Want to Buy WTB: Developing Tanks & 4x5 Film Backs

tryals15 · May 26, 2012

I am trying to get started developing my own film. I shoot 35mm, 120, and I am just getting into 4x5. I am looking to buy daylight tanks for all 3. I don't need pretty, I just need functional.

Also, I just became the owner of a Grafelx 4x5 (hence the entry into LF) and I need some film backs. Fidelity type, double sided.

Ed Bray · May 27, 2012

If you buy a Universal developing tank which can do both 35mm and 120 roll film using spirals, then you can also use it for 4x5 processing using the Taco method (google it) quite successfully. Whilst most universal tanks will work with the Paterson Universal being the one most quoted I actually found that an older Jobo Tank worked the best as it was just that bit taller and didn't bend the film like the Paterson version does.

Chris Johnson · May 27, 2012

tryals15 said:
I am trying to get started developing my own film. I shoot 35mm, 120, and I am just getting into 4x5. I am looking to buy daylight tanks for all 3. I don't need pretty, I just need functional.

Also, I just became the owner of a Grafelx 4x5 (hence the entry into LF) and I need some film backs. Fidelity type, double sided.

I have quite a few extra tanks, can come up with steel tanks and reel for 35 mm and 120 very reasonably, send me an e-mail
at Fyrwnrdy at Yahoo dot com

nsurit · May 27, 2012

modphotographic.co.uk makes a 4X5 film holder for the Paterson multi reel 3 tank. Watch his utube demo. Works fine and requires little agitation. Too much agitation may scratch your negatives.

Ed Bray · May 27, 2012

nsurit said:
modphotographic.co.uk makes a 4X5 film holder for the Paterson multi reel 3 tank. Watch his utube demo. Works fine and requires little agitation. Too much agitation may scratch your negatives.

Trouble is, they are like Rocking Horse Poo at the moment.

As I understand it (from my waiting many weeks for one) Paterson will now be selling this and are just finalising their production. The original MOD54 was made of acrylic and if dropped was prone to shattering, Paterson have now done a deal to make and distribute this and it will be made in the future in a more robust plastic material.

Ed Bray · May 27, 2012

Just to correct my previous post, Paterson apparently are not now making these items and you can buy one direct from Morgan (I just have) from his website Dead Link Removed

tryals15 · May 27, 2012

Interesting. That's a cool system. £50 seems a bit steep to me though...

Ed Bray said:
Just to correct my previous post, Paterson apparently are not now making these items and you can buy one direct from Morgan (I just have) from his website Dead Link Removed

Ed Bray · May 27, 2012

tryals15 said:
Interesting. That's a cool system. £50 seems a bit steep to me though...

If that price is too steep you are going to be struggling, my sugestion then would be to go for a Paterson Universal and use the Taco Method as previously suggested, if you want to save more you can tray process the sheet film provided you have a totally dark darkroom but you would still need a daylight tank for your roll films.

Just as with camera equipment, darkroom kit can also be expensive initally.

tryals15 · May 28, 2012

I live on a teacher's budget -- I think most things are too expensive... lol.

I'm just trying to find the cheapest, workable solution. I think I may do tray processing for now.

Ed Bray said:
If that price is too steep you are going to be struggling, my sugestion then would be to go for a Paterson Universal and use the Taco Method as previously suggested, if you want to save more you can tray process the sheet film provided you have a totally dark darkroom but you would still need a daylight tank for your roll films.

Just as with camera equipment, darkroom kit can also be expensive initally.

binglebugbob · Jun 11, 2012

I have two Lots of Linhof 4x5 holders, 5 holders/lot, $90 for each lot.
Also have Riteway 4x5 holders @ $7 each, and
around 10 or 11 Agfa Ansco wood holders (nice) for $5 each.
Plus shipping from Tacoma, WA
--Bob

tryals15 · Jun 12, 2012

Thanks, but I actually think I'm set on backs now. I forgot to lock the thread. Sorry!

Want to Buy WTB: Developing Tanks & 4x5 Film Backs

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