Paterson system V (5) tank for 120 film

Is the Paterson system V tank free of leaking when you develop 120

film in it? I am using a system IV tank now but i have a lot a

problems with when i agitate the tank. Developer will drip from under

the lid and on my hands.

 

Ren須olbrugge

My System 4 tank does not leak. You should not put the lid on when you store it. This allows both residual moisture to evaporate from the tank after washing it, and does not stretch the lid so it keeps closing well.

Most Patterson tanks have a very small leakage. That's why I prefer the Jobo system. Further you can have this system easy 100% leaktight by using a little bit vaseline in the cap and closure system.

Important is that you do not tighten the red cap during storage. Otherwise it's also going to leak. You can prevent this by putting it in hot water and remount it on the tank. At the end you can replace it by a new cap. It's a spare part.

 

best regards,

 

Robert

Rene -- welcome to the world of wet armpits!<P>I'm afraid all the dozens of Paterson tanks I've used leak.<P>Burping the top as you put it on the tank helps as it creates a lower pressure in the tank. The tank then tries to suck air in instead of letting precious developer leak out.<P>Anyhow -- I do that and usually drape a facecloth size rag over the tank as I'm shakin' it. (I'm just joking there as I'm a great advocate of rotating the tank as I gently invert it).<P>So think "burp like top like you would with Tupperware" (and wear an old shirt) -- jim

With plastic tanks like the Patersons and Spanish made sorta-clones I usually use the twisty-twirly paddle for agitation. Since the tank remains upright throughout processing there's no leakage. However some folks suspect this agitation method doesn't work as well as inversion agitation. In my experience both work about equally.

 

However I wouldn't want to try twisty-twirly agitation on a 5-reel Paterson tank. That would probably result in an aching wrist before long.

 

Anyway, most of my stainless tanks leak occasionally so I just deal with it by using paper towels and one or two really nasty old bath towels that reek of and odor somewhere between a cat litter box that hasn't been changed in a month and a crypt.

Paterson tanks do not leak unless you store them with the cover attached and stretch it out. I have one for 35mm.

 

You are better off with stainless steel ones. My old Nikor ones leak a few drops, but the Kinderman ones with the plastic lids should be better. Again sore with the top off.

 

My Jobo ones do not leak, again lid off storage.

 

Lex is an expert and may be able to get even development with the twist rod. I have always had trouble with that so I never tried with the Patterson tank. My touble was dense edges and less developed centers. Patterson recommends using the twist rod only for initial agitation cycle.

Concurring with some of the above. When the tanks are not in use just leave the lid resting loose on top. With the Super System 4 tanks when you put the lid on, press down on the concave middle of the lid to force some air out. This creates a slight vacuum and holds the lid on tightly. If you use a developer which contains carbonate and a acid stop, this can also cause some leakage due to gas pressure. All that is required is to repeat the above to reseal the lid.

Thanks for the advice. I will try to store the Patersons with the lid off, and if that doesn't work i may switch to Jobo or Kindermann.

 

Rene Holbrugge