Multi Reel 120 Film Tanks

[ChrisW]

Are there any disadvantages to using a multi reel manual processing tank for 120 film? I currently utilize two single reel tanks simultaneously.

Where can I source multi reel tanks?

Thanks

 

[Jim Jones]

I've used up to 8 reel tanks for 35mm. The same tanks would hold 4 120 reels. The main disadvantage is the possibility of inconsistant development due to the time required to fill the tank. A water pre-bath may minimize this. A better way to use these deep tanks is to have a second tank for stop bath and subsequent steps. In the dark all reels are quickly placed in the developer tank. After development, and again in the dark, they are moved to the stop bath. Subsequent steps can be done as usual in room light.

 

[Paul Howell]

My main concern is the time it takes to fill and drain a large tank. When I process 2 or more rolls of 120 I use a rod to move the rolls from one tank to the next and process in the dark. You can find lots of thanks on E Bay. I just use a set of plastic pitchers that I got at a dollar store.

 

[ChrisW]

Both good advice, and thanks. I always pre fill to tanks before submersion, and I like the idea of additional tanks for stop pre fill. The pitcher idea makes sense, but my develop times can be long and I may be forced to focus on my inner self is such an isolated environment.

 

[Justin Low]

A Jobo 1520 tank with the 1501 reel will allow two rolls of 120 to be loaded on a single reel. It uses a little clip to prevent the films from overlapping. Works for me. Never had a problem with it.

 

[fschifano]

Are there any disadvantages to using a multi reel manual processing tank for 120 film? I currently utilize two single reel tanks simultaneously.

Where can I source multi reel tanks?

Thanks

The question is, how big? If you are talking about a tank for up to 2 120 size reels, there's no problem at all. A 1 quart stainless steel tank with two reels will do just fine. The elongated fill and drain times you get with larger tanks may cause some problems. B&H has large Paterson System 4 tanks with capacity up to eight 35mm or 126 rolls, six 127 rolls, or five 120/220 rolls.

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

I work with both Paterson and stainles steel tanks, sizes 1, 2, and 4 120-reels and never had much problems with uneven development or streaking when processing big batches. I have those incredibly powerful fists as a result, though.

The only time I've had streaking was on 35mm in XTOL 1+1 in a standard Paterson tank. After some reading, it appeared that prewetting could be in cause. That seems to be a specific behaviour of XTOL, that it likes to sink in the emulsion without delay, apparently.

All my tanks I got from eBya.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

My biggest daylight tank holds 6 MF reels. Depending on the developer and development time, I either fill it in the dark and then put in the reels on a lifter rod or fill it with the reels in the tank and the cap off, then put on the cap and proceed normally for the rest of the process. The main thing is that development should start all at the same time.

 

[Max Power]

I use Kindermann tanks and reels which take up to two rolls of 120 and four rolls of 35mm. To be quite honest, I've never noticed an inconsistency in developing due to the time it takes to fill/drain the tanks. It takes approx 10 seconds to fill and 10 seconds to drain; with a 10 minute development time, IMHO 10 seconds isn't going to make much of a difference in development between the rolls of film.

If I recall correctly, though, a Paterson system is even faster to fill and drain.

Kent

 

[Nick Zentena]

A few [quite a few?] different tanks are out there. You don't mention which system you currently have.

Big tanks are nice because you can do more when you want. How much this matters to you depends on how much film you process.

 

[fhovie]

I use Jobo tanks - I can do 8 rolls of MF or 18 sheets of 4x5 at a time. The technique is the same with 8 rolls as it is with one except I am using 2 or 3 liters of solutions and have to be careful that agitations do not become to violent and cause agitation streaks. It is not a big deal except that I am now done with a project in less than an hour instead of taking a whole afternoon.

 

[MattKing]

If you use higher dilutions with longer development times and reduced agitation, the significance of the time it takes to fill and empty the tank is reduced.

In addition, the larger tank adds the advantage of ensuring exactly the same temperature for development for all your rolls.

 

[Jim Jones]

. . . I may be forced to focus on my inner self is such an isolated environment.

Good music isn't an absolute darkroom necessity, but it sure helps.

 

[esanford]

I've been doing up to three reels for a long time with no noticeable difference. These reels are available on eBay or at B&H etc...

If it were me, and I really wanted to know, I would spend an afternoon and do the following test and I would know for once and for all:
Shoot 3 rolls of film of exactly the same subject. Just pick an object with a full range of tones; set the camera on a tripod and fire off all the shots at the same subject.

Develop one roll in a single tank.

Then develop the other two rolls together in a large tank.

Dry the negatives and make 3 proof sheets (make sure you note the rolls that were done together).

Compare the proof sheets

If all the proofs look the same (use a magnifying glass if necessary), then you don't have a problem.

If they are different, you can see it and decide whether there is enough of a difference to discard the 2-reel process.

It may sound silly, but I do these kinds of tests often so I will know exactly how something works. In the long run, it saves me a lot of time and materials. I don't have to guess.... because I KNOW....

 

[ChrisW]

Done. I ordered two Paterson Multi Reel 8 tanks. With a capacity of five 120 rolls each, I will be busy. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[ChrisW]

Good music isn't an absolute darkroom necessity, but it sure helps.

No doubt. A 40GB iPod plugged into the stereo system with a volume control knob next to the timer.

If it's worth playing, it's worth playing loud. Who said that?

Wagner's music is better than it sounds. Mark Twain.