X-ray processor to process paper

[Young He]

Hello all,

I have the opportunity to buy an X-ray film processor for a reasonable price. I plan on replacing the motor to make it run slower and whatnot, but my main concern is scratching. Do X-ray processors scratch film too much? Would it be too much work to make it processs paper? Thanks for the help.

 

[darkroommike]

You might be able to make it process RC paper but you may need to make a short stiffening leader for the lead edge. As far as scratching I doubt it will be an issue, put the paper in the machine emulsion down so that the paper rides through on the outside rollers, those are the rollers it is easiest to keep clean. I've done this with an old Pako machine processing short rolls of black and white paper.

 

[Young He]

Thanks for the info.

 

[removed account4]

i did darkroom work for someone who had an ektamatic xray processor for his rc prints
wasn't my cup of tea /
i was offered one years ago and i turned it down
the rollers get all gummed up and cause problems for the prints ...
i guess its not bad if you take it apart and clean it often and keep a watchful eye on it
and if you don't have any other way to process film or prints ...

 

[faberryman]

What are the perceived advantages of using an x-ray processor to develop photographic paper? Trays seem like the obvious alternative.

 

[Young He]

I am doing RA-4 so trays are not a very good option, and drum processing gets tedious. I would like to stick a print in the processor and have it come out nice and developed so I have less work to do. Some cleaning every once in a while would be much easier than washing a drum after every print. It is a really good price, too; so it seems like it is worth buying.

 

[Paul Howell]

Does an X ray processor have the right number of tanks for R4? Off the top of my head I recall R4 needs 4?

 

[Young He]

RA-4 needs developer, blix, and wash, so I am probably fine.

 

[jvo]

i have a cibachrome processor - it's worked like a charm for 7 years. i use it for contact sheets, quick prints, targetting, etc. i develop print in tray, then stop, fix and water bath in processor; then on to a water bath before putting a bunch in a print washer. it saves me the 10 minutes it would take to transfer from tray to tray. only rc paper.

final prints i do traditionally. all fiber prints done traditionally, as well... they won't go through the processor.