Not warming up to the SP45

Zathras · Feb 8, 2023

Alan9940 said:
I vaguely remember (and I mean VAGUELY because this is something like 40 years ago) a photographer that simply cut PVC pipe to an appropriate length for 4x5 film, slid the film in like the BTZS tubes, and simply rolled them back-n-forth in each tray. This all had to be done in the dark, of course. No idea if this idea would work out well because I've never tried it myself. Certainly, would be cheap enough to try and see if it leads anywhere.

Years ago, I made some tubes for Extreme Minimal Agitation (ala Steve Sherman) with Pyrocat-HD. They have a permanent cap on one end and a pipe stopper on the other. Very quick and easy to fill, once you get used to it because this part is in the dark. After the stopper is tightened down, the rest of the process can be done in room light. No reason why this same design couldn't be used for normal development, but it does require quite a bit of chemistry depending on tube size.

I saw that in the old Darkroom Techniques mag. The photographer you mention was David Kachel.

Donald Qualls · Feb 9, 2023

That's Nikor, with one K -- Nikkor is a Nikon lens. The current Chinese tank is the BWKing, holds IIRC 10 sheets in a little more liquid than a Nikor 4x5 tank (1.1 L?). It (at least the cage inside) is hand made, or so I've read, and because it's a sideline for the maker, there may be only a few on eBay at any given time. Everything I've heard, however, says they're well made.

Alan9940 · Feb 9, 2023

Donald Qualls said:
That's Nikor, with one K -- Nikkor is a Nikon lens. The current Chinese tank is the BWKing, holds IIRC 10 sheets in a little more liquid than a Nikor 4x5 tank (1.1 L?). It (at least the cage inside) is hand made, or so I've read, and because it's a sideline for the maker, there may be only a few on eBay at any given time. Everything I've heard, however, says they're well made.

I use the BWKing 4x5 tank. It does hold 10 sheets and requires 1,050ml liquid. It's well made. The only issue I ever had with it was a slight density increase where the bands are around the middle. I experimented and found an agitation method that eliminated that problem.

Oh, and he provides great customer service IMO. When I bought the tank initially, the material under the lid could corrode over time. I never had that issue. But, at some point along the line he changed the lid and sent all prior buyers a new lid without charge!

Donald Qualls · Feb 9, 2023

Alan9940 said:
he changed the lid and sent all prior buyers a new lid without charge!

Don't get that from corporations much, unless they lose a lawsuit...

Chuck_P · Feb 9, 2023

Thanks for all the input. I initially liked the Jobo because I thought it's capacity was what was stated at B&H, but I grossly misunderstood it. My apologies to Mr. Heisz. So the one thing that is going for SP445 is the lower 16 ounce capacity that will develop 4 sheets, I like that part. I really dislike the wash recommendation of fill and dump, fill and dump, fill and dump etc... I worked around that with this, flexible tubing placed all the way to the bottom of the tank.

I can't explain it, it's just an awkward tank to me....however, I'm beginning to realize it is probably the best option for me at this time and I need to quit arguing with it, so to speak.

Donald Qualls · Feb 9, 2023

I don't see any reason an Ilford wash wouldn't work with the SP-445. Fill, 5 inversions, dump; fill, 10 inversions, dump; fill, 20 inversions, dump, and you've washed with only (in this case) three pints of water, plus one for PhotoFlo...

Chuck_P · Feb 9, 2023

The flow you see there is higher for purposes of the photo. The flow rate for actual washing is much slower. I may use more than you mention but that's how I do it.

Sirius Glass · Feb 9, 2023

I started developing sheet film in trays and did not like that. Next I went to the Yankee tank and that shloshed out chemicals from the top, I kept moving up the price range and FreeStyle took back all the tanks as I upgraded and ended up the the Jobo 3010 Expert Drum. I have been a happy camper since. Thank you, FreeStyle.

faberryman · Feb 9, 2023

The way to warm up to the SSP-45 developing tank is to use some of the alternatives, although there is something about the process of interleaving sheet film in a tray in the dark that has its attractions.

BrianShaw · Feb 9, 2023

Donald Qualls said:
I don't see any reason an Ilford wash wouldn't work with the SP-445. Fill, 5 inversions, dump; fill, 10 inversions, dump; fill, 20 inversions, dump, and you've washed with only (in this case) three pints of water, plus one for PhotoFlo...

The Ilford wash process works just fine in the SP-445, as well as in a Paterson tank. I doubt that the concern about washing method has much to do wit the type of tank, though. We both know htat some peole simply prefer the running water wash and think it more effective.

Alan9940 · Feb 9, 2023

Chuck_P said:
I can't explain it, it's just an awkward tank to me....however, I'm beginning to realize it is probably the best option for me at this time and I need to quit arguing with it, so to speak.

Wait until you knock it over in the dark during loading and one or more of the baffles flies out across the table somewhere! Don't ask how I know that...

Btw, the Ilford wash sequence works perfectly well with this tank; used it many times and my negs don't seem any the worse for it.

faberryman · Feb 9, 2023

If doing the Ilford suggested wash sequence with an SP-445 is a problem, you are probably a candidate for sending your film out for processing.

Chuck_P · Feb 9, 2023

faberryman said:
If doing the Ilford suggested wash sequence with an SP-445 is a problem, you are probably a candidate for sending your film out for processing.

Who said it was a problem.....

Not warming up to the SP45

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