PMK with sheet film in hangers

[john_sarsgard1]

I've been using PMK with rollfilm (TX and HP5+) for some time. About ready to take the plunge also with 4x5 HP5+. Gordon Hutchings in The Book of Pyro recommends against using hangers. But...I've gotten very attached to them. I know there are many different opinions on hangers, but I love 'em! I will break down and try them myself, but just wanted to ask whether anybody else already has, and how it worked out. I have the hangers with holes all around the outside for good flow. Anybody trying this? Thanks!

[josh2]

This might help you.

 

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http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=002Pdw

 

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josh

[michael_fraser1]

Hangers can cause streaking at the film edges, especially with PMK.

Learn to develop sheet film in trays. It's not as scary in reality as

people think. Practice with scrap sheets until you can do it without

scratching any of them. Tray development provides completely even

developing. You don't need a Jobo; you don't need a goofy plastic rig

to hold the sheets. You just need practice. Do NOT put your bare

hands into pyro! Use latex gloves available from any pharmacy. Also,

use a pre-soak, otherwise the tanning action of the pyro will

permanently bond the sheets together if you just put them dry into

the developer.

[josh2]

Micheal,

What if your afraid of the dark?-J

[john_clark13]

I have used film holders in 2000 mil tanks with great success. I

have settled on a simpler idea. Take one film holder, and bend the

handle 90 degrees creating a "L" shaped holder. Place the film

emulsion up in the holder and use a 8X10 or 4X5 tray. The holder

does a excellent job with PMK, and you can keep your fingers out of

the chemical. I beleive that having the emulsion faced up prevents

abrasion from the tray bottom, and results in better PMK flow over

the emulsion.

[michael_fraser1]

Do you mean 'hangers?' I hope you are not bending film holders; seems

rather difficult, especially if you want to later use them in the

camera again!

[john_sarsgard1]

Thanks to everyone for the input. John Clark...curious about your

use of the bent hanger. Sounds great for one at a time...or four up,

for 4x5 using that kind of hanger, but why did you stop using the

larger tank? Doing 6 or 8 at a time sounds good. Did you have any

problem with streaking at the edges? Thanks! John

[john_clark13]

My only complaint with using hangers/tank was once and a while I

would nick/cut my emulsions. The bent hanger method results in

perfect development without the risk of cuts. I can easily hold

two of these holders with on hand using a 8X10 tray.

[john_clark11]

Oh BTW, With the holders/tank/PMK I lifted them out once every 15

seconds, tilting the one corner up. I alternated by tilting the

oposite direction the next cycle. I only noticed streaking when I

was too aggressive with the agitation.