I do the same thing. If you use plastic reels, take an adjustable reel and set it at the point where the sheets will slide into the reel easily. Glue the reel at that point. You will have to work the sheets in to the reel since the ratcheting action won't work when the reel is glued. It's not a problem.
I can get six sheets in to the reel just by working them in with my fingers. Pop it in the tank, and process like roll film.
I have done it in 5x7 and 4x5 trays, and also borrowed my friend's Combi Plan tank, which you can get from Freestyle. I liked the tank, though it does use a lot of solution and take a while to pour. The film turned out fine, though.
..and also borrowed my friend's Combi Plan tank, which you can get from Freestyle. I liked the tank, though it does use a lot of solution and take a while to pour. The film turned out fine, though.
It works well, but I seldom bother to use this method since I prefer longer developing times, like with Rodinal 1+100, and never get uneven developed negs.
I looked for a long time and never found them. I pretty well gave up. Then, I got three by chance from a friend. She had bought a $150 darkroom setup advertised in our local Craig's List classifieds, and the 4x5 trays were included. I got so excited that she just gave them to me.
I develop two sheets of 6.5x9 at a time in a Jobo 1520 type tank. Remove the reels from the tank, toss aside. Put the center fill-post back into the tank. While supporting the fill-post, insert one sheet of film into the tank with the emulsion side facing away from the fill-post. Insert another sheet into the tank on the opposite side of the fill-post in the same manner. Cap and fill your tank to the top of the fill-post with developer. Develop as normal.
The Jobo works best for me. The Nikkor tank should work well if you can find one. I used one a few times many years ago, and I was quite happy with it. I have used the Yankee tank many times, but I've been getting inconsistent, splotchy results sometimes with 2X3 sheets. I haven't tried the Combiplan tank, but it also takes that film size.