Paterson tank on rotary base?

[awldune]

I have a Paterson multi-reel 3 (holds 2x120) and recently got a Uniroller base for $3

I gave this combo a test run with water, and it drips very slightly but otherwise seems good. I read elsewhere that Vaseline can help with the drips.

Does anyone use this combo? I am trying to figure out how much chemicals to use.

Thanks

 

[Ian Grant]

Welcome to APUG.

What's the advantage. I've used Paterson tanks since about 1963 or 4 and always used inversion agitation, (I was very young).

More seriously I sue all sorts of Paterson Tanks System 4 & System 4 Super some hold 7 35mm films, I've used them for B&W, E4, E6, C41 and never needed a motorised base (or hand roller).

I have also used early Paterson Colour tanks (similar to System 4) on aroller & on a Lego motor + wheels. I don't know what level of chemistry you need unfortunately but it will be around half needed for a tank filled for Inversion use.

Ian

 

[Venchka]

I use a Jobo 2551. It's similar but larger diameter so the film is farther from the center of the tank. I suggest that you fill the tank with water and place it on the Uniroller (motor off) and let the excess water drain out. Turn the tank upright, remove the lid and measure the amount of water remaining. That should be enough to cover the film. After that, be on the lookout for a Jobo 2551 or 2553 tank and reels. Those are the same tanks, different lids.

 

[awldune]

I am interested in a roller because I find it very tedious to stand around and agitate for 10+ minutes when push-processing etc. I tend to do a sloppy job and get uneven results.

Venchka, I'm not sure I understand about letting the excess drain out. The tank in question would drain all of the water if I removed the lid.

I've been watching for Jobo tanks, but they seem to be going for $30-40 on Ebay.

 

[fschifano]

If you think that standing around and agitating the tank for 10 minutes is too tedious, then maybe this isn't for you. Look, this hobby, if that's what it is for you, takes a certain amount of effort, patience, and discipline. For that, you are rewarded with a superior product.

 

[domaz]

Just buy the Jobo tanks they are worth it. You can put a long (two-section) 1500 series tank on a uniroller base no problem. Uniroller bases are very cheap on Ebay. The 2500 series tanks would probably work on them as well.

 

[mgb74]

Before trying Vaseline, I'd try to find an appropriately sized O-ring to use between the tank and the screw-on top.

 

[Ian Grant]

My old Lego motor works well for making a home made roller base, I used it in the 70's for Cibachromes & early colour neg/pos prints. I have used it more recently with a JOBO 2000 series tank, but I prefer inversion agitation for films.

Inverting a tank a few times for 15 minutes in daylight is not exactly tedious. Tray processing for that time in the dark is

Ian

 

[Venchka]

I am interested in a roller because I find it very tedious to stand around and agitate for 10+ minutes when push-processing etc. I tend to do a sloppy job and get uneven results.

Venchka, I'm not sure I understand about letting the excess drain out. The tank in question would drain all of the water if I removed the lid.

I've been watching for Jobo tanks, but they seem to be going for $30-40 on Ebay.

Fill tank with water.
Place tank in horizontal position on motor base.
Water will run out until the water level reaches the low point of the hole in the middle of the tank lid. Best to position open end of tank over a sink for this part.
Stand tank upright.
Remove lid.
Pour remaining water into graduate and record the volume.
This is the amount of liqiud (developer, stop, fixer) to use in your tank when using a motor roller base.

Jobo tanks & reels: One of those rare products that are probably worth more than they cost. You need the 2551/2553 tank and the cog lid and a few reels. The tank holds 5 reels adjusted for 35mm film, 3 reels adjusted for 120/220 and 2 reels for 4x5 film. I got my 2553 with lid, extension tube and 5 reels for the price of postage and a friend got the tank, tube and lid for $6 in a local camera store. ebay is not your friend. I use 800ml of liquid in my 2553 for 4x5 or 120 film.

 

[awldune]

The tank in question pours from around the rim when emptying, so I can't get a measurement in the way you suggest.

What probably would work is to fill it absolutely to the brim upright, and then measure that volume and use .6 of that volume for my chemicals.

I'll continue to look out for Jobo drums, thanks.

 

[MattKing]

I have been experimenting with this approach, using HC110 dil H, and so far it seems to work well.

The reason I'm trying this is that it is a way to make my agitation routine very consistent and repeatable.

My rotary base is unidirectional, so I flip the tank around every 30 seconds.

As for volume, I have two 120 reels in that very tank, and I'm using 1/2 the volume recommended for inversion processing.

Matt

 

[mpirie]

How about putting a reel and column in a tank, then add a convenient volume of water, (say 300ml) cover the top with cling-film (sandwich-wrap), then lay the tank on the roller?

That way you should be able to see how much of the spiral is immersed while it's on it's side? Remove the cling film and measure the volume?

Presumably you'll need to add some more to compensate for any liquid finding it's way into the lid?

Mike

 

[awldune]

How about putting a reel and column in a tank, then add a convenient volume of water, (say 300ml) cover the top with cling-film (sandwich-wrap), then lay the tank on the roller?

Great idea! I did this, and it looks like 600ml would go perfectly up to the core. Could be I could use less, since 120 film on plastic reels doesn't go all the way in.

I'll try 500ml as MattKing recommended.

 

[mpirie]

The Paterson reels take 220 film, so you could load 2x 120 films one after the other.

You would then be able to use two volumes (300ml for single film, 500ml for 2 films).

Mike

 

[Venchka]

Right. I forgot. I used the other method to see what the half full volume of the Jobo tanks was. Hmmmmmmmmm...you will need to fill the tank, put the plastic lid on the primary lid, put the tank on the roller base and turn the timer on. Might get a little hectic.

 

[awldune]

Just ran my first run with this combo. I used 500ml, which was a precious plenty. I expect 350ml would be enough, need to shoot a junk roll to test with.

No drips! I was pleasantly surprised.