SP-445 4x5 sheet film system shipping soon!

[tim48v]

The first production run is finished and product is on the way to the distribution center in Hong Kong.
We accidentally sent a few too many units and rather than pay to air freight them to the USA, we're having a "Warehouse Special". Visit https://shop.stearmanpress.com/ for details.

Here's a short intro video:

 

[moviemaniac]

Finally, can't wait

 

[cmacd123]

mine came the other day. be a while till I try it as I have a couple of 4X5 holders and now this tank, but not a 4x5 camera or enlarger. BUT the unit does look very nice.

 

[Alan9940]

I decided to order one. Looking forward to trying it.

I may have missed this along the way, but what it the vent for? Do you unscrew that each time you fill/dump for faster filling/drainage?

Yes, the vent aids in filling & draining. I remove it when draining the tank, then put back on after I fill for the next step.

 

[vdonovan]

I've processed about ten sheets in mine so far. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

It's much much easier to load than the Mod54 or the Lomo reels.

 

[Oxleyroad]

Had mine a week and it is breeze to work with.

 

[Joe VanCleave]

This week I received an SP-445 from Freestyle Photo, and put it through it paces. Here is a two-part video on my process and results:



In summary:
Pro's:
Uses less chemical than a Yankee-style tank (about 475-500 mL).
Permits processing of up to 4 sheets simultaneously.
Permits daylight processing with only a changing bag; good for those without a true darkroom.
Permits thermometer to be inserted in fill port to monitor temperature during processing (Not certain of value of this feature; I assume this is only relevant during stand development, as otherwise you'd be constantly removing the thermometer and capping the fill port to perform periodic agitation. And you wouldn't want to pre-fill the tank with chemistry prior to inserting film holders, as this would otherwise defeat the purpose of using a changing bag).
Good uniformity of development.
Reasonable price compared to rotary processing (especially if you include the price of even a manual rotary base).
Permits stand development - not possible on a rotary system.
Good rinse methodology, of removing both fill/vent caps and rinsing the film in-situ; this also rinses residual chemistry from tank and internal components.

Con's:
Filled with liquid, is top-heavy, can easily fall over. Would be nice to have a wide support base.
Easily leaks from lid o-ring seal, especially with developer (base-pH solution has less surface tension); minimized by squeezing tank before tightening caps.
Scratches edges of film along both long sides (not a deal-breaker, as these are in the rebate under the film holder rails); but also leaves a 1/8" deep rectangular scratch near edge of short side, due to retainer clip on film holder, that requires a bit of image cropping in printing or scanning.
In one instance I had a sheet dislodge from film holder during rapid fixer agitation; one must be careful not to agitate excessively.
Film holders seem very thin and flimsy, potentially easily breakable.
Removable baffles seem thin and easily breakable; not certain of replacement parts for these items.
450mL minimal level indicator line (as listed in instruction sheet) is not apparent on my sample. I instead measured my chemistry volume using a graduated cylinder.

Sample results captured with Anniversary Speed Graphic and Fujinon 135-5.6 lens; using Arista EDU Ultra 200 film rated at ISO200 and processed in SP-445 using HC-110B mixed 1+31 from syrup, developed for 3:30:

Stearman Press SP-445 Test, Arista EDU Ultra 200, HC-110-B by Joe Van Cleave, on Flickr

Stearman Press SP-445 Test, Arista EDU Ultra 200, HC-110-B by Joe Van Cleave, on Flickr

These were "scanned" at low resolution on light table using mirrorless camera, processed to positive using Filterstorm app on iPad and not spotted at all.

 

[chassis]

Interesting and thanks for the report.

Is anyone using this tank for C-41 color negative film processing? Would like to hear about results and see negative scans from such process.

 

[canuhead]

Thanks for the first hand review, I'm thinking of getting one for travelling and processing with New55 R5 monobath. I agree that the unit looks top heavy so I'm thinking of making a base that will keep it stable. I also read elsewhere that fine grit sandpaper will take care of excess plastic or rough edges under the lips produced in molding.

and not to nitpick but your exposures would probably have slightly more density if the meter was facing away from you dome faces light source, unless you had the dome out of the way and was reading reflective. the measuring stick is a good idea as well !

 

[GregW]

I've done both C-41 and E-6. It's a breeze and results were as expected. No problems with uneven development/streaking etc. Handling it lightly while agitating, ie don't squeeze! prevents minor seepage. Squeeze when putting on last cap and don't squeeze after that. I love using mine.

 

[chassis]

Thanks Greg. What is your tempering bath? Wondering how the SPS-445 tank maintains temperature during the process. Do you just float it in the tempering bath, or hold it down somehow? Or do you not use a tempering bath?