Put the sheet in the tank with the emulsion side facing the center and process as usual. I still do it this way sometimes. Others have improved upon this idea by usinf the "Taco method". basically, the same idea but you can do several sheets at once by curving them into a taco (emulsion side in) and holding the tacos with rubber bands. Several tacos can fit in the Patterson System 4 tank.

 

[Vaughn]

To each his own, but I prefer the full range of my negative, rather than dinging up my highlights.

Highlights? I thought it was called pre (or post) exposing the shadow areas?

I would suggest starting with trays -- at night if you need to. For the beginner at LF, trays might offer more even development, and the opportunity to do one at a time to test exposure/development relationships.

Use at least 5x7 trays...4x5 trays will be too small and you will get uneven development on the edges due to more chemical movement along the sides of the trays. I used two 5x7 trays set inside an 11x14 tray to do two negs at once...agitating by lifting the 11x14 tray.

Vaughn

I was tray developing 4x5's at my in-laws' dairy farm in Australia at night due to the lack of a proper darkroom. Had to take a long break in the wee hours due to a lightning storm...but it was fun to watch. I was in their old, unused house...it had electricity still, so I had a electric kettle to heat up water. I use paper milk filters to filter out the larva, bugs, etc from the old rainwater tank. Any darkroom in a storm...

 

[JBrunner]

Highlights? I thought it was called pre (or post) exposing the shadow areas?

I usually do that before I have made my highlights...

 

[smcd17]

I started out by making my own BTZS tubes, spent around $20 at home depot and was pretty happy with the results. See (there was a url link here which no longer exists).
Adding a small sheet of fiberglass screen really helps the removal too.

 

[nze]

combiplan is also easy to use and I always get good rsult with it. I like to use it with pmk as there is far less oxidation compare to tray processing.

 

[Ian Grant]

Not so sure, I've used a Combiplan and its not as good as a Jobo. I've not used a Nikor but that should be fine too.

I now have a Yankee for 9x12's it's not as good as the Jobo either.

Ian

 

[pquser]

Delighted with all your reponses, very interesting to see so many options to try out.

I don't recognise the term taco or BTZS tube can you educate an old bloke ?

thanks for advice, please keep it comming.

Bob Robertson Rochdale uk

 

[removed account4]

you can use a 35mm / 120mm developing tube ( the metal ones you put reels into )
to put the elastic'ed film into ( tacos )

btzs is beyond the zone system ...
unicolor or other make drums for processing
film on a motor roller base ?


i have used trays for years, and some of the rooms i have processed in
had really really bad light leaks.
it takes a lot of light to fog your film
(i never had trouble with 400 speed film)
good luck!

john

 

[pquser]

Thanks for all you help

I have decided to start off using trays.

If I get hooked on the format then perhaps a less time consuming way might be needed.

regards to all who took the trouble to relpy.

Bob Robertson.

 

[djacobox372]

I use one of these, works great!

HP Combi T Daylite 4x5 Tank