Idea for 4x5 film trays

[stradibarrius]

I don't answer many questions that are asked in the threads because others have the experience to give great answers but I finally get to add a little something.
Many beginning LF photographers want to get started processing their film like with roll film but do not want to invest in different sheet film tanks.
Here is a very simple idea to get started, get some sandwich sized plastic containers at the grocery store and use those for a 3 or 4 tray processing set up. I didn't have any 5x7 trays. The smallest I have are 8x10 trays and that takes to much chemistry to process only 2or 3 sheet. Simple, CHEAP idea that works great.

 

[heespharm]

The only thing about small trays is that they MAY cause uneven development due to developer waves bouncing off the sides of the container and moving more frequently around the edges of the film... Developer is cheap ... use larger trays for less development headaches....

Tho your mileage may vary

 

[DWThomas]

There are some plastic trays sold in various sizes as "drawer organizers" that can work for tray developing as well.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Tupperware dishes. Yeah . . . . .

 

[removed account4]

i use tupperware type trays,
they are 5x7 and have lids ..
they were cheap

 

[Rick A]

I reuse chinese food take-out containers. The ones our local joint uses are 5x7 and have lids. Sesame chicken first, Pyrocat-HD and Arista UDU Ultra 100 afterward, my favorite combo.

 

[Dan Henderson]

Tupperware dishes. Yeah . . . . .

So, I want to extend an invitation to all of you Apuggers to Chris' house for a Tupp...er, for a "film developing tray" party. Chris will be providing snacks and refreshments, and I will be taking orders for the line of "film developing trays" that I have recently begun selling.

 

[stradibarrius]

Necessity is certainly the mother of invention. I think the sandwich containers are 6x6. I just got them out of my wifes pantry stores. I think a pack of 5 w/lids cost$3-$4? Anyway they worked fine for my first tray experiment.

 

[BetterSense]

I've had bad luck with small trays. They cause overdeveloped edges. I use 8x10 trays for developing 4x5.

 

[pgomena]

Ditto. 8x10 deep-grooved Paterson trays with at least a liter of developer for up to 6 sheets at once. The larger quantity of developer is easier to maintain at a constant temperature throughout the process, and less sloshing around than in a small container means more even development.

Peter Gomena

 

[dpurdy]

The best tray is the Pyrex glass bread loaf pan. Holds a liter and the film never touches the bottom leaving just enough room for your fingers. Holds the film in a nice stack.
Dennis

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Processing film in Chinese food containers

I reuse chinese food take-out containers. The ones our local joint uses are 5x7 and have lids. Sesame chicken first, Pyrocat-HD and Arista UDU Ultra 100 afterward, my favorite combo.

The problem with using Chinese food containers is that if you process some film in it, you'll want to process film again an hour later.