AGO Film Processor- Paterson tank compatible processor for home users

Vintage Visual · May 16, 2023

Hello everyone,

I am thrilled to introduce you to the AGO Film Processor, a product born out of over two years of development and my master's thesis. I embarked on this project because I noticed a gap between regular development tanks and the larger, more expensive processors like JOBO, leaving limited options for film development at home.

My vision was to create a processor with JOBO-like functionalities, but to make it compact and at an affordable price point. To achieve this, I chose the Paterson tank as the foundation and incorporated automated agitation using a small DC motor.
Almost like a processor all ready, but temperature control was missing. Through extensive research and collaboration with mathematicians, we developed an algorithm that compensates for time during development, taking into account the different temperatures specified in ilford B&W and Tetenal C-41 datasheets. This breakthrough allows for flexibility, such as a C-41 developer temperature can range from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius (86-100°F).

Few days ago we launched a beta sales campaign in Europe, offering approximately 30 units to individuals who are open to sharing their experiences with us. We invite you to be part of this exciting phase, where we can work together to refine and improve AGO further. Rest assured, all beta units come with a money-back warranty if they do not meet your expectations. Additionally, if any components malfunction or fail to perform as expected, we will promptly replace them or request the unit to be returned for us to rebuild and send back to you. While AGO has proven to be stable so far, we remain dedicated to addressing any unforeseen challenges that may arise.

To learn more about AGO at at https://vintagevisual.eu/.
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Thank you for your support, and let's embark on this journey together.

Cheers,
Arno

johnwwyatt · May 16, 2023

This is great, Arno. Thank you for posting. I've been using a B's processor with great results, but it is not optimal for various reasons. I really like your design and setup much better. I already signed up and cannot wait to get a unit to try it out.

Donald Qualls · May 16, 2023

Looking at the photo, my first thought was "how does this not leak all over the counter" -- and then I realized, the tank will be stationary, only the core and reels will rotate.

Alan9940 · May 16, 2023

Donald Qualls said:
Looking at the photo, my first thought was "how does this not leak all over the counter" -- and then I realized, the tank will be stationary, only the core and reels will rotate.

I still wonder how it doesn't leak. I've never turned my Paterson tanks horizontal with any solution in them, but it doesn't seem like you could have much in there and stay dry with the way the tank mounts it mounts. It would be helpful if the OP would speak to this.

Xylo · May 16, 2023

Alan9940 said:
I still wonder how it doesn't leak

Wondering the same thing. I noticed that there is a kind of gasket on the lower half, but usually a gasket needs to be compressed in order to seal properly.
If it was like the front loading washing machines that have the drum at an angle so that it doesn't spill, then I would understand a bit better, but this is not the case.

MattKing · May 16, 2023

To use it, the funnel in the Paterson tank needs to have three holes drilled in it - I assume to match how the unit connects to the tanks.

Vintage Visual · May 17, 2023

Donald Qualls said:
Looking at the photo, my first thought was "how does this not leak all over the counter" -- and then I realized, the tank will be stationary, only the core and reels will rotate.

Yes, that is right. Like you do it with Paterson stick.

Alan9940 said:
I still wonder how it doesn't leak. I've never turned my Paterson tanks horizontal with any solution in them, but it doesn't seem like you could have much in there and stay dry with the way the tank mounts it mounts. It would be helpful if the OP would speak to this.

Thanks for asking. The processor has O-ring seal which seals it(look second picture). And you don´t have to fill it up all the way as it is rotary processor now, like JOBO. For instance 2 reel Paterson tank needs 350ml(11.9oz). This also saves chemicals compared where you fill it all the way full. These YouTube videos explains a bit How AGO works & Project introduction

MattKing said:
To use it, the funnel in the Paterson tank needs to have three holes drilled in it - I assume to match how the unit connects to the tanks.

That is correct, there are three holes, but this is to allow in vertical position to run chemicals to the tank so it can be filled up easily. Otherwise it could get in only through the center hole. This is also important to get temperature reading of the liquids for the temperature sensor.

Xylo said:
Wondering the same thing. I noticed that there is a kind of gasket on the lower half, but usually a gasket needs to be compressed in order to seal properly.
If it was like the front loading washing machines that have the drum at an angle so that it doesn't spill, then I would understand a bit better, but this is not the case.

Yes, correct. There is a gasket (O-ring) which seal it to Paterson tank, from the same inner diameter surface like Paterson lid. In a video you see how I attach it to tank: How AGO works

Dani · May 17, 2023

johnwwyatt said:
This is great, Arno. Thank you for posting. I've been using a B's processor with great results, but it is not optimal for various reasons. I really like your design and setup much better. I already signed up and cannot wait to get a unit to try it out.

Why is the B’s processor not optimal for various reasons? Not trying to go off topic, just seriously curious.

Alan9940 · May 17, 2023

Dani said:
Why is the B’s processor not optimal for various reasons? Not trying to go off topic, just seriously curious.

I'm curious, too, as I've often considered buying a B's processor for those times when I don't have much film to development and don't feel like setting up / breaking down my Jobo.

johnwwyatt · May 17, 2023

Dani said:
Why is the B’s processor not optimal for various reasons? Not trying to go off topic, just seriously curious.

Sure, first, you have to ensure the lid is on well; otherwise, it leaks. Additionally, there is a small plate with magnets attached with rubber bands to the tank that signals the rotations to the machine. It often slips out of place as do the other rubber bands used to keep the tank in place as it rotates. If you only process a couple films a week, this works fine, but it does take some tinkering and watching.

johnwwyatt · May 17, 2023

Arno, I signed up for the pre-order, do I get an email with a different price than in your shop? Do you ship to the US?

Todd Barlow · May 17, 2023

Where do you drill the 3 holes in the funnel and still maintain lightproof integrity?

Xylo · May 17, 2023

johnwwyatt said:
It often slips out of place as do the other rubber bands used to keep the tank in place as it rotates.

If you don't mind, it might be worth sticking it on the tank with either silicone caulk or some double sided acrylic tape.
The tape I got from the dollar store sticks really well while remaining removable.

There's also the 3M Command adhesive strips that could work.

Vintage Visual · May 17, 2023

johnwwyatt said:
Arno, I signed up for the pre-order, do I get an email with a different price than in your shop? Do you ship to the US?

Thanks John for being interested. Unfortunately as this is beta campaign we don't sell out of Europe at moment. Because if something brakes it is too big cost to send spare parts. We are intending to do IndieGoGo around September 2023, there it is available worldwide.

Todd Barlow said:
Where do you drill the 3 holes in the funnel and still maintain lightproof integrity?

Yes, it is still lightproof. I have tested by showing light into it and didn't have any problem with film. It is so because the holes are in upper part of funnel where light gets anyway. Also to mention, drilled funnel can be use in any situation, even if you don't develop film with AGO.

johnwwyatt · May 17, 2023

Xylo said:
If you don't mind, it might be worth sticking it on the tank with either silicone caulk or some double sided acrylic tape.
The tape I got from the dollar store sticks really well while remaining removable.

There's also the 3M Command adhesive strips that could work.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely look into that as the rubber bands are not a good long-term solution.

Xylo · May 18, 2023

johnwwyatt said:
Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely look into that

You're welcome

gorbas · May 18, 2023

johnwwyatt said:
Sure, first, you have to ensure the lid is on well; otherwise, it leaks. Additionally, there is a small plate with magnets attached with rubber bands to the tank that signals the rotations to the machine. It often slips out of place as do the other rubber bands used to keep the tank in place as it rotates. If you only process a couple films a week, this works fine, but it does take some tinkering and watching.

Are you using it with ½ volume of required chemistry per tank?

johnwwyatt · May 24, 2023

gorbas said:
Are you using it with ½ volume of required chemistry per tank?

Yes, I use 500mL in a Patterson 3 tank. It usually does not leak if I make sure the lid is on tight.

patricklabi · May 24, 2023

Hello,

I discovered this interesting new beta, and I would like to get involved in this test project - here is my e-mail address: {email address redacted by moderator - it is available through the poster's YouTube channel)
follow me on my youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0uA1HU0P0n3LVhZUcGOHzQ
Take care

MattKing · May 24, 2023

Email address reacted - it is best not to post this in publicly visible threads. We have no "reCAPTCHA" protections here.

TmRn · May 24, 2023

I don't get it. I develop 35mm and 120 in a Paterson and it's frankly the simplest and most fool-proof thing I do in the darkroom. Is this a solution looking for a problem?

foc · May 25, 2023

TmRn said:
I don't get it. I develop 35mm and 120 in a Paterson and it's frankly the simplest and most fool-proof thing I do in the darkroom. Is this a solution looking for a problem?

Maybe we are getting lazy.

Donald Qualls · May 25, 2023

TmRn said:
Is this a solution looking for a problem?

For some people (especially those who shoot a lot of film) this might be a good compromise between hand inversion and shelling out for a Jobo (or equivalent) or inventing/building your own roller processor. For people like me, who shoot and process a few rolls a month, it's of less utility. I still see the likelihood of leak problems with that half-seal where the tank connects to the base, though perhaps I'm seeing trouble that hasn't appeared (yet). Given I have enough reels to, if needed, process 32 rolls of 120 in a single session if I have the stamina (loading all on dry reels -- and I'd have to come up with a better solution for hanging rolls to dry), but almost never actually process more than one tank in a day, this isn't really aimed at me.

MattKing · May 25, 2023

I use rotary agitation (for all but the development stage after the first 30 seconds) to help ensure consistency, to make the process slightly more efficient, and to reduce the volumes necessary for stop bath and everything after.
It isn't strictly necessary, but it works out to be useful and convenient - for me.
I do think using rotary agitation for the first 30 seconds of the development stage is good for consistency.
I would use rotary agitation for the entire development stage (with adjusted times) if I didn't have problems with that when developing two rolls of 120 in the same reel.
For development, I use replenished X-Tol, and fill my 1 litre Paterson tanks.

Xylo · May 28, 2023

TmRn said:
I don't get it. I develop 35mm and 120 in a Paterson and it's frankly the simplest and most fool-proof thing I do in the darkroom. Is this a solution looking for a problem?

It's usually not a problem when you just process a couple of rolls in an afternoon. But if you've ever spent a weekend processing a large batch of films using the 5 reel tanks, then your back and shoulders will let you know why things like that are useful.

AGO Film Processor- Paterson tank compatible processor for home users

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