Agitation With Patterson 4 System

I have a Patterson 4 (I think) developing tank for two 35mm spools or one 2 1/4 spool. Along with this system came a rod that enables one to twirl the spool(s) for agitation. It fits down through the pouring spout.

Does this agitation work OK? Usually, I pick up the tank and use an up and down, twist motion for agitation with which I've always had good luck. I agitate constantly for a minute and two up and down motions every 30 seconds thereafter.

If you have experience with these tanks, what would you recommend for good agitation? I like this system, because one can leave the tank in the temperature controlled water bath while agitating. I'm rigorous on maintaining a constant temperature during development.

Hi Neil,

I never had any problems with uneven development with the System 4 tanks. What you need to focus on is getting repeatable results with a consistent agitation routine.

Most developers will have a recommend agitation routine and they are normally a good place to start.

Mike

Hi Neil,

I too use this system and have always had consistent results with my developing. Your process sounds very similar to mine:

• Pour in dev
• Tap tank 3-4x on bench to dislodge airbubbles
• Agitate (using supplied "stick") for 1 minute
• Sit for 1 min
• Agitate 30 secs every minute thereafter for remainder of process time
• Stop bath
• Fix
• Wash using Ilford wash method to conserve water
• Agepon (or Photoflo) rinse to aid drying
• Hang up in dust free area to dry

I get consistent results that print well on Grade 2 using this method.
Best idea is to find the processing method that best suits your workflow and then stick to it.

Changing for the sake of change, can cause headaches and have you chasing your tail if a problem arises.

Experiment with the process you use now - if you get acceptable results stick with it; if not tweak until you're happy and then process and print to your heart's content!

Yes, the stick works just fine. Those who say it doesn't are doing something wrong. I use the stick to agitate and development is always very even. My usual agitation routine is 5 seconds agitation every half minute. Each cycle is 5 or 6 complete back and forth twists of the rod in 5 seconds. Mind you now that this applies only to smaller tanks holding a maximum of 3 35mm reels or a 2 120 reels. It may not work so well for larger sized tanks when filled to capacity.

I never use the stick.
I just pop the lid on, and invert the tank.
If it starts to leak too much (which it will), i change to rapidly sliding the tank back and forth. That works fine too.