X-Ray Processor

[Ben Z]

Stupid question maybe: with a lot of doctors and dentists going to digital x-rays there are a lot of table-top x-ray processors selling for cheap. Does anybody know if these (especially the dental ones, that are small, vs the ones used for medical x-rays) can be used to develop regular photo film (b&w, color, whatever?). Thanks if anybody knows.

 

[Frank Szabo]

When I have b&w stuff to develop, I take it to work and use NDT's AGFA processor - x-ray film is typically ortho type and they have a safelight in their darkroom so I only do this with my ortho. It's sharper anyway than pan types.

Had to make a few minor adjustments in my exposures, but it was worth the effort - a lot less hassle than trays at home.

 

[Terrence Brennan]

You might be able to use them for PAPER processing, if they have a wide enough track. The processors would also have to be able to to be adjusted for time and temperature suitable for B&W RC paper. Also, they would need to have a dryer which would dry the paper while still in the processor.

I own two AGFA Rapiline 66 processors, one in use and the other for parts, and they were both purchased from professional operations, which no longer needed them. The one in use was originally configured for RA-4 processing, and the other was in a printing shop, where it was used to make negatives.

 

[ic-racer]

Without knowing the specifics of the machine, I suspect it could be made to work. If its FREE then go for it! If you have to pay, then I would save up for a Jobo or other automated processor.