How Much Developer for 2 35mm Reels in Paterson Tank

<p>I have one of those Paterson System 4 tanks. It takes 2 reels using 35mm, and one reel for 120. I looked on the tank and on the instructions, and it says how much developer to use w/ each, but not for 2 reels of 35mm. Do I simply double the amount for one 35mm reel? The reason I ask is that I developed 2 rolls of 35mm in it recently, and some of the negs have a darker line down the middle (horizontally). I had the film in two cameras, one w/ a vertically running shutter, and the other w/ a horizontal one. Can't remember which was first. I did put just 17 oz in it because I had been developing 120 before that and forgot to change the amounts. The tank calls for 10oz when using one 35mm reel. Maybe I should have put 20 oz in it?</p>

<p>In my experience, not filling a tank means potential for various problems-- sloshing, foam, error in coverage, you know.</p>

<p>The tanks are so cheap these days, I just got a set of 1-reel, 2-reel, and so on tanks. That way I don't have to worry about filling it enough, agitation, and all the rest.</p>

 

<p>That's smart JDM. I would do the same, but I'm probably getting out of 35mm and going to just 120, so no need for additional tanks. Even when I was shooting 35mm regularly, it was once in a blue moon when I would put two reels in one tank.</p>

<p>My developer always ends up aging out before I use it up anyhow.<br /> If you're like me in the amount of developing you do, just fill the tank all the way and chuck it or renew it. It's not that expensive, either way. I started out otherwise, but now I generally go 1:1 and use it just once.<br>

I assume D76, of course, my old favorite, but you know whatever the equivalent is for whatever you're using... ;)</p>

<p>I have one of those tanks. I just double +5% for 2 reels. I never have developer go bad because I use it a lot. and I also replenish some developers and others I just use one shot like Rodinal and HC-110. I shoot 16mm through 4x5 so I tend to not worry about using too much developer as it is almost the cheapest thing in my supply line next to fixer.</p>

<p>I use about 26-28 ounces when I do two 35mm rolls. really nothing bad can happen if you use more than required, but if you don't use enough you are in big trouble. chems are cheap compared to messing up the development and ruining some film</p>

<p>Pretty sure my Paterson System 4 tank has the volume requirements on the bottom of the tank, but if I wasn't sure, I'd test it myself by measuring how much water is required to cover the reels (no film in reels and lid off so I can see what's happening)</p>

<p>Thanks. That all makes sense now, as I had a lot of surge marks on the top roll from not having enough developer in there, while the roll that was on the bottom was fine. 17 oz was obviously not nearly enough.</p>

<p>Don't know fluid ounces :-) - 600 ml.</p>

<p>Usually I just double the amount for 1 reel with no problems. So 10oz for 1 reel, would 20oz for two reels etc... </p>

<p>Paterson reel type tanks take about 10 oz. per roll. </p>

<p>I acquired a new Paterson tank maybe one year ago and in pretty prominent letters on a big arrow it says "Each film uses." It then points to a list of amounts and next to "35mm or 126" it says "290 mL 10oz." So that is 20 oz total for 2 films... or 10 oz EACH.</p>

<p>In my experience following the directions from the big boys (Kodak, Ilford, Fuji, Paterson, etc) for their own stuff works. It may not be the "best" but you won't have disasters. The ONLY times I have ever had major issues with developing was when I got cute ie stand developing, mixing up a developer kit from photographers formulary, using way too hot water to rinse film.</p>

<p>Really if you just follow directions and use distilled water for critical steps (mixing up chemicals) you will largely avoid major developing issues. EVERY single time I've had a problem it was because I deviated and used a second tier party's product or got cute with my developing technique. Follow directions.</p>

<p>Perhaps OT but I would be curious to hear if in modern times people have botched negatives using the manufactures directions.</p>

<p><em>Perhaps OT but I would be curious to hear if in modern times people have botched negatives using the manufactures directions.</em><br>

One pitfall is with Rodinal - this does not give full film speed with modern films. If you use the recommended dev time to get full box speed, this involves push processing (even if not described as such) and you may well wind up with excessive contrast.</p>

<p>The amounts are usually indicated on the bottom of Paterson tanks. If I remember, the two reel tank requires 600mL. I usually add a little more as it doesn't hurt. Steve, do you do the tank inversions 3 to 5 times for 5 seconds or so every minute? Even if you had only 17/20 of the desired amount, your film should have developed OK under these inversion conditions. There would be enough wetting of the unsubmerged part and agitation is necessary only ever so often to remove the reaction products and create new surface. Constant agitation is not necessary. But do use 20 oz. next time.</p>

<p>This may seem silly and too basic, but what about those tall measuring beakers we all use, or a Pyrex measuring cup from the kitchen.<br>

Step A. Take the the lid off the Paterson tank and put one 35mm reel in. Use the measuring beaker and just use tap water to cover it. Make note of exactly how much is required to cover it.<br>

Step B. Put the 2nd 35mm reel on top and repeat the process with tap water until the 2nd reel is completely covered. Make note again of how much water it took. <br>

Step C. Use the beaker to add more water until there is only a tiny bit of room between the water and the lid.<br>

Step A gives you the minimum needed for highly dilute or 2 stage developers, where sitting around is more the norm than agitation.<br>

Step B gives you what you need for single or double rolls developing using normal agitation.<br>

Step C gives you the maximum amount of liquid you will need.<br>

Repeat Step A/B with a 120 roll.<br>

If you have written those down, you now know forever how much developer is required for 1-2 rolls of 35mm and 1 roll of 120.<br>

Note, it is probably worthwhile to try this with previously exposed/damaged film wound onto the reels as the film will displace liquid too.</p>

<p>The whole process should take less than 5 minutes... including threading the reels with dummy film.</p>