Light tight dev container for 4 sheets of MF film.

[peter k.]

Anybody have a commercial or DIY solution to develop 4 sheets of MF film in a light tight container..
Background:
Have two old bakealight, light tight dev film tanks.. that will take take 12, or less 4x5, 9x12 or MF sheets of film. When we shoot 6 or more we use one of these tanks. So years ago we made a couple of 1.5" ABS light tight containers to develop single sheets of 4x5 in, and have used them for single shot MF also. No problem.
When I had four or five 4x5's to develop, used the taco method in a 35mm double real, light tight container, no problem.
But the taco method does not work well with MF. The only taco method that I have found that works with MF is with actual rubber bands, because the film becomes very springy when made into a taco. The rubber band 'grips' the film, but does not allow the fixer to clear the film backing, because its tight against the surface, and leaves stripes, and then one has to re fix. Yuck.
Any ideas?

 

[darkroommike]

We have a couple of the Stearman units at school. Seem to work well even in the hands of first timers. Dead Link Removed

I don't like the Yankee Daylight tanks, slow pouring and fragile.

I have also used an 8x10 color paper drum on a motor base with great success.

 

[Rick A]

Anybody have a commercial or DIY solution to develop 4 sheets of MF film in a light tight container..
Background:
Have two old bakealight, light tight dev film tanks.. that will take take 12, or less 4x5, 9x12 or MF sheets of film. When we shoot 6 or more we use one of these tanks. So years ago we made a couple of 1.5" ABS light tight containers to develop single sheets of 4x5 in, and have used them for single shot MF also. No problem.
When I had four or five 4x5's to develop, used the taco method in a 35mm double real, light tight container, no problem.
But the taco method does not work well with MF. The only taco method that I have found that works with MF is with actual rubber bands, because the film becomes very springy when made into a taco. The rubber band 'grips' the film, but does not allow the fixer to clear the film backing, because its tight against the surface, and leaves stripes, and then one has to re fix. Yuck.
Any ideas?

So, when your done fixing and remove the bands, lay the sheets in a tray of fixer for another minute to finish what was under the band. Then wash as normal.

 

[pinholer]

Look around for one of the Nikor racks that holds twelve 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 sheets. This fits in a 16 oz stainless tank with no room to spare but the 18 oz tank would work better.

 

[Nodda Duma]

I second the Stearman tank. I've had mine for not too long and it's great. Does exactly what you're looking to do.

 

[peter k.]

So, when your done fixing and remove the bands, lay the sheets in a tray of fixer for another minute to finish what was under the band. Then wash as normal.

Yep, don't have a tray, but have done this in a old clean jam jar with lid so we can shake it.. It works but its another step of fixing after you fixed. Somewhat annoying.

I second the Stearman tank. I've had mine for not too long and it's great. Does exactly what you're looking to do.

Well were talking about MF, not 4x5, but took a look at Darkroommike's link and gave them a call.
They have nothing for MF but they made a Utube video on converting their older 4x5 holder into one that can be used for 9x12. Very simple, and a possibility that interests me. But as explained to me, to do this one needs to use on of their original 4x5 film holders, which still can be purchased, and modify it, or get a sheet of ABS at a hobby or hardware store and make one.
They have updated their 2 film holders to this now.

.
Here's the location for the 9x12 mod by Stearman Press and the drawing for the mod:
http://stearmanpress.com/9x12 film holder mod.html

If we go this route, it will give me a way to develop four 4x5's, but we already do so with a Taco method as stated that uses 500m ot just a little over 16oz.that the Stearman uses.
With a mod, we could easily develop 8 MF, so its a definite possibility., will have to research it some more.

Meanwhile anymore suggestions?

 

[Nodda Duma]

Sorry, couldn't quite tell if you needed something for MF or 4x5. Yeah I wouldn't think it'd be difficult to fabricate an adapter out of modeling plastic or balsa

 

[pinholer]

This rack was on ebay recently.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Film-developing-rack-for-cut-films-stainless-steel-/172769664020

 

[peter k.]

That's interesting, not familiar with this equipment, but the film holder is foreground, has a raised bottom so the developer can flow around, and the ends are round we take it, so that it will fit into a round stainless steel tank? But what are the other round SS items for in the background?
Someone familiar with this equipment, clarify?
Perhaps a film holder, that would take less # of negs, like this, could be made out of ABS, and be slipped into a tank. Hmmm..
Have to keep a search on the bay for this. Thanks.

 

[pinholer]

They are guides for curving the film so it goes into the grooves correctly.