Why is the film developing tank so expensive?

Jin · Apr 10, 2019

I am new to developing film, and I've been looking at ebay for developing tank. I was thinking maybe 10 to 15 dollars to purchase it, but it turns out to be 25 to 40 dollars. Is it because their production has been discontinued? And what would be a good or fair price to get developer tanks with 35mm reel?

MattKing · Apr 10, 2019

$25 - $125 would have been the price when they were new and popular.
I have extras, but Atlanta is a long way away, in another country.

Jin · Apr 10, 2019

MattKing said:
$25 - $125 would have been the price when they were new and popular.
I have extras, but Atlanta is a long way away, in another country.

Thanks for the reply Matt. And Interesting. So they are not overpriced at all. I looked locally, and it seems like there isn't one for sale unfortunately.

KN4SMF · Apr 10, 2019

I don't know what you're seeing on EBAY, but I'm seeing what I already knew. Giveaway prices.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Simmon-Ome...814685?hash=item2f2e64b49d:g:xXAAAOSwCcZcfCgP

Pentode · Apr 10, 2019

I find that looking in Craiglist’s photo/video section and using the search term “darkroom” often turns up people offloading entire darkroom outfits.
I see reels and tanks going much cheaper there than on Evilbay.

Also keep in mind that older stainless steel tanks and reels by Nikkor, Kindermann and Hewes tend to hold their value because they’re very well made. Off-brand tanks and reels will be a lot cheaper.

rolleiLeicafilm · Apr 10, 2019

Stick with Hewes! In my quest to find reasonably priced tanks and reals - i found the 'Secondhand darkroom' in the UK :
https://www.secondhanddarkroom.co.u...s-h-darkroom-shop-here/?products-per-page=all

Even having them shipped from the UK to North America it was cheaper than anywhere else i could find at the time and they had lots in stock. If you don't see it on their website, ask. They have Hewes 120 and 135 reels in stock.

BradS · Apr 11, 2019

Adorama (which is over on the same side of the Mississippi as Atlanta) offers a brand new Patterson System 4 tank with a reel for around $30....I think I paid about $18 for mine a few decades (!) ago...so, $30 today seems fair.

(EDIT) here's the link .... https://www.adorama.com/patu.html

MattKing · Apr 11, 2019

In case the OP or anyone new to this doesn't realize it, modern development tanks permit you to pour in and pour out liquid without allowing any light to get in. This permits one to load the reel with film and load the reel into the tank in darkness, but work in room light for all the rest of the development process.
In addition, tanks need to be designed so that fluids flow in ways that ensure even development.
They are actually quite cheap!

AgX · Apr 11, 2019

Buy used locally for 5€ or so.
However I experience darkroom stuff very rare in contrast to cameras. And tanks even more rare than enlargers.

Neal · Apr 11, 2019

Dear Jin,

The good news is that they essentially last forever. I suggest this one from Freestyle or Adorama, but everyone has their own preferences.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

AgX · Apr 11, 2019

Jin said:
I am new to developing film, and I've been looking at ebay for developing tank. I was thinking maybe 10 to 15 dollars to purchase it, but it turns out to be 25 to 40 dollars.

Jobo even starts at 50$ resp. 83$ with their two smallest tanks.

narsuitus · Apr 11, 2019

Jin said:
And what would be a good or fair price to get developer tanks with 35mm reel?

Here are the stainless steel developing tanks and reels that I use for developing 35mm and 120 black&white negative roll film and color positive roll film.

The small 4-inch tank holds two 35mm rolls or one 120 roll.

The medium 7-inch tank holds four 35mm rolls or two 120 rolls.

A large 17-inch tank holds eleven 35mm rolls or six 120 rolls.

My largest 22-inch tank (not shown in photo) holds sixteen 35mm rolls or eight 120 rolls.

I do not remember what I paid but when I factor in the money saved by developing my own film, the cost was well worth it. Thus far, this equipment has lasted me a lifetime.

35mm and 120 Developing by Narsuitus, on Flickr

mgb74 · Apr 11, 2019

A bit more info from the OP would be helpful. What type of tank are you looking for? What film format(s)? How many rolls to process at once?

There are hundreds of options, but I'd narrow it down to 3 (commonly available):

Single reel stainless steel tank to process 1 roll of 35mm film
2 reel stainless steel tank to process 2 rolls of 35mm film or 1 roll of 120
2 reel plastic Paterson tank to process 2 rolls of 35mm film or 1 roll of 120

Plastic reels are generally easier to load for beginners. But must be absolutely dry so you can't immediately use again (a hair dryer speeds this up). Stainless steel reels are more difficult to load until you've had some practice. And many of the ones you find used are very slightly bent which makes them very difficult to load. Also, many used stainless steel tanks leak because, over time, the tops are not matched to the bottoms. But they use slightly less chemistry and are easier to clean.

Here's one example: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/886586-REG/Paterson_Universal_Tank_with_Two.html When I view the listing, it says "free shipping" (no minimum).

No doubt there are a bazillion used tanks to be found in the Atlanta area. But if all you need is the tank and reels, it may not be worth the trouble.

StepheKoontz · Apr 11, 2019

I think you might have just hit a dry spell. I really like the patterson 2X35mm reel ones which can also do one roll of 120, $28 new at B&H so don't buy used at new prices.

trendland · Apr 11, 2019

Jin said:
I am new to developing film, and I've been looking at ebay for developing tank. I was thinking maybe 10 to 15 dollars to purchase it, but it turns out to be 25 to 40 dollars. Is it because their production has been discontinued? And what would be a good or fair price to get developer tanks with 35mm reel?

Jin it has to do with the Irak war! And with the more costs of oil! Remember steel tanks were also expensive decades ago! Steel is a little higher priced today but it isn't much higher!

I also wonder over the years about the increasements to plastic tanks!
It has to do with plastic - it becomes more and more higher priced!
In some years we may speek about New terms "plastic - gold" so like some today find the term
"concrete - gold" = term for exploading pricing for residential property!

Think of "Trendland" if a seller want to have 150bucks of you in a few years !
Then you are "prepared" to answer : " Understand - it's the plastic I heard about
"GOLD PLASTIC"!

with regards

PS : Don't buy from gangsters!

GRHazelton · Apr 11, 2019

Since the OP is in the Atlanta area, he/she should visit Wings Camera. Mike usually has several tanks, reels, etc, and he knows his stuff. You might also find some lovely used film cameras and lenses. Here is a link: http://www.wingscamera.com/

Saganich · Apr 11, 2019

Its probably already been mentioned, but, cheep stainless tank/lid is ok but spend some money on good reels. Worth every penny.

GRHazelton · Apr 11, 2019

In my experience stainless steel tanks with stainless steel lids and the little cap will tend to leak a little. Probably a good idea to mark them so the lids, etc, don't get interchanged.

mshchem · Apr 11, 2019

If you are like me, always looking for stuff, these things are abundant . I will open a closet and I swear the darn things are breeding

Chris Johnson · Apr 11, 2019

Jin, I will send you a couple for the cost of shipping, mine seemed to have reproduced. They are the steel ones.
PM me.

StepheKoontz · Apr 11, 2019

Wings is a great place for film users, highly recommend!

37th Exposure · Apr 11, 2019

Buy only the good stuff.

When I was a beginner 30 some years ago I bought cheap tanks and reels. BIG mistake! They leak chemicals all over the place. That is, if you can get the film in at all! I mean the reels were poorly made and the film would stick together or would not wind properly. I finally went to B&H and asked for the best tanks and reels they had, I don't care what the price is. They sold me a Kindermman stainless steel tank and reel set (RIP, no longer made). The high precision reels practically load themselves. The film catches as soon as you turn each spiral. The tanks hardly leak. I still have that first set still in perfect shape, except for the plastic tank top which eventually cracked after 20 years. Genuine Kindermann tops are no longer made, but generic tops should fit though I can't speak for the leak resistance or durability.

Moral of the story:
The only first class tank and reel sets available new today are Paterson, Jobo, or Hewes. If you can't afford them, wait until you can. What you waste in time and film with cheap tanks and reels will cost you far more! If you go the used route, Kindermann and Nikkor, and some brands other Photrio members might be able to suggest.

AgX · Apr 12, 2019

My advise is to start with a 2-reels tank. I did so myself. Jobo's 2-reels tank is offered at only 5$ more than the single-reel version, but lacking the 2nd reel. Good to safe some dollars at the the start and later buy the 2nd reel.

A Jobo 1-reel tank only makes sense when only processing 1 film and doing rotary processing (either on table or processor).

Jin · Apr 17, 2019

GRHazelton said:
Since the OP is in the Atlanta area, he/she should visit Wings Camera. Mike usually has several tanks, reels, etc, and he knows his stuff. You might also find some lovely used film cameras and lenses. Here is a link: http://www.wingscamera.com/

Thank you I will check it out

Jin · Apr 17, 2019

Chris Johnson said:
Jin, I will send you a couple for the cost of shipping, mine seemed to have reproduced. They are the steel ones.
PM me.

Hey Chris thanks for reaching out but I would prefer plastic adjustable Reels. But thanks for the offer!

Why is the film developing tank so expensive?

Jin

MattKing

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Jin

KN4SMF

Pentode

rolleiLeicafilm

BradS

MattKing

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AgX

Neal

AgX

narsuitus

mgb74

StepheKoontz

trendland

GRHazelton

Saganich

GRHazelton

mshchem

Chris Johnson

StepheKoontz

37th Exposure

AgX

Jin

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Why is the film developing tank so expensive?

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