Yet another way to process sheet film.

Currently I am developing 4x5 sheet film in stainless steel tanks designed for reels.

With the long edge of a 4x5 sheet going around half the circumfrence of the tank, two sheets will fit nicely. The back of the film only touches the tank on the edges and I have had no problems clearing the anti-halation layer. (except for tmax, but that is not related to this method) However I found that sometimes one sheet will slide over the other. To alleviate overlapping film I bent a peice of thin wire into a nice "W" shape to use as a spacer. (i havent tried it with the spacer yet but I will report back.

The tank i have is tall about 7 or eight inches, i could probably use it for two 5x7 sheets. A smaller tank would be easier and use less chemistry.

I use about 250ml of developer/fixer and I agitate by rolling in my hands, not end-over end like with reels.

Advantages of this method are daylight use, low cost easily available tanks, minimal use of chemistry, N+/- development adjustments.

Disadvantages are long overall development times (20 sheets will need 10 rounds of develop/fix/wash), questionable temperature control (im worried my hands heat up the stainless steel), and possible scratches to the film (I havent had a problem, but the possibility is there)

This method works well for me because I infrequently develop small batches of film, and I dont have a well-sealed darkroom for tray development.

Hi

seems nicer than (though similar to) the btzs idea

thanks!

A Jobo Expert drum is basically several of those rolled up into one big one! It should work very well if it is not a big problem doing only two at a time.

I think I am going to try processing some film in my mouth one time....

2F/2F said:

I think I am going to try processing some film in my mouth one time....

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Best use Ruyucki Sujucki's low toxicity developer & fixer then. . . . .

I've used Paterson tanks to process the odd sheet or 2 of 5x4 for about 30 years, just don't forget to use the centre column.

Ian

"I think I am going to try processing some film in my mouth one time...."

-How are you planning to agitate? Inversion, Rotary, or Metallica?

darinwc said:

"I think I am going to try processing some film in my mouth one time...."

-How are you planning to agitate? Inversion, Rotary, or Metallica?

Click to expand...

I was gonna do an interpretive trampoline dance to The Rolling Stones' "You Got the Silver".

Just a joke of course, based on the guy who used his mouth as a pinhole camera.

Ian Grant said:

I've used Paterson tanks to process the odd sheet or 2 of 5x4 for about 30 years, just don't forget to use the centre column.

Ian

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Ian, please elaborate on your use of the Paterson tanks for 5x4. I assume you dont use the spiral, and just place the film around the tank wall (emulsion side in, obviously), correct? If so, why is use of the centre column important?

Thanks in advance.

Carey

Because it forms the light trap for the opening in the lid, without it the film would get fogged.

bdial said:

Because it forms the light trap for the opening in the lid, without it the film would get fogged.

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D'uh! Of course. Many thanks...

Carey

I used a Patterson for 4x5 ( till I got a Jobo with a 2509 reel) with four tubes cut from flourescent light covers. Place the film in the tubes, place the tubes in the tank (and remember the center tube) and process like roll film. The AH backing doesn't come off as easy, I would go to nylon screen tubes if I went back to the Patterson. I mostly use it for 2x3 and 3x4 film where the developer gets around the back of the film.

tim in san jose