Better than FR tank for 4x5 that isn't discontinued?

JohnRichard · Nov 7, 2013

I have been disheartened lately. I have been shooting more and more 4x5 but this damned FR tank has been giving me poor and more poor results, sometimes even complete failure. At least in the past I could get something out of it.
Now, when I search for a replacement tank, or something I might use it seems everything has been discontinued? I'm no stranger to internet sites (auction or other), but the more I look the more frustrated I become.

I want to continue to shoot 4x5, but I don't want to have to send it off because development options are no longer available. I have rare use of a darkroom, so a daylight safe option would be best. I can load in complete darkness at home, no problem.

At this point I am considering waiting until 10pm, throwing a brown safe light in my desklamp and tray developing on my bedroom dresser! At least then I KNOW I'll get something, anything! I've never tray developed sheet film but I've been reading more and more about it. Perhaps it is the way to go.

Thanks.

thegman · Nov 7, 2013

I am about to try the "taco method" for developing 4x5, but not tried it yet. You could try a Yankee tank? I've not tried these things, but just some ideas to research.

Kevin Caulfield · Nov 7, 2013

I find the Combi Plan tank very easy to use, but I believe they have been discontinued. You may get one at a reasonable price.

Tom1956 · Nov 7, 2013

Yes the FR leaks, but try 6 at the time instead of 12, so you skip every other slot. Works better.

StoneNYC · Nov 7, 2013

MOD54 and Paterson tank is really the only IN PRODUCTION item.

Takes 6 sheets, it's not hard to use, you DO have to use VERY gentile agitation.

There are two complaints.

Sheets dislodge

Sheet finger contact points leave scratches.

With GENTLE agitation / inversion neither of those happen.

MOD54 Large Format Film Processor

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/906271-REG

Regular Rod · Nov 7, 2013

JohnRichard said:
I have been disheartened lately. I have been shooting more and more 4x5 but this damned FR tank has been giving me poor and more poor results, sometimes even complete failure. At least in the past I could get something out of it.
Now, when I search for a replacement tank, or something I might use it seems everything has been discontinued? I'm no stranger to internet sites (auction or other), but the more I look the more frustrated I become.

I want to continue to shoot 4x5, but I don't want to have to send it off because development options are no longer available. I have rare use of a darkroom, so a daylight safe option would be best. I can load in complete darkness at home, no problem.

At this point I am considering waiting until 10pm, throwing a brown safe light in my desklamp and tray developing on my bedroom dresser! At least then I KNOW I'll get something, anything! I've never tray developed sheet film but I've been reading more and more about it. Perhaps it is the way to go.

Thanks.

They are discontinued but not hard to find on eBay... Expect to pay about £140.

http://freepdfhosting.com/f640343f29.pdf

RR

removed account4 · Nov 7, 2013

hi john

id try to tray process, it really is not as difficult as it seems
AND you can do it anywhere where the lights are off. while i have FR tanks
hangers, a rubber band and film tank and a rotary processor i would rather tray process, its a no-brainer ...
that is, unless you don't have anyplace where it is dark, then it won't work.
john

rjbuzzclick · Nov 7, 2013

I use paper drums for 4x5 and develop up to four sheets at a time with just 200ml of chemistry.

Karl A · Nov 7, 2013

JohnRichard said:
At this point I am considering waiting until 10pm, throwing a brown safe light in my desklamp and tray developing on my bedroom dresser! At least then I KNOW I'll get something, anything! I've never tray developed sheet film but I've been reading more and more about it. Perhaps it is the way to go.

Not sure if you're joking about the safe light, because you can't use one with any panchromatic films, only orthochromatic. All you need to tray process is a few trays and a completely dark place, probably the same place you load the film holders. In my case, that is my bathroom.

Karl A · Nov 7, 2013

In terms of new equipment, if you have the budget, the JOBO CPP-3 is available for $3000. Possibly that is overkill though.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/4083-Jobo-CPP-3-Processor

fotch · Nov 7, 2013

How about the Nikor SS reels/tanks? I heard they work pretty good although I never used one myself.

StoneNYC · Nov 7, 2013

fotch said:
How about the Nikor SS reels/tanks? I heard they work pretty good although I never used one myself.

First the OP said CURRENTLY PRODUCED and second those are VERY hard to come by, still haven't found one, and they are super expensive...

JohnRichard · Nov 7, 2013

Thanks for responses!

I don't mind out of production, as long as it's relatively easy to obtain.

Also, Gentile agitation made me laugh very much - but I'm Anglican, so works for me.

WetMogwai · Nov 7, 2013

The current version of the Mod54 doesn't have the problems of the earlier ones. I'm not particularly gentle with my agitation and I've never had any film come loose. I've even processed Rollei IR400, which is really thin, in it and had no processing problems.

StoneNYC · Nov 7, 2013

JohnRichard said:
Thanks for responses!

I don't mind out of production, as long as it's relatively easy to obtain.

Also, Gentile agitation made me laugh very much - but I'm Anglican, so works for me.

Go for the MOD54 and paterson tank, no more leaking developer, and no more uneven development. All the images I have posted shot on 4x5 were done in the MOD54 except I think the pipe smoker image.

WetMogwai · Nov 7, 2013

I just remembered one processing problem I had with the Mod 54, but it wasn't the reel's fault. The Paterson tank isn't perfectly light tight, so it can have light leaks if you don't have the lid on. It can handle subdued light with the lid off. I use the safelight any time I have the lid off.

Roger Cole · Nov 7, 2013

Karl A said:
Not sure if you're joking about the safe light, because you can't use one with any panchromatic films, only orthochromatic. All you need to tray process is a few trays and a completely dark place, probably the same place you load the film holders. In my case, that is my bathroom.

That's not quite true. You can use a very dim green (not brown) safelight, briefly, after half way through development. The film is less sensitive due to being partially developed, and green happens to the color your eyes are most sensitive to so it can be bright enough (barely) to be of some use without fogging the film. Many people develop sheet film by inspection this way. Plenty of books give instructions.

It takes some practice to make useful judgements of density with the very dim light and film that hasn't been cleared in the fixer, but some people find it useful.

StoneNYC · Nov 8, 2013

WetMogwai said:
I just remembered one processing problem I had with the Mod 54, but it wasn't the reel's fault. The Paterson tank isn't perfectly light tight, so it can have light leaks if you don't have the lid on. It can handle subdued light with the lid off. I use the safelight any time I have the lid off.

you must have had a really defective model... I once took mine into the bright sunlight just to test it, lid off, and had no fogging issues at all .... are you sure you've snapped the thing in correctly? you need to turn and lock the lid...

MattKing · Nov 8, 2013

WetMogwai said:
I just remembered one processing problem I had with the Mod 54, but it wasn't the reel's fault. The Paterson tank isn't perfectly light tight, so it can have light leaks if you don't have the lid on. It can handle subdued light with the lid off. I use the safelight any time I have the lid off.

Which version of the Paterson tanks are you using?

I use the current Paterson Super System 4 tanks and regularly load them one night and actually develop the film a day or two later.

I have had one tank, however, where the red ring that is integral to the locking of the lid (not the cap) was loose at a couple of points. A small amount of strategically placed adhesive re-attached that red ring.

polyglot · Nov 8, 2013

What about BTZS tubes or drums? I've seen some home-made tube/drum systems made from PVC pipe and screw-on endcaps.

LJH · Nov 8, 2013

Jobo Multi tanks and Expert tanks are easily obtainable. DIY roller bases are easy to make. Fair bit out there on Google.

miha · Nov 8, 2013

JOBO # 2590n is very much in production: http://www.jobo.com/System-Tanks-2500.853.0.html it takes 6 sheets at once.

Captain_joe6 · Nov 8, 2013

I'm amazed it took 3 pages for someone to mention the Jobo 2590n. That's like the go-to tank for multi-sheet daylight processing of 4x5 film, used with or without the corresponding motorized processor. If you can get one with the loader base, its pretty awesome. On the flip side, if you've got hands that aren't freakishly small, they're easy enough to load up on their own. You just have to be patient with yourself. I've used them a number of times and haven't had a single issue.

WetMogwai · Nov 8, 2013

MattKing said:
Which version of the Paterson tanks are you using?

I use the current Paterson Super System 4 tanks and regularly load them one night and actually develop the film a day or two later.

I have had one tank, however, where the red ring that is integral to the locking of the lid (not the cap) was loose at a couple of points. A small amount of strategically placed adhesive re-attached that red ring.

I ordered the bundle, so my Mod54 came with a new Super System 4 tank. It locks. The red ring seems really tight. The lid is tight and hard to get on. As far as I can tell, everything is normal. My other Paterson tanks are System 4, so I haven't seen another Super System 4. Unfortunately, they're either too big or too small to use for 4x5. I've thought about getting another Mod54 so I can use the bigger tank, but I need a much larger changing bag if I'm going to load it.

John Cee · Nov 8, 2013

WetMogwai said:
I just remembered one processing problem I had with the Mod 54, but it wasn't the reel's fault. The Paterson tank isn't perfectly light tight, so it can have light leaks if you don't have the lid on. It can handle subdued light with the lid off. I use the safelight any time I have the lid off.

I process in normal room light with no fogging issues. I use both the MOD54 (for 4x5) and the Yankee daylight tank (for 2.25x3.25). One of the things that I discovered about the MOD54 the first time I used it is that the tank is not light proof without using the Paterson center reel support inserted into the MOD54. Give that a test if you are not already doing so.

Better than FR tank for 4x5 that isn't discontinued?

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