4x5 processing tank

[malcolm_fox]

Can anyone provide me with some suggestions regarding 4x5 B&W negative processing...would you recommend a tank over the newer reel processing approach...if tank, then what manufacturer would you recommend...? Thanks in advance.

[jeff_white1]

Check out the BTZS Tubes at <a href="http://www.darkroom-

innovations.com">this address.</a>

[fred1]

Malcom,

Why are you ruling out simple tray processing? This gives great

results, and I routinely processed up to fifteen sheets at a time in

an 8x10 tray. I learned this technique from George Tice at a workshop

many years ago when I was much younger and I have always had really

good success (guess there is no such thing as bad success) with this

technique, but it does require some testing for times. The negatives

are placed in the tray emulsion down, after the last one is placed in

the tray the bottom negative is pulled and placed on the emulsion up

on the top, tap it down to ensure that the chemical solution is

making good contact, and then continue your rotation. I taught this

technique to a co-worker several years ago when he first started

shooting 8x10 and it works well for him although he limits his

processing to fewer sheets. Tice swears that at the end of the

processing cycle, when it is time to remove the film, that the first

sheet you put in is the first that you pull out. I never tested this,

but I was never disappointed in my negatives. What developer do you

use? I used the technique with D-23 and the Kodalk bath. My friend

basically does the same thing with some modifications he has made to

his formulae. I'm not sure that I would recommend this with a high

energy developer like HC-110. I have used tanks and reels (didn't

know anyone was still making the reel processing tanks or reels). If

you want some more details let me know and I will try to help.

[jack_chase2]

I have had good results using the CombiPlan tanks. I do not use a

"fill and dump" method, but, rather a "dip and dunk" method. That

is, I load the hanger in the dark (holds 6 4x5 sheets) and move the

hanger assembly from tank to tank. Agitation by lifting and jiggling

the assembly.

[dean_lastoria]

I'm with Fred. Tray is the way. Plus it seems to use less juice for a

one shot thing.

Dean

[pat_krentz]

I have used tray processing for years, one reason is that you can

buy a lot of film and paper for the cost of a rotary processor.

Pat

[scott walton]

I prefer the tanks and the 4x5 racks. I had some stainless tanks made

to hold about 20 sheets. It comes in handy when needing to process big

runs. As you can see, everyone has there own way of doing things. It is

all what you are comfortable with.

Cheers

[david_kirk1]

I seem to be using some sort f hybrid tank/tray method - Paterson

orbital colour print tank (one thing I don't know if it is IR tight

can anyone help on this?), it only takes four sheets though, but is

is currently sufficient as I don't have access to a darkroom

currently.

[matt_sampson]

Malcolm

When I started in large format film processenig was a major bugbear

of mine. I eventually came up with a minature deep tank line made

from Tupperware cereal containers using a Kodak hanger two sheets at

a time extending development as more film was processed. It worked a

treat. I tried I tried the Doran tank but it's hopless you can't

agitate the damn thing properly. I have heard good reports about the

Combiplan tank probably because you can invert it and achieve proper

agitation. This is so important. I have never had any success with

tray processing, I just don't have the gift. Having recently

succumbed to the wonders of Jobo rotary processing I have to say I'm

impressed, absolute consistency, and no standing around in the dark.

I would suggest that first off you give tray processing try if you

are successful you can be incredibly smug about it and save alot of

money.

 

<p>

 

Matt Sampson.