What the heck is this?

pbromaghin · Jan 22, 2023

I know it's some kind of processing tank, but how does it work?

MattKing · Jan 22, 2023

It is only ~111 years or so old
Courtesy of Mike Butkus' site - the usual suggestion to send him his requested donation.
https://www.cameramanuals.org/kodak_pdf/kodak_film_tank-1912.pdf

Daniela · Jan 23, 2023

MattKing said:
It is only ~111 years or so old
Courtesy of Mike Butkus' site - the usual suggestion to send him his requested donation.
https://www.cameramanuals.org/kodak_pdf/kodak_film_tank-1912.pdf

So cool! Loved to read the recommendations

Helge · Jan 23, 2023

Beautiful! Seems you are missing the apron loader though.
Why can’t we have this today?
The apron idea is good. Would ease loading for a lot of beginners and be quite indifferent to moisture and never bind or kink regardless of format.

pbromaghin · Jan 26, 2023

I came across this at Englewood Camera in Littleton, CO. Nobody at the store knows how it works. Thanks so much.

Helge, might there be a problem with the emulsion side contacting the apron?

Helge · Jan 26, 2023

pbromaghin said:
I came across this at Englewood Camera in Littleton, CO. Nobody at the store knows how it works. Thanks so much.

Helge, might there be a problem with the emulsion side contacting the apron?

With inversion I doubt that is a problem. Also we don’t know how the apron worked. It might have edge spacers that keeps the film pressed against one wall at the edges.

Sharktooth · Jan 26, 2023

It looks like the apron system was recently available, but no longer manufactured. Arista 120 tanks with aprons from Freestyle. Who knew?

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/50120-Arista-E-Z-(120-Single-Reel)-Film-Developing-Tank

I used to have one of the old plastic Kodak tanks with apron, but couldn't find it to take a picture. The apron looks like a lasagna noodle, so it would only contact the edges of the film. That Arista apron looks similar to what I remember about the Kodak. I never actually used mine (that I remember), since the Paterson style reels became the norm.

VinceInMT · Jan 26, 2023

Sharktooth said:
It looks like the apron system was recently available, but no longer manufactured. Arista 120 tanks with aprons from Freestyle. Who knew?

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/50120-Arista-E-Z-(120-Single-Reel)-Film-Developing-Tank

I used to have one of the old plastic Kodak tanks with apron, but couldn't find it to take a picture. The apron looks like a lasagna noodle, so it would only contact the edges of the film. That Arista apron looks similar to what I remember about the Kodak. I never actually used mine (that I remember), since the Paterson style reels became the norm.

That apron reminds me of a lasagne noodle. Hmmm, maybe a pasta maker could…..

Helge · Jan 26, 2023

Developing tanks with aprons

Accidentally, at a local flea market, I came across a tinny "ARS Roll Film Developing Tank 35". It looked like new and bought it for 5 euros. Inside it had an apron and not the usual reels. The very next night I tried it with a roll of 135 film. I was surprised by the ease of loading film to...

www.photrio.com

The Ars-Imago guys must be kicking themselves. This is such a good idea that even if it has a few kinks they could probably be further ironed out or lived with.

mshchem · Jan 26, 2023

Reels/spirals don't cooperate with film wider than 120. One can see why the "see-saw" method with a couple of film clips was so popular.

Sharktooth · Jan 26, 2023

This site has some interesting history of developing tanks.

https://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/Paterson/Developing_Tanks/Tank_History.html

mshchem · Jan 26, 2023

Sharktooth said:
This site has some interesting history of developing tanks.

https://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/Paterson/Developing_Tanks/Tank_History.html

This is my favorite photo website

Maineiac · Jan 26, 2023

I like page 14 where they show using a flat iron to dry mount the photo, and I just threw mine out last week.

Tel · Jan 26, 2023

Here's a look at the back side of that apron. You can clearly see that thick ribber piece sewn to the apron itself. Apparently it created enough space to allow the developer to flow freely and in even contact with the emulsion. I used to think those little dimples were pinholes to circulate the dev, but they aren't. I guess they just discourage the film from sticking to the apron. My apron is very old and brittle--it's got several cracks in it, so I've never used the tanks except as decoration. One tank, though, is labelled for pack film and has a rack that puts the film sheets in a taco-style configuration. That one might be useable.

What the heck is this?

pbromaghin

MattKing

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Daniela

Helge

pbromaghin

Helge

Sharktooth

VinceInMT

Helge

Developing tanks with aprons

mshchem

Sharktooth

mshchem

Maineiac

Tel

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