Unicolor drum info wanted

glbeas · Jan 16, 2005

I've taken to using an 8x10 Unicolor drum for my 8x10 negs because the Ilford drum I started with that had the nice internal cup for holding the chems until process was started bit one of my negs when the lid popped off unevenly on removal, put a huge gouge in the emulsion as big as the end of my finger.

What I don't know is what the minimum amount of solution is on these and does the internal ribbing cause problems with uneven agitation and flowmarks. We settled on 6 oz. being a good bet and used that with no problems. Who can tell me whats what on this? Is there a best drum for doing negs on a roller base?

Monophoto · Jan 16, 2005

The detail that I recall from using a Unicolor drum for processing prints is that one used 2 oz of each solution. Don't know if that's the right amount for negatives - I tried to do 4x5's one time and found that there had to be a better way.

Chaska · Jan 16, 2005

I use 250ml of solution for Dev, stop, and fix. Then run 500ml of water with 4/5 changes for the wash. I usually flip side to side about every 3 minutes in development to avoid streaks. I have had success with 4 4x5's at a time and 1 8x10.

Bob F. · Jan 16, 2005

This article: (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/unicolor/) suggests over 200ml is needed - the writer uses 400ml for safety (bottom of the page).

Cheers, Bob.

Mongo · Jan 17, 2005

I use 250ml when doing 2 4x5's and anywhere from 400-500ml when doing 1 8x10 or 4 4x5's (depending on my mood more than anything...I've never noticed a difference between the two quantities). I don't bother with switching the drum or shaking it...just put it on the base and let it do what it does.

No streaking or uneven development of any sort with Rodinal, Perceptol, D-76, or Pyrocat-HD. (The last one has worried me, but I gave it a shot and it worked just fine.)

Phillip P. Dimor · Jan 17, 2005

I use Unicolor drums for developing 4x5 negatives as well.
300ml to 400ml of solution each time. It works fairly well for me.

I'd like to try using one of those large Jobo drums on a Unicolor Uniroller.
I believe a 2583 and possibly a 2551 tank would fit.
I don't know about the Jobo Expert drums, they do look nice though.
Pricey..

Dave Miller · Jan 17, 2005

I use 2oz to process four 5x4 negs in an orbital processer. Actually it's 100ml, I think thats the same. The amount of fluid required is dictated by coverage requirments rather than chemical activity.

donbga · Jan 17, 2005

Dave Miller said:
I use 2oz to process four 5x4 negs in an orbital processer. Actually it's 100ml, I think thats the same. The amount of fluid required is dictated by coverage requirments rather than chemical activity.

Does anyone know if replacement gaskets are available for the tops?

Thanks,

Don Bryant

glbeas · Jan 17, 2005

donbga said:
Does anyone know if replacement gaskets are available for the tops?

Thanks,

Don Bryant

Yes, I think so. In fact someone was offering a set of them just recently here. I've read ordinary O-rings of the right size will work but looking at mine I'd think it would be hard to get a good seal. I've also read a coat of silicone seal will revive old gaskets.

Andy Tymon · Jan 17, 2005

HI Don,
I managed to fabricate agasket from the top of a baby formula container but the plastic tops for oatmeal or protein powder will work too,as long as it's of the right diameter. What I did was cut off the rim and then laid the old gasket on top to cut out the "teeth" that hold it into the lid. The gasket I replaced was deformed and leaked a lot, after I made the replacement It had no leakage.
hope this helps

Unicolor drum info wanted

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