Advice Needed on 5x7/13x18 Film Washers

TimVermont · Nov 26, 2006

Does anyone have a suggestion on what to buy for a 5x7 film washer? I'm looking for something durable. I like the thick poly tanks that Versalab uses for paper washers, but they don't make a small film-sized one. Thanks!

Peter Schrager · Nov 26, 2006

washer

Tim-get on ebay and find one of the washers that Zone-VI used to make. It is a great washer and I often empty out the divider trays to use it to either hold prints during a printing session or wash my Platinum prints. Check out what Calumet is offering these days. If they still make it they are not that expensive...
Best, Peter

Wayne Olson · Nov 26, 2006

Try film hangers....

....if you already have a print washer of the poly tank type. Two stainless rods laid across the top with the film hangers suspended down into the tank works just fine for me.

I know that some on the forum don't like the idea of using them for film development but even if you use other methods, this will let you use your print washer as a film washer also. Keeps them apart, ensures water flow around them and direct handling is minimized. Of course you still need to take them out for a final rinse in PhotoFlo.

You can get 5X7 hangers pretty cheaply on Flea Bay if you watch the auctions.

ronlamarsh · Nov 28, 2006

film washer

I made a film washer for both my 5x7 and 4x5's. I used a 11x14 tray drilled 6 holes 1/4" in diameter in one end near the bottom curve. Then constructed a water manifold out of 1/2" pvc and fixed it to the other end at the top. The manifold has about 10 small holes running the length of the tube about 1/16" diameter.
The water flows from the top front to the bottom back and when adjusted so that more comes in than gets out the bottom a nice pool to keep the negatives submerged forms.
I've been using this for years and haven't had any trouble with in adequately washed negatives.

TimVermont · Nov 28, 2006

Hi everyone, and thanks for your suggestions!

A question for Wayne: I haven't used film hangers since I was in college and it wasn't a good thing, the long edges of the negs were all scratched-yes only at the margins. Is this a case of there are film hangers and then there are good film hangers?

A question for Ron: are you washing one at a time, or how do you keep the negs from scratching each other? I'm trying some of the eastern european films and the emulsions, at least in my tap water, are very soft.

Peter-watching Ep*y, thanks!

Tim

photographs42 · Dec 7, 2006

This unit from Gravity Works is the slickest I’ve seen. I’ve used one for several years and love it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...483&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Jerome

Sal Santamaura · Dec 7, 2006

photographs42 said:
This unit from Gravity Works is the slickest Ive seen. Ive used one for several years and love it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...483&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Jerome

While I have the Gravity Works washer and use it enthusiastically for 4x5, unless you fabricate an acrylic rack insert for 5x7 similar to Gravity Works' own 4x5 rack, you'll be forced to put 5x7 film in hangers for washing.

My solution for 5x7 was to get one of Alistair Inglis' film washers:

Dead Link Removed

It effectivley separates the sheets and should completely eliminate washing-related scratches with soft emulsion film. I opted for an out-of-sink version to maximize flexibility when locating it.

photographs42 · Dec 7, 2006

Sal,
The Alistair looks good. You are right about the Gravity Works needing an adaptor. I made one using plastic coated electrical wire. It isn’t elegant but gets the job done.
Jerome

TimVermont · Dec 9, 2006

Does anyone know how to contact Gravity Works directly? A couple of stores, and a couple of APUGgers have told me that they once did make 5x7 baskets. Having now seen and handled one of the 4x5 baskets, I know that their work is good. Calumet and Adorama have both said they can't get one for me. A basket is the simplest solution for me, I can just drop it into my exitsing print washer. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to this thread!

Sal Santamaura · Dec 9, 2006

TimVermont said:
Does anyone know how to contact Gravity Works directly?...

I emailed Gravity Works asking for a 5x7 basket before purchasing an Inglis washer. Can't locate their reply now; I'd Googled them and found a Web site with contact information. They said they'd consider it, but nothing ever happened. That was several years ago.

photographs42 · Dec 14, 2006

Sal Santamaura said:
I emailed Gravity Works asking for a 5x7 basket before purchasing an Inglis washer. Can't locate their reply now; I'd Googled them and found a Web site with contact information. They said they'd consider it, but nothing ever happened. That was several years ago.

I finally took my camera down to the darkroom and snapped a pic of the 5x7 adaptor I made for my Gravity Works washer. Its not elegant but works very well and cost virtually nothing (probably took 30 min. to make from speaker wire I already had).

Jerome

Peter Schrager · Dec 15, 2006

gravity works

don't hold me to this but I'm almost positive they are out of business for a long time now.
Best, Peter

Ted Harris · Dec 22, 2006

Another vote for the Zone VI and they do come up on eBay about once a month or so.

Advice Needed on 5x7/13x18 Film Washers

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency