robert_haury Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 I am new to large format photography. I've been using a Yankee Agitank (picked up used). I'm getting some uneven development (surprise?) As I'm on a limited budget I can't justify the expense of a JOBO processor but I am interested in the tanks (less chemicals used, even development) Has anybody had any experiance with this? Does anybody have any suggestions for getting better results with the Yankee tank? I don't have the space to do in tray processing.Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_white Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 You might try what I like to call the poor mans JOBO. <a href="http://www.darkroom-innovations.com/index.html">The BTZS Tubes.</a> I use them and like them very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_hicks Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 Use that Yankee tank for a planter or something.... <p> Try a Unicolor 8x10 print drum; you can develop up to four sheets of 4x5 or an 8x10, the ribs allow solutions to get around to the base side of the film so you don't get mottling, and you can roll it back'n'forth on a tabletop or use the motor roller base. <p> These things are really common on the used-equipment market and work great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_paramore Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 I second John Hicks recommendation for the Uniroller drums. I began using them this summer after I purchased a couple of motor bases and drums from one of the super folks on this forum. I had used the system when I worked at a newspaper for 35mm, but not for 4x5 and 8x10. I have not gotten a bad negative out of it yet. The best thing is that it standardizes the agitation, thus eliminating one more variable. You can pick up the drums on E-Bay for $10-15, or I have seen them used at camera stores. In the meantime, the Jobo drums will work with hand agitation, but is more of a pain in the keester. <p> Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_haury Posted February 15, 2001 Author Share Posted February 15, 2001 Thanks for the responses. I think the suggestion for the uniroller tanks is an excellent one. It looks like it's just what I've been looking for. <p> Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_henderson1 Posted February 16, 2001 Share Posted February 16, 2001 Rob, <p> Welcome to the forum. Look back at the archived threads fordiscussions on many options. A couple weeks ago, there was adiscussion on using the Jobo drums for hadn inversion processing. <p> I don't think Jobo recommends the drums for hand inversion processingof sheet films. (2509n reels and 2502(?) drum), but some people do itanyway. You're not going to save much chemicals, as you're going tohave to fill the drum to process this way. I was going to suggestwhat the others have - you should be able to pick up a used Unicolor8x10 drum and a motor base for $50. That beats the price of the 2509nreel and 2500 drum by a long shot (Also, if you look for the Jobo 4x5reels used, be sure they are the 2509n and not the plain 2509, asthere is a redesign to improve agitation.) <p> The BTZS tubes are a good idea, too, and homemade constructioninstructions for them are even given in <em>Beyond the ZoneSystem</em> by Phil Davis. One problem I think there is with them,though, is that there is no ribbing in the tubes like in the Unicolordrum, even in the commercially sold BTZS tubes, so the anti-halationlayer on the back of the films may not completely clear, and you haveto refix to finish the processing. This is somewhat bothersome tome. But I've never had that problem with the Unicolor drums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_haury Posted February 24, 2001 Author Share Posted February 24, 2001 I am happy to report that the unicolor drums performed as I had hoped. I just Developed 12 negs and all are evenly developed and scratch free. I did the agitation by hand since the roller base I purchased hasn't arrived yet. By the way the Yankee tank makes a great film washer.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylan_morcol Posted April 24, 2001 Share Posted April 24, 2001 I hope someone is still following this. I was wondering exactly how Unicolor tanks work. How do you load them? How do you process film? Do you have to bee in total darkness through the whole process? THanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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