Developing 2x3 sheet film

Hi all,

I recently acquired a Horseman VF 2x3/6x9 camera. It can handle 2x3 (I know, 2 1/4 x 3 1/4...) sheet film holders as well. I don't have a darkroom so can't tray develop. Suggestions? I'd really like to be able to occasionally do sheets. I got the Yankee Adjustable tank but hear bad things about it, with uneven development, etc. Though I guess it's worth a try. But anyone have any other suggestions?

 

Thanks.

Allan

If I were you I would stick to 120 roll film and skip sheet film in that format. You only get 8 shots on a roll of 120 in that format and stainless steel tanks and reels work well with a little practice. Sheet film holders are a pain to keep clean and tanks for sheet film usually require a lot more chemistry than stainless steel roll film tanks. I've shot thousands and developed of sheets of 4x5 but when I have used my view cameras for medium format work I always used roll film holders. The best tanks I have found for sheet film are the Jobo 2500 series tanks and reels; I haven't used the Yankee tank but I suspect that good agitation would be difficult from the design.

Do you have a tank with spirals ? 2x3 sheets will load into a spiral easily enough. You only need to keep them separated in the spiral far enough so they don't overlap.

IMO, sheet film needs to be kept flat. IMO again, everybody has a darkroom. I've developed film in dorm rooms, bathrooms, basements and in the unheated back of an old farm house in the middle of the winter. Work at night and block off windows with some temporary arrangement. Or, use roll film!

As conrad says, "everybody has a darkroom" It's just a matter of finding out how to keep the darkness in.

 

Any windowless room can do as long as you don't get chemicals on other things.

 

Here's how we used to do it, but any light-tight plastic bin or box can do:

Thanks all. The camera came with 2 holders so I thought it would be fun to try it. Might I like it more than taking out my 5x7? Perhaps. I will definitely use the roll film adapter more often than not, though. Just for kicks.

 

I understand the theory that "everyone has a darkroom" but...no, not everyone does. I have 2 small kids that run around and don't go to bed until 9-9:30 at night (that's just when they sleep. Want to babysit for me and help me figure out how to get them to go to sleep earlier?) The laundry room, which is the only possibly option, is too heavy of a thoroughfare to block off for long periods of time. I can develop 135 and 120 very fast in tanks, and of course not close off the room. But I have done tray development in my photo classes and I'm just not that proficient to be efficient in time.

 

I get the argument, but everyone has a different situation, and we should be sensitive to that. Thank you.

Sorry you took offense. but ... Around 2 in the morning is both dark and quiet in most homes even on Saturday night. Adjust your times, not those of the whole world.

I do 5 x 4 occasionally and I've modified a Paterson tank, with two strips of LEGO running vertically down the inside of the tank, and 180 degrees apart, that a sheet of 5x4 sits in, in a 'sprung' position. It doesn't hold them very securely, but with gentle agitation, I've not had any come out. I'm careful not to have the emulsion side face the side of the tank as it tends to stick to it sometimes, but so far, so good. I'm sure you could do a similar mod with a bit of thought for smaller formats. Of course, you still need the dark place in which to load it.

Is it still possible to get 2x3 sheet film?

Yes, Freestyle carries it.

 

I'll drop the conversation about whether I can have a darkroom or not...

The options for developing 2x3 film in your particular situation are somewhat limited. Ideally, you want the film to be secured in some type of holder/reel/hanger to minimize scratches, damage. You also want to use only the amount of chemical needed to cover the film and give complete development, no need to use a ½ gallon tank to develop 2 sheets of 2x3 film when 16 oz will work just fine. IMO, a Paterson/Jobo tank (16 oz) with a modified reel would fit the bill for you. Unfortunately, I don’t know of such a reel, commercially made, for 2x3 film, perhaps someone will chime in with the source for one. This reel, of course, will cost some money and might be dedicated just to 2x3 film, only you can determine if the cost is worth the effort. I personally have had the same problem, I’ve tried several ways of developing 2x3 film: hangers in a small open tank in complete darkness, a Combiplan tank configured for 2x3 film (not ideal since the film can’t be “locked” in, taco style in a Paterson tank (too many scratched). I do have a darkroom where I can do this, plus I’m retired and no kids or grandkids. Right now I use the Combiplan tank, I just have to be very careful with the agitation so as not to dislodge the film in the rack.

So I went looking for such a reel and lookie what I found, 20th Century 2"x3" Quick Load Film Processing Reel - 6 Sheets | Freestyle Photo & Imaging. Now all you have to do is justify the cost. I may order this for my self. Has anyone used this reel?

I too only know of (and have used) the Combiplan tank. They work. And probably still available on the second hand market.

 

Those reels are marked out of stock.

I too only know of (and have used) the Combiplan tank. They work. And probably still available on the second hand market.

 

Those reels are marked out of stock.

 

Correct. I then went to the 20th Century site where they did not show them out but I did not look any further on their site to see if I could order them. Their site had them priced $5 higher than Freestyle, perhaps when they are back in stock at Freestyle they will be at a higher price.

I've used the square yankee(?) tanks before with 4x5 and had decent results. They do use a ton of chemistry but unless you have a huge dark bag, you'd still need a darkroom and that doesnt seem to be something you're wanting to achieve.