How to process 8 rolls at a time in a Paterson tank?

[Karl K]

I have a Paterson developing tank which can process up to 8 rolls of 35mm at one time. Questions arise: can I place the tank on a Beseler rotating motor base, which rotates constantly in one direction? The Beseler also shifts its horizontal axis slightly during rotation, causing a figure-eight effect; can I use less than the full amount of liquid, since the tank will be horizontal during the entire process? How should I time the developing, compared to standard inversion process? Will I produce denser or more contrasty or streaky negatives by using this method? Or, should I abandon this crazy idea and just use the standard inversion-twist-the-tank method? BTW, I plan to use Tri-x, HP-5+, Agfa 400 B+W, and Fuji Neopan 400 in a Noblex 135 and a Contax G-1.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I think I'd test the tank in the sink first. Those tanks aren't intend to rotate. Then if it passes that I'd test it with just water on the motor base. If it based that I think I'd still be to scared to try with film-)

I use a motor base with my Jobo tanks but those tanks are designed to rotate. Plus Patersons always seemed to leak for me. While Jobos are pretty good about not leaking.

If it was me I'd just invert the tanks.

If you do decide to try rotary then it depends on the developer. Usual rule of thumb is to try 15% less time. But without testing it can be a less then perfect rule.

 

[dynachrome]

Paterson 8 Reel Tank

The top would probably screw off while it was turning. I would use it the regular way but I would select a developer/temperature which gives a time of at least ten minutes. Even with a Paterson tank there is pour-in and pour-out time to consider with eight reels. The longer time will prevent uneven development.

 

[Canuck]

YMMV but I use similar setup for processing large numbers of 35mm film. I have both the older Paterson tank and the newer wide mouth ones. Both will work fine for your film. Just use 50% to 75% for solution in the the tanks. Just keep an eye on the tanks as mine has a tendency to walk off the roller base. Cheers!