Paterson System 4 Tank Usage

Alan9940 · Feb 8, 2017

Just recently started using a Paterson System 4 tank for my 35mm processing because the reels I have for it are so much easier to load than stainless reels. However, since I use inversion agitation and not the "twist method" I'm finding it difficult to secure the lid in a timely manner. Does anyone who uses these style tanks have a trick for getting the lid on quickly and such that it doesn't leak? With my stainless tanks I can pop the small plastic cap on in about 2 secs; seems to take me about 15 secs to get the Paterson lid on correctly.

Sorry for the silly question, but I'd sure appreciate your input.

jvo · Feb 8, 2017

i always turn the lid in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise) until it dropped past the opening grooves, then turned clockwise.

jvo

Kevin Caulfield · Feb 8, 2017

You need to "burp" the lid to release some air and thus create a better seal. Open one side of the lid and press down in the middle of the lid whilst closing the lid.

jvo · Feb 8, 2017

i always turn the lid in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise) until it dropped past the opening grooves, then turned clockwise.

jvo

Pioneer · Feb 8, 2017

I never really noticed that a few seconds make all that much difference in my negatives. What is your normal development time?

bvy · Feb 8, 2017

You can always "twist" for the initial agitation (30 or 60 seconds), then use the first rest period to secure the lid properly.

Another option is to use a sheet of plastic cling wrap. Wrap it loosely around the lid or quickly around the tank, then just hold the cap in place for the initial agitation. The wrap should minimize leakage, but this is still messy and a little risky.

I had a problem with the long pour times in the taller Paterson tanks. I eventually went stainless.

jimjm · Feb 8, 2017

With practice you should be able to get the lid on within 5 secs. Unless you're using really short dev times (<5 mins), it won't have any effect on your processing. "Burp" the lid after sealing it all around, to get a better seal.

MattKing · Feb 8, 2017

Which style of tank are you using: the long discontinued System 4 or the current Super System 4?

If it is the current version:
1) Practice helps. I can pop it on quickly and "burp" it in about 5 - 10 seconds;
2) Paterson's recommendation is to use twist agitation for 30 seconds continuously at the beginning, and then follow with inversion agitation for the rest of the developing time;
3) I find prompt placement of the lid followed by 30 seconds of continuous agitation works well for me, so I don't bother with the twist agitation.

Fixcinater · Feb 8, 2017

I just use slight rocking/twist of entire tank motion for agitation and no lid as I could never get them to seal properly.

Alan9940 · Feb 8, 2017

Pioneer said:
I never really noticed that a few seconds make all that much difference in my negatives. What is your normal development time?

Typically, in the range of about 8 - 12 mins. You're probably right that a few extra secs don't matter, but after using stainless tanks & reels for so long (mostly 120 roll) it bugs me that I'm not faster with the lid.

Alan9940 · Feb 8, 2017

Matt,

Yes, it's the current style tank. I just accidentally discovered the "burping" technique today while developing some film; it really helped with the leaking. I think that with a bit more practice I'll get fast enough with the lid.

Thank you to all for your suggestions. I will definitely try them.

Pioneer · Feb 8, 2017

Alan9940 said:
Typically, in the range of about 8 - 12 mins. You're probably right that a few extra secs don't matter, but after using stainless tanks & reels for so long (mostly 120 roll) it bugs me that I'm not faster with the lid.

I would think you are losing more time with the fill time on the Paterson as opposed to your previous steel tanks.

To eliminate the time losses you should insert all the reels on the core into the tank that has already been filled with the proper amount of developer while in the darkroom. Start your timer and use the core to swish the film around in the tank for a few seconds. Then you can take your time installing the lid before your next inversion routine.

mshchem · Feb 8, 2017

MattKing said:
Which style of tank are you using: the long discontinued System 4 or the current Super System 4?

If it is the current version:
1) Practice helps. I can pop it on quickly and "burp" it in about 5 - 10 seconds;
2) Paterson's recommendation is to use twist agitation for 30 seconds continuously at the beginning, and then follow with inversion agitation for the rest of the developing time;
3) I find prompt placement of the lid followed by 30 seconds of continuous agitation works well for me, so I don't bother with the twist agitation.

+1 I have used the old and new style Paterson tanks for decades. I just learned here, about a year ago, that the little swizzle stick is for first initial agitation. Even though they leak, I still like the mid 70's system 4 tanks. I love the design. Everything that Matt says is IMHO right on target. Best Regards Mike

Ricardo Miranda · Feb 8, 2017

Pioneer said:
I would think you are losing more time with the fill time on the Paterson as opposed to your previous steel tanks.

I would think it is exactly the opposite.
My SS tank always take more time to fill.

Nige · Feb 9, 2017

I have 2 Super System 4 tanks. One lid is easy to put on (purchased earlier 80's and has always been like this) and needs burping to get a seal, the other (purchased early 2000's I think) is very hard to put on (need to push down very firmly right around the rim) and doesn't need burping. I can swap the lids between the tanks but it's the lids that's tight/loose. Luckily for me, the older lid had a mark on it from a lump of bluetak that was stuck to it for some reason I can't remember, and that visual reminder tells me what I have to do to get the lid on

Paterson System 4 Tank Usage

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