I like this tank, seems like it is just what I need! Unfortunately the only one I can find for sale right now is broken, and being sold by CatLabs, so even if it was fully working I wouldn’t buy it from them.More economical with developer is the Combi Plan tank. I got one in a darkroom lot and quite like it for 4x5, I noticed it is adjustable for your quarter plate film as well. I see them on the used market for $80 or so, they stopped producing them awhile ago.
Thought about this, and I do have a darkroom, so I could do that. I would just be extremely nervous about working with chemicals in complete darkness. It’s one thing to work with dry film in the dark, it’s very much another to work with large amounts of liquids. Maybe if nothing else works out, I’ll give that a shot.Shooting 4x5 sheet film in an old Speed Graphic 55 years ago, on the high school newspaper photography staff I learned the easy use of tray processing of sheet film...you merely need to use the minimum quantity of fluid with processing capacity for the number of sheets in the tray, working in the dark.
A Paterson Orbital Colour Print processing tray would work. I've used it for processing 4x5 film at the kitchen sink and it uses very little chemistry. Make some dividers to go inside to keep your film apart.
https://www.rogerandfrances.com/processing-sheet-film-orbital/
https://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=119
I'd suggest this too, but would note that they are easier to find in the UK / Europe than in the US.
I use mine for 4x5"and 9x12cm sheet film. I laid down some thin lines of epoxy to stop the film sticking to the base. I generally use 150ml of solution, though have tried with less when developing a single sheet.
You don't need lots of liquid volume. I process 4x5 film, up to six at a time, in trays using 500ml of solution in each tray. After the film has been in the fixer for half the fixing time, you can turn on the lights.Thought about this, and I do have a darkroom, so I could do that. I would just be extremely nervous about working with chemicals in complete darkness. It’s one thing to work with dry film in the dark, it’s very much another to work with large amounts of liquids. Maybe if nothing else works out, I’ll give that a shot.
Thought about this, and I do have a darkroom, so I could do that. I would just be extremely nervous about working with chemicals in complete darkness. It’s one thing to work with dry film in the dark, it’s very much another to work with large amounts of liquids. Maybe if nothing else works out, I’ll give that a shot.
Of course the Yankee tank is adjustable for 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, but as you noted it uses a lot of chemistry. Two options there are HC110 or L110 at 1:63 which is pretty economical or a replenished developer - I have used both approaches. I know there is little love for the Yankee tank, but I have used it off and on for more than 50 years. Originally got it in the ‘60’s because I needed a daylight tank for my Baby Speed Graphic’s 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 sheets. I think new they are $40 or so.
More economical with developer is the Combi Plan tank. I got one in a darkroom lot and quite like it for 4x5, I noticed it is adjustable for your quarter plate film as well. I see them on the used market for $80 or so, they stopped producing them awhile ago.
I found that the Yankee tanks splashed a lot of the chemicals out. Other tanks are better. I have no recommendation for 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" tanks, only 4"x5" tanks.
I have often read that the Yankee tank splashes chemistry. I have never experienced that problem. I guess I am just more gentle in my agitation than many others. I have not had issues with uneven development. Donald Qualls seems to like his as well.
Hey, to each his own!
You could give btzs tubes a try.
My vote is for a Jobo 2500 series tank and the sheet film reel - you can do 6 sheets per reel, and use a very minimal amount of chemistry if you use a rotary base (to keep it cheap, Jobo makes an adjustable length roller base for manual processing, or you could make your own with a set of furniture wheels and a piece of plywood). I LOATHE the Yankee Tank- I have never been able to get good results out of one - I always get developer surge along the edges of the negative where the rack holds the film.
Can I make them from PVC pipes from the hardware store? Or do they need to be made in a special way?That was my thought, 4x5 tubes should work fine with 3x4. The View Camera Store has some good videos on YouTube on how to use them. You can buy tubes or make them. Very economical on chemistry.
Roger
Jobo Expert Drums provide flexibility with reliable consistent processing.
Can I make them from PVC pipes from the hardware store? Or do they need to be made in a special way?
Unfortunately, they also blow up my wallet.
Unfortunately, they also blow up my wallet.
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