Photax - the hybrid tank

[AgX]

This tank has merely been mentioned here. I was surprised to see my sample once even being sold in West-Germany.

It was made by Photax, a british manufacturer and importer of darkroom goods. They merged with british Paterson in the 80s.

There are two versions:
Model 35 (1x 135mm/126)
Model 20 Universal (2x 135/126 or 1x 120/220) sold with one reel only

The tank is of modern design with PE gasket between body and upper parts.
The interesting feature though is its reel:
It combines the Jobo-type thumb-ratching with the Paterson-type automatic ratchet with steel balls.

(So far I cannot test mine as I neither succeeded in getting off the cap, nor setting the width of the reel, nor twisting out the funnel. Every connection seems very tight.)


Is there anyone who has experience with this tank, especially its reel of hybrid design?

 

[darkosaric]

Which exactly tank is this? Can you post a link or picture?

 

[AgX]

A fine photo of the Model 35 with most details (Model 20 just got a longer barrel):

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/w1600/pict/162358997016_/Photax-35mm-Developing-Tank-Very-good.jpg

You see one of the two balls and both thumb recesses.
For internal pressure relief it got a real valve. I think that is unique too.

 

[darkosaric]

Nope, never saw this one - I have new Paterson (easy to load), and old Jobo (pain in the a** to load), this hybrid is exactly half way. Sorry .

 

[Peter Schrager]

I use one..it is a well made product...I believe I switched out the reels as I have many...it's a nice and well constructed design

 

[Harry Stevens]

I have one with the box and I think it as a automatic release valve to let the build up of pressure out when the fumes get too much,I use my steel tank now but I will be using all of my tanks soon to develop my exposed 16 roll colour stash on one hot day soon.......

 

[foc]

I have one of these tanks ( Photax Model 20) and I was using it for the last 27 years, up until last week. The centre column got a crack in it near the top and I was afraid it may leak light. I will look and see if I can substitute an other column.

I have used this Photax tank for processing B&W films in my minilab since 1990 and never had a problem. The reels always worked perfectly and still do. I use a toothbrush to clean the grooves. I never liked the lid cover with the valve release so I stopped using it a long time ago (and of course lost it). I agitate by a swirl.

To load the film I always trim the corners of the film before loading in a dark box. I always found the notched centre column handy for making sure the reel is pushed fully down on it. The lid can be dismantled so you can clean the light trap and dry it after processing.

 

[Malcolm Stewart]

I have one acquired a few years ago in an eBay job lot of gear, but I note that the 3 "spring" supports for the valve have come adrift from the collar, in what may have been a Superglue repair. I've never used it, as I have both Paterson & Jobo tanks, but it seems well designed.

 

[AgX]

I would not consider myself a timid guy when it comes to forcing parts, but in this case I really got the feeling to brake something.

The reel I could put on a flat surface and put pressure on it with another flat serface to not risk breaking the spirals to set it at 35mm, but then how to get it back to 62...? My Jobo reels (clear and white) work as a charm in contrast.

 

[AgX]

So far I cannot test mine as I neither succeeded in getting off the cap, nor setting the width of the reel, nor twisting out the funnel. Every connection seems very tight.

Still am sitting literally stuck with this issue...

 

[Nodda Duma]

Soak it in hot water, AgX. Everything will expand and maybe loosen up.

 

[philpem]

Incidentally if anyone needs a new centre-valve for a Photax Model 20 (I have two of them, Universal type) -- you can 3D print them. I ended up using a (3D printed) steel spring and a plastic cap to hold it in place.
I should probably put the STL files on Thingiverse...

Alternatively you can seal the valve with neutral-cure silicone. These days most of the Model 20s I've seen have a slow air (and chem) leak which makes the valve a little redundant (it's there to release pressure to make the lid easier to remove).

They'll take the Paterson reels, and if you want to run 120 they'll also take the rather nice AP Compact reel with the loading ramps.