Chemistry rection to tray?

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• May 14, 2007

• #1

I was walking through the supermarket and I noticed that they had disposable aluminum foil trays a few inches deep and wide enough to leave some space around 11x14" paper. The best part was the price of $1.99 each. I am hoping to use these until I have the funds to purchase more permanent trays. The only concern is the possibility of the aluminum (or aluminium ) having some sort of reaction or effect upon the chemistry, paper, or film that they will contain. Is there any sort of problem there, or are they clear to go? Thanks for the help,

Justin

 

Kevin Caulfield

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• May 14, 2007

• #2

I am a chemist and should know what the reaction is, but yes, there is a problem with using aluminium.

 

Ole

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• May 14, 2007

• #3

Aluminium dissolves in alkalis - like developer. Not a good idea.

 

Steve Smith

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• May 14, 2007

• #4

A good, cheap, non-disolving alternative to 'proper' developing trays is seed trays from a garden centre. Be sure to get the ones without drainage holes though.

I got a set of three about 14" x 22" for about £11 ($22).


Steve.

 

fschifano

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• May 15, 2007

• #5

Even better, look in a restaurant supply house for bus tubs like this: http://www.acemart.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COP44010SKD.
I found some locally for about $5US and they work very well. You may never see the need for buying proper print trays.

 

Neal

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• May 15, 2007

• #6

Dear Justin,

A set of 3 12x16 Paterson trays are $22.00 at Freestyle. Adorama sells a set of 3 trays under their brand name (not as nice as the Paterson's, but useable) for $13.00. For a buck more you can get the Paterson trays at Adorama without the minimum order (unless I'm mistaken).

Don't waste your money on stuff you're just going to throw away. Go with the Paterson's if you can. They are really nice trays.

Neal Wydra

 

jim appleyard

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• May 15, 2007

• #7

Lots of used darkroom on ebay.

 

clogz

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• May 15, 2007

• #8

I agree with Jim. Some months ago I bought some second hand trays (30x40 cm) at 2 Euros each.