8x10 tank

[bmac]

What other options do I have for processing my 8x10 film on a unicolor base besides the unicolor drums? Does jobo make a tank for 8x10 that will work on it?

 

[Donald Miller]

Brian,
I believe that the BTZS type tubes will work. At least they will work on my Unicolor base even though I don't use it any longer.

 

[bmac]

From what I understand (and I could and probably am wrong) the BTZS tubes aren't daylight tubes, right? I would need a light tight room to change chemicals right?

 

[Francesco]

I use a changing tent with BTZS tubes to switch from presoak water to developer. I just lay out a bunch of kitchen towels on the inside bottom of the tent just in case any drops of either presoak water or developer slips out. Very easy to use since all the water and developer empty into the cap anyway. Just turn the tube upside down, unscrew the cap with the water and then screw the cap with the developer onto the tube. Of course you would need 2 caps for each tube. From here on it is pretty much okay to move into the stop and fixer under subdued lighting conditions.

 

[DrPhil]

Jobo makes a couple of tubes that will work. The best is the 3005 expert drum. It holds five sheets in a daylight drum. Some people use it on a roller base; however, I've never tried it that way. My jobo works fine. Some people also use the Jobo print drums (2800 series) with sheet film. I have a smaller drum that would hold two sheets. Again, I've never tried this; however, it's the same idea as the btzs tubes. The likely problem will be with the anti halation layer not being completely removed from the back of the film. However, this can be washed off later. Some people make their own BTZS tubes from PVC pipe. A trip to Lowes or Home Depot would likely provide you with endless possibilities. While the BTZS tubes are not light tight, I have seen the 4x5 tubes used in low light conditions. I think most people load the tubes in a dark bag and keep them open end down. They then set them into the upright caps with developer and drop them into the tray of warm water. Switching to the stop bath is again done with the tubes facing downward. As long as you don't point the end of the tube into direct light you are supposed to be fine.

 

[ChuckP]

I use the Jobo Expert 3005 on the Unicolor 352. Possible big problem is that the large diameter drum did not make a complete revolution before reversing. I ended up modifying( 555 timer and a relay) my Unicolor base to allow 2 revolutions before reversing. This is similar to Jobo system. But I never tried it as-is so it may be OK with less then one turn. I pour the chemicals in using a flexible funnel while the drum is turning. Others say that they just pour in and then put it on the base. My drums like to walk off the base so I use a stand to limit side movement. Or maybe use rubber bands. System seems to work Ok. I also use it with a 3006 drum.

 

[George Losse]

I used a 3005 drm on a Bessler motor base for a long time before I started using one of their processors. It worked fine. It will want to walk off the motor base you have to use something at each end of the tank to keep it from falling off. I used the chemical bottles, I know other guys made wooden supports that did the same thing (blocking the tank from wandering.

I would take the tank off the base to pour the chemicals in and out of the tank. Don't freek out if your pouring time is longer then what some people say it should be. Just be consistant with you time each time.

 

[bmac]

I use the Jobo Expert 3005 on the Unicolor 352. Possible big problem is that the large diameter drum did not make a complete revolution before reversing. I ended up modifying( 555 timer and a relay) my Unicolor base to allow 2 revolutions before reversing. This is similar to Jobo system. But I never tried it as-is so it may be OK with less then one turn. I pour the chemicals in using a flexible funnel while the drum is turning. Others say that they just pour in and then put it on the base. My drums like to walk off the base so I use a stand to limit side movement. Or maybe use rubber bands. System seems to work Ok. I also use it with a 3006 drum.

Chuck, can you give me more detail on how you midified the base? Is this a radio shack parts type of job, or a send it out to an expert job?

Brian