Tray processing... why not make the trays light tight?

[jasonjoo]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! It is clear that a lot of people have their own preferences when it comes down to developing their film and that is understandable! I'd rather not use the stack method with tray processing.

Drums and tanks seem nice, but are also costly. I'm sure I'll eventually purchase a JOBO drum. I just spent most of my cash on a camera, a pair of lenses, and film holders, so the drum will have to wait!

Jason,

Take a 10 x 8 tray and epoxy some plastic rawl plugs or pen tops to the bottom so they stick up like miniature fence posts and divide the tray into four compartments. Place a single sheet of film in each, emulsion side up, then pour in the developer. the whole process including the final wash, can be done without removing the film from the tray. (When you pour liquid out of the tray, suction causes the film to temporarily stick to the bottom of the tray so the film doesn't fall out in the dark)
Agitation is done by gently rocking the tray. The sheets of film stay put but the developer can move freely round the tray.
If you place the tray on a flat board it can be covered by an inverted wooden box to keep the light out, and you agitate by rocking the base board.

I have used the divided tray method for over 20 years and it works like a charm. I've been using the light tight box idea for 3 years since moving into my new darkroom which isn't fully light tight.
Just make sure the box sides are thick wood and they are flat where they contact the base. I put black felt on mine.

Hope this helps.

Alan Clark

Alan, I like this idea! I think I will give this a shot. Thanks for sharing!

Jason

 

[AlanC]

Jason,

It is a very cheap option, that really works well.
If you need any more information , let me know.

Alan

 

[q_x]

Just a little idea
After WWI some Polish photographers used table on wheels and heavy weight (20kg?) hanging on the rope in the middle of the table. Pushing the weight once caused whole table to rock gently for a very long time.
This can be usefull when developing under the box.

Cheers

 

[MattKing]

That fellow Gadget Gainer mentioned it and does use the idea.

My heartfelt apologies!

(Danged faulty memory ).

Matt