david_osborne Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Hi Guys, Can you please help me with correctly identifying this developing tank? It is a 'Dallan' metal daylight processing tank, which I have been assured is for 5x4 sheet film. However, 5x4 film will only load in the basket if it is bowed to fit the slots (see pic). This causes scratching of the film where it rubs against the slot at an angle (see pic) - a good 5mm into each edge. I can't imagine this is correct, but maybe it is! The slot width is just a shade over 3¼ inches, making me think that it was intended for quarter plate use, rather than 5x4 sheet film. Overall dimensions are 135mm(W)x97mm(D)x137mm(H). Has anyone come across this item before?? Cheers, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob. Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 I am sure you are correct - it is for 1/4 plate (3 1/8" wide) plates - or possibly 3 1/2" cut-film, but the slots look very wide for film - but in any case, certainly not for 5x4". The only references I can find are for items for sale in the UK (no pictures) & all at vintage camera sites, so my guess is that it was of UK manufacture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_osborne Posted July 10, 2003 Author Share Posted July 10, 2003 Hi Bob, Thanks for your quick response - I should have mentioned that the tank was indeed made in England (Hemel Hempstead, to be precise!). I agree that the slots look too wide for film, much more suited to plates. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_kevin_johnson Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Food for thought. You can make them up out of sheet PVC or phenolic (spelling?) like the photo. Many years ago all of the mapping was done from plates rather then film diapositives bacause the film was not stable enough. They were then processed in the thick black rubber tanks that Kodak used to make. Ahh the real days! There is additional room between to allow better developing but in a frame you can always just skip a few. :) Kevin<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil_miller2 Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I collect things like this and have one of these tanks - it is, as previously mentioned, for glass plates and not for film - the corrugated metal holders at either side are made to suit the thickness of the plates. It was advertised in a 1930s edition of the BJP Almanac. Regards, Neil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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