Trouble with the MINOX daylight-developing tank

[lars_l_wgren]

After half a century with photography I bought a MINOX C, enlarger

and the developing tank. (It is newer too late to have a happy

childhood!) The first film was on the edge of disaster. Filling the

tank is a slow job. It takes 15 ? 120 sec. to fill it. That is not a

problem if the times were consistent, but the time varies. I have

spotted the source of trouble to air trapped and restricting the

filling. The tank is of ca 1970 vintage. Has anybody a solution?

[micah_henry]

Lars,

 

My tank takes almost a minute to fill as well. I notice that if I hold the tank slightly askew (not vertical), it helps to fill it easier as the air can escape.

 

After filling the tank with developer, I tap it on the countertop or table two or three times to dislodge any air bubbles trapped inside. This ususally works well, and the bubbles rise to the top of the tank and escape.

 

You might want to try that technique.

 

I start timing from the moment I begin to pour developer into the tank, then stop development and begin to pour it out once the time is complete. (That's just my method.)

 

--Micah in NC

[lars_l_wgren]

Thanks Micah,

After a bit of practicing I am now down to a constant filling time of 55 sec

Lars

[micah_henry]

Lars,

 

You are quite welcome. Happy Minoxing!

 

--Micah in NC