Patterson 4x5 tank

Does anybody use the Patterson 4x5 tank and what are your experiences. I don't have a good place for tray development, so was considering this. I have not done any 4x5 processing before, but have done 35mm and 120. This tank is fairly expensive, but if it works well might be worth it.

Not paterson but I do have a jobo with 4x5 reel which works nicely. Previously I had a combiplan tank which personally I think is a pile of junk prone to all sorts of problems, not least slow fill time causing streaks on negatives.

The jobo requires following two parts, the tank and the reel. It will do 35mm and 120 too with the right reels, but not so economically becasue the 2500 series tanks are designed for rotary processors really.

http://www.jobo.com/en/analogue/2520-jobo-multi-tank-2-

http://www.jobo.com/en/analogue/2509n-jobo-sheet-film-set-uni

Not cheap I know but the best system for small volume 4x5 development I think. i.e. it actually holds the film in slots properly.

If you have a darkroom which is truly blacked out(no tiny light leaks), then consider a stainless dev tank with film hangers.

Is this what you mean? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/908261-REG/Paterson_4X5_Sheet_Film_6.html
I've never used one, I've read mixed reviews of them. I use a Unicolor 8x10 drum on a motorized base. I've also tray developed and used the taco method, and even owned a Jobo CPE2 system, actually used nearly every type of tank and "latest/greatest" system. I prefer the method I currently use, it's simple and uses far less chemistry.

Xmas said:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/archive/index.php/t-68315.html

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I've used both this version of the Mod 54 insert and the original one. I can think of no compelling reason to use anything else. With two set ups I can do 12 sheets without waiting on something to dry. There is a little learning curve and you will like the system.

I use the Paterson 3 reel tank (three 135's, that is) and develop two 4x5 sheets at a time, manual inversion, just as if it were roll film. Emulsion side to the center. They do not float together and thus do not get scratched. Invert gently, of course. It takes 825ml of solution to cover the fiim.

Be sure to keep the center post in the tank - it is part of the light trap.

I've tried to "taco" method, and find that the two "flat" sheets work best for me.

When I started using 4x5 I bought a FR slosher, similar to a Yankee slosher, what a mess it left of everything.
Next I tried a Combiplan. Slow fill, drain, it leaked and film came out of the slots during inversions.
Next I bought a Jobo 2500 tank and 2509n reel. Never looked back and bought some more as well as their manual roller base. With the roller base and a single reel tank I process 6 sheets in 300ml of chemicals.
The instructions say 270ml but 300ml works better.
I've never had a developing flaw with the Jobo and its easy to learn.

Yes

Rick A said:

Is this what you mean? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/908261-REG/Paterson_4X5_Sheet_Film_6.html
I've never used one, I've read mixed reviews of them. I use a Unicolor 8x10 drum on a motorized base. I've also tray developed and used the taco method, and even owned a Jobo CPE2 system, actually used nearly every type of tank and "latest/greatest" system. I prefer the method I currently use, it's simple and uses far less chemistry.

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Thats the one at B&H. I also have a Unicolor 8x10 drum and a Beseler 8x10 drum with motor base, but haven't used them since doing color prints.

I use an 8x10 Unicolor drum. I can get four sheets into it. It requires only 75 ml of chemical. A motor drive is great for consistency but just rolling on a table top works well too.

Kilgallb said:

I use an 8x10 Unicolor drum. I can get four sheets into it. It requires only 75 ml of chemical. A motor drive is great for consistency but just rolling on a table top works well too.

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75/4 = ~18ml per sheet - what developer are you using that has that much capacity?

Marvin said:

Does anybody use the Patterson 4x5 tank and what are your experiences. I don't have a good place for tray development, so was considering this. I have not done any 4x5 processing before, but have done 35mm and 120. This tank is fairly expensive, but if it works well might be worth it.

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I haven't used the 4x5 tank but I have started using the MOD54 in a Paterson multi reel tank 3 and I can highly recommend it. Not problems with it - just the same as developing roll film.