Ansco developing tanks, light tight?

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,729
Messages
2,780,080
Members
99,694
Latest member
RetroLab
Recent bookmarks
0

A Sabai

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
41
Location
Wisconsin
Format
4x5 Format
I just got a bunch of those little old Ansco/GAF developing tanks that need a stick to spin the reel around. Although I got 6 of these things including an unused one in the box I didn't get a stick to agitate with. I plan on making one out of a wooden dowel, but it won't be a close fit like the original, and I'm wondering if it will be light tight?

Thanks
 

fschifano

Member
Joined
May 12, 2003
Messages
3,196
Location
Valley Strea
Format
Multi Format
Yep, those are the ones. The agitation stick has a built in thermometer. I wouldn't give you a dime for the thermometer's accuracy, but it's there. Incidentally, I just keep them around for show. They are the WORST daylight tanks I've ever used. Plastic reels must have earned their sometimes bad reputation for jamming from these things. They've never worked easily, but the tanks are light tight without the stick.

I hope you didn't pay a lot of money for those things because they are worthless. Do yourself a favor and get one of these. You'll be much happier in the long run. Trust me.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Anscojohn

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 31, 2006
Messages
2,704
Format
Medium Format
I just got a bunch of those little old Ansco/GAF developing tanks that need a stick to spin the reel around. Although I got 6 of these things including an unused one in the box I didn't get a stick to agitate with. I plan on making one out of a wooden dowel, but it won't be a close fit like the original, and I'm wondering if it will be light tight?

Thanks
*********
Yes. The access point for the spinning tool is light tight even with nothing in it. A pencil works o.k. in a pinch. Despite Frank's dim view, keep the reel clean and dry and they load just fine. I have had at least one on the shelf for almost fifty years, if for no other reason than it was the only thing I could load successfully with 220 film.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,857
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
Some of the Ansco/GAF tanks were larger, and had an extra click position that would work with 116/616 film as well.
 
OP
OP

A Sabai

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
41
Location
Wisconsin
Format
4x5 Format
I got a FR developing tank, but after doing some research I bought a stainless steel tank with hangers instead. I'll have to spend some extra time in the dark, but I should get better results. I wish I could afford a JOBO processor. I used one at the photo lab I worked at, and it was great. The only problem I had with the JOBO was sitting in a room all by myself listening to water running and the rhythmic turning of the drum. It made me sleepy, and feel like I had to go to the bathroom. I was afraid I would nod off and pee myself.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom