sheet devel in roll tank

[optique]

Looking for a convenient way to process tri-x 320 sheet film, I read about using just a normal stainless roll film tank and either the rubber band method or window screen tubes. This is good since I don't have any other means to develop, but trays.

What is the nominal d-76 devel time for sheets this way? The massive dev chart says for d-76 1:1 it is 9min sheet film and 12.75min for roll.

I would assume 12.75min with the same agitation for rolls, right?

Thanks in advance
Steve.

 

[P C Headland]

If using the same agitation method, I just use the 120 time as a start. It worked well enough for me when doing "taco" or single sheet development in my 120 tank. Just make sure the tank is light tight with no reel (shouldn't be a problem with a SS tank), and that you have enough chemistry to almost completely fill the tank, unless you have ensured the sheet won't float.

 

[optique]

If using the same agitation method, I just use the 120 time as a start. It worked well enough for me when doing "taco" or single sheet development in my 120 tank. Just make sure the tank is light tight with no reel (shouldn't be a problem with a SS tank), and that you have enough chemistry to almost completely fill the tank, unless you have ensured the sheet won't float.

Before you replied, someone told me to just use sheet film times. Massive film chart says 9min for sheet and 12.75min for roll.

I just put the sheet in my stainless tank, filled the tank nearly to the top with d76 1:1 for 9min as per sheet film development. I agitated for the first 30sec, then 1 inversion per 10sec. I thought this might appoximate tray development.

My first sheet looks decently developed for a first try. I have fairly good shadow details, and good midtones I think, though the sky is blocked up. Based on my one stop overexposure, I think it looks ok. Will post scan when it dries.

I appreciate your response and look forward to your comments on this so far.

Thanks
Steve.

 

[gainer]

Another way to go is to use a printing paper storage box with a hinged lid that extends the length of the box. You can agitate by rocking the tray. Still 1 sheet at a time, but if I read you right, you can only do 1 at a time in the roll film tank.

 

[optique]

I would like to share my experience with single 4x5 sheet development in roll film tanks.

My negatives look very nice I believe. Even development, AH layer gone, no marks arising from inserting or removing negatives, I believe.

Using TXP and d-76 1:1 at 20C, I develop one sheet in a 1 liter tank with 1 liter working solution, with 30 inversions at first, then 1 inversion every 10 seconds. Negative place lengthwise, emulsion toward inside, against the stainless side of the tank. The other night I did 5 sheets with the same 1 liter, which is well within specs, I believe. (Seems like Kodak says 80sq inches per 0.4L)

The negatives may be slightly over developed, so I need to do the standard tweaking of time or agitation. My shadows look great but some highlights are nearly blocking.

The upside is that I did not have to buy anything else, and it is as simple as can be. Plus, the ease of 4x5 makes me realize how much I hate loading 120 film!

The downside is that it is slow. I will probably buy another tank, or investigate the taco method, etc. But that is not urgent.

I may see how traditional tray develpment is, maybe starting with two sheets.

I thought 120 film negatives were easy to view. 4x5 negatives are fantastic. I can fantasize about 8x10.

I will post a contact print when I can.

You all have a great day.

Love Live Film!