Use tips for Senrac film dryer

[srs5694]

Some months ago I picked up a used Senrac film dryer without instructions. I did a Web search and found relatively little information on it. This device takes one to several stainless steel reels, with film still on them, for drying. It's got a "warm/cool" switch and a timer that goes up to 10 minutes. It's been languishing in my basement, but I just hung it on my wall, so I'm now ready to use it, but I've got some questions before I do so:

• Should I use the warm or the cool setting? Would this advice change with certain materials or conditions (B&W vs. color film, room temperature, etc.)?
• How long should I dry a roll? I usually process just one roll at a time. (My Web search turned up claims of from 2 to 10 minutes, which is a rather broad range.)
• I'm assuming that film dried in this way will have more of a curl to it than film dried by hanging. Is there any way to minimize this effect?
• Are any changes in processing prior to drying with this dryer recommended? For instance, does Photo Flo still do anything good with a dryer, or should I just skip it?
• Are there any cautions, such as types of film I shouldn't dry in the dryer or limits that should not be exceeded (time spent on the "warm" setting, for instance)?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Clueless]

On-reel drying seems like it would be really handy; but, it was suggested to me to not completely dry on-reel. Instead, remove and let hang with weight without heat.

Before trying out on important images, consider a roll that includes sky, process normallly and use a light version of Pho-flo; but shake off the reel before inserting it in the device. Water spots are not important to quick demand users, but may be to you. "Baked-on" photo-flo will accumulate and you wouldn't want to use the same reels with color processes.

 

[D.D.]

Hi, I have the same set-up, and have found that 10 mins on cool is not enough to fully dry. Usually, i'll use the warm setting for 5-6 mins then switch to cool for another 6-7 mins. Using the warm setting for a full 10 mins. makes the emulsion very soft and easy to scratch.

As for the curl, i've never really had a problem with it. It usually remains flat once its been in storage sleeves for any length of time.

D.D.