Newbie developing to 120 Film

[smalltown_ska]

I just got an old medium format camera and would like to develope the film I just shot myself. It is HP5. i have developed alot of 135 film on my own. My question is, how much chemical+water do I need? Like, how many mL full do I make it in total?

 

[JBrunner]

A little more information would help. What is your developer? How big is your tank?

 

[Konical]

Good Morning,

With the typical SS tank, the usual amount is 16 oz. per reel. The reel may actually be covered by only 14 oz. with most tanks, but a couple of ounces more, given the low cost of B & W chemicals, is a good idea. Most plastic tanks will need slightly larger chemical quantities. In general, better a little too much than too little.

Konical

 

[smalltown_ska]

Okay, so your saying if I use the same amount of chem I use to develop my 135 reels it should be okay?

I am going to use Ilford DD-X developer.

 

[Nick Zentena]

It depends. What tank are you using? It's roughly the same film area but that's only part of the question.

Assuming you're using a plastic Paterson look on the bottom of the tank.

 

[Konical]

Good Morning,

No! 35mm reels need only about 8 oz. to be completely immersed, although using 10 oz. is a good idea. Use either of those amounts with 120 and you end up with partially developed film.

Konical

 

[JBrunner]

If you are using a tank that holds two 35mm reels, and it will take one 120 mm reel it is the same as developing two reels of 35. The easiest way to figure out how much you need is to put the reel(s) in the tank and fill the tank up with water and pour the water into a graduate. That will tell you the capacity of your tank. The reel(s) need to be fully immersed, so give yourself that much plus some extra. Too much is harmeless. Not enough is a disaster. If your tank takes more than one reel, you should put the other reel(s) in anyway, even if they are empty, although it's best to develop two rolls if your tank takes two so the developer load will be consistent. You will need to work out the developer dilution depending on the developer, and the volume of developing solution you need to fully immerse the film.

 

[PhotoJim]

Paterson tanks need 300 mL for 35mm and 500 mL for 120.

 

[fschifano]

It's easy. Before you load any film simply set up the reel and tank that you intend to use, for the size film you intend to process. Place the reel into the tank and fill it with water until the reel is completely covered with some extra for good measure. Measure how much fluid that takes. There's your answer.

If you are using plastic reels, make sure they are completely dry before you try to load any film. If they are even damp, they will jam.

 

[fschifano]

Paterson tanks need 300 mL for 35mm and 500 mL for 120.

Some but not all. The amounts required are embossed onto the bottom of the tank for all the Paterson and similar units I've seen, and that's quite a few.

 

[Venchka]

2008 will go down as the year I discovered HP5+ film, Xtol and Rodinal. 4x5 and 120. I love it!

As many have said, more is better. Don't skimp on developer. I have Paterson tanks designed for 1 120 reel. I use 800ml of Rodinal 1:100 for one roll of 120 in the Paterson tank. I also use 800ml of Xtol 1:3 in a Jobo 2553 tank with continuous agitation. It's all good.

 

[smalltown_ska]

Thanks to everyone for the help! Now I am off to try it!