Yankee darkroom equipment

[REAndy]

I'm going to make an assumption that Yankee is still in business. I see their product for sale (new) at all the "big" photo online stores.

I have not been able to find (googling) their website. I wanted to download some users manuals to help with a purchase decision. I also have not been able to find on those "user's manual" websites the information I'm looking for.

Specifically I'm looking for information on the Yankee CF-45 4X5 sheet film processing tank. I've read all the negative on the forums, but I wanted to read the manual also.

Does anyone know?

 

[Truzi]

There are threads on this site and others with advice on how to use them. I have one, and don't particularly care for it. It takes a lot of developer, you have to "slosh" it back and forth to agitate, and it's not easy to get even development or take care of air bubbles. There are alternatives, and if you want something less expensive, used equipment is an option.

That said, it took a lot of work to find, but here is an old PDF that should suffice, though it doesn't offer much information.
https://untphotolab.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/4x5tanks.pdf

 

[REAndy]

Truzi WOW!! You are a Googling god. Perfect and thank you. I won't ask how you found it, because magicians usually don't want to reveal their secrets!
Now if only I can find the "thumbs-up" button so I can give you a kudos.

 

[AgX]

The manufacturer still shows up at same place in commercial address listings (what does not tell much though...)

 

[pentaxuser]

Is any guarantee with Yankee equipment still honoured south of the Mason-Dixon?

pentaxuser

 

[Truzi]

Truzi WOW!! You are a Googling god. Perfect and thank you. I won't ask how you found it, because magicians usually don't want to reveal their secrets!
Now if only I can find the "thumbs-up" button so I can give you a kudos.

Glad I could help.
Coincidentally, I had wanted to be a magician in elementary school and high school. I've a trunk of equipment in my parent's attic, a small collection of books, and even a straight jacket (I was into Houdini too).

As for Googling, it's no secret; it can just be a bit nuanced and tedious. You can't always search simply for what you want. You find things that reference other things, and search for those other things. It's like an investigation or scientific query where you follow leads, make inferences, then check your work to confirm.
I'd traced things like Fink-Roselieve, Regal Photo Products, etc.

When I ask a question here you can bet an extensive web search didn't quite address my specific needs.

Here's a link to a very general Youtube search you can play with:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yankee+agitank

The videos should give you a better idea of the Yankee tank than the instruction sheet I linked. You'll also find a number of other options that may be better if they are in your price-range. I'm guessing you want a daylight tank, though could be wrong. If you're patient you may find a good deal - a few years ago I picked up an unused Jobo 2509n reel with 2520 Multitank for $50 on ebay, and I just roll it on it's side.

However, I've since decided, for color film, I want to develop in a darkroom by dipping into stainless tanks. So I picked up a new (full-price) B&W King 4x5 stainless reel and tank (which is a daylight tank), but haven't used it yet. Otherwise I would have opted for a Stearman Press SP-445 - actually, I may still get one. I've considered buying used stainless sheet-film hangers and tanks, but they take more fluid and I don't think they can double as daylight tanks when I want to do something that way.

Have you considered a Paterson tank with a Mod54 reel?

 

[REAndy]

Truzi: I got as giggle out of hearing about wanting to be a magician. I too had such inspirations. Maybe it was due to a TV series "The Magician" I watched way back then. A kind of crime fighter who's "super-power" is magic.
Anyway... Thanks for the youtube link I will be checking that out.

I have Paterson tanks and reals. I didn't know that they sell just the insert for a 3 multi-real tank. I've GOT ONE OF THOSE TANKS. I just couldn't see outputting $90 for the "full thing". but $60 for the insert is much better. (especially if you have the tank already).

Thanks for that too!!

 

[Truzi]

Advertisers on this site sell some of these items if you want to support them.
A few Photrio advertisers sell the Mod54. I'm not sure if Stearman Press in an advertiser, but they are active here as well.

This is a good forum to peruse when considering photo-related purchases:
https://www.photrio.com/forum/forums/photrio-advertisers-forum.10/