Spacer for 6-1/2" Nikor tanks with 120 reels

[Steve Goldstein]

Since starting photography in the early 1970s I've used 6-1/2" tall Nikor developing tanks - this is the size that holds four 35mm or two 120 reels. When processing 120 I always use two reels in the tank even if I'm only developing one roll in order to minimize the "pistoning" that occurs during agitation. But even with two 120 reels loaded there's still empty space at the top, and the remaining up-and-down movement of the reels during agitation has always bothered me even if I can't point to any defects this might have caused over the decades.

At a recent camera show I picked up a Nikor 16mm reel (for 39" film length) on a whim because it was cheap. There's just enough room for it on top of the two 120 reels. My non-problem has been solved!

 

[mshchem]

Non-problem problems are the most difficult to solve. Congratulations!

 

[eli griggs]

I have a 16mm SS reel too but the lack of it in steel tanks never bothered me.

I should probably turn down the "Pearl Jam" and "Yes Songs" while developing.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[AZD]

The new non-problem to worry about is whether you put the 16mm spacer on top or on the bottom. Developer volume notwithstanding, which provides better agitation? What magic have we been missing with our film sitting down in the bottom of the tank instead of being 16mm higher than whatever filth gravity pulls below. Hmm, sleepless nights ahead.

 

[eli griggs]

The new non-problem to worry about is whether you put the 16mm spacer on top or on the bottom. Developer volume notwithstanding, which provides better agitation? What magic have we been missing with our film sitting down in the bottom of the tank instead of being 16mm higher than whatever filth gravity pulls below. Hmm, sleepless nights ahead.

Duhhhh.... between the two of film reels for better day time spatial realities and in your dream cycles, top.