Test Strips in 8x10 Drum

Karl Ramberg · May 16, 2020

So I'm going to starting printing RA-4 soon and I had a quick question about processing.

I'm going to be processing my paper in a standard 8x10 with one-shot of 50mL of Dev/Stop/Blix. This was recommend by The Naked Photographer's tutorial. If I use a smaller piece of paper in the same drum (test strip) do I still need to use 50mL?

gdavis · May 16, 2020

The recommended volume is more about the minimum needed to get even coverage than it is about capacity, and is based on the size of the drum. The recommendation I've seen from manufacturers is 60ml (or 2 oz), so 50ml might be using up a good chunk of any margin already. I may fudge it a little to the low side for strips too, but wouldn't go lower than 50. Chance of having to redo the strip isn't worth the savings IMO.

Make sure the drum is level and the paper is flat against the wall of the tube.

koraks · May 16, 2020

gdavis said:
Make sure the drum is level and the paper is flat against the wall of the tube.

Very easential tips when very minimal amounts of chemistry are used. I wouldn't hesitate to use 100 or even 150ml. If you run a replenished system this is perfectly feasible and very economic.

Karl Ramberg · May 16, 2020

koraks said:
If you run a replenished system this is perfectly feasible and very economic.

I would love be as economic as possible but I have no idea how a replenished system would work. I have the 10L Ektacolor kit and was planning on mixing 1L at a time. If use more in the drums, say 100mL do I pour it back in and add a little more developer?

The developer/replenisher/starter is very confusing to me.

Does Blix work the same way?

MattKing · May 16, 2020

You used to be able to find a Cibachrome tube designed for 4x5 prints - perfect for tests!

DREW WILEY · May 16, 2020

Don't try replenishment with drums. RA4 chem is relatively cheap. I only mix enough chem for a daily session. With test strips in an 8x10 drum, yes, less than 2 oz chem will work if it is level, even less than 1-1/2 oz with some drums. But you need enough chem to sustain its own internal drum temp as well as volume sufficient for the drum size. So it helps to use a significantly greater quantity of correct temp water to pre-temper the drum first.

brbo · May 17, 2020

I use Jobo 4531 drum (up to 24x30cm) and use 50ml for test prints/strips. With leveled drum I never had uneven development with as little as 60ml of fluid for max size print the drum would accept. I use 80ml for final print just to be safe.

I don't want to run a replenished system for drum processing so for better economy I use 1+1 dilution for both dev. and blix. I made various test prints with both stock and 1+1 and can't tell them apart in blind test. And the time "penalty" is minimal (only have to extend developing time for 15s at 35ºC). YMMV, of course.

Karl Ramberg · May 17, 2020

brbo said:
I don't want to run a replenished system for drum processing so for better economy I use 1+1 dilution for both dev. and blix..

So if I want to mix 1L of dev/blix from my 10L kit I can mix 500mL of the normal recipe and then dilute with 500mL of water? How much would I need to extend development times for room temperatures?

brbo · May 17, 2020

I mix 1L stock at a time and then dilute (30ml stock developer + 30ml water) before processing. Standard development for RA-4 is 45s at 35ºC. My time for 1+1 dilution is 60s at 35ºC.

I don't wan't to guess what your room temperature. What is your developing time at that temperature? For 1+1 start by extending your time by 25-30% and see what you get...

gdavis · May 17, 2020

Your first post says you're just starting with RA-4. Read the data sheets of the chemicals you're considering. Follow the directions. Keep it simple. When you get the hang of that, then start worrying about diluting, replenishing, lowering the temp etc. There's enough to learn at the start already, if you start throwing even more variables at this right at the start you're just going to be frustrated.

DREW WILEY · May 17, 2020

Learn to precisely hold temperature using a tempering box or water bath. That is essential. I happen to standardize on 30C for 2 min steps. I never had luck with variable "room temp" style of chemistry. Pin down each key variable and standardize them, or else you won't even be able to consistently balance colorhead settings. You'll go nuts. Keep it simple.

Vaughn · May 17, 2020

Which is why I recommend full size tests. Keep all the variables down to just the filter pack and exposure time. Just design the tests to get all the info you need. Also you will get use to handling the size paper you print on. Just another country heard from...

Karl Ramberg · May 17, 2020

Thank you for all the input everybody. I'm going to try and keep it simple my first time around. Just mix 1L of solutions at a time and 50-60mL with a full sheet in my drum. My perfectionism thinks I need to be efficient as possible the first time around but that will end me up in trouble I bet. I hope to post my first prints in the coming weeks!

DREW WILEY · May 18, 2020

You have the right idea. Take it one step at a time, and try to pin down all the key variables before venturing into the woods alone.

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