Film developing tanks

[giantcanopy]

I am looking to try LF photography somewhere soon
I have a fairly spacious bathroom that I can convert into a darkroom of sorts for film developing.
I know that there are several methods of doing processing of these sheets, e.g tray for instance.
Anyone processes film with developing tanks like these ?

From
Arkay 81-4 SS Cut Film Developing Tank for 6 - 8x10" 600687

I probably need 4 tanks for black and white developing, I read.
Where can I get hold of such tanks locally ? I figure the overseas shipment of such tanks will quickly inflate the overall price.
I have too many queries to ask and I would love to catch up with you guys for a kopi session one of these days.

Ryan

 

[catchlights]

Are you shooting 8x10?

I used to have this Doran sheet film daylight processing tank.

FR 4x5 film developing tank adjustable large format | eBay

all you need is just one tank. using it like any other daylight processing tank.

alternatively, not sure you still able to find the Jobo sheet film processing tank.


hope this help.

 

[mamypoko]

I develop 4x5 B&W negatives in 1 Paterson Daylight tank which I bought from Ruby, why would you need 4 tanks?

Unless you are talking about darkroom printing?

 

[giantcanopy]

Are you shooting 8x10?

I used to have this Doran sheet film daylight processing tank.

FR 4x5 film developing tank adjustable large format | eBay

all you need is just one tank. using it like any other daylight processing tank.

alternatively, not sure you still able to find the Jobo sheet film processing tank.


hope this help.

I develop 4x5 B&W negatives in 1 Paterson Daylight tank which I bought from Ruby, why would you need 4 tanks?

Unless you are talking about darkroom printing?

Hi catchlights. I am indeed referring to 8x10 sizes, I am not sure if there are any daylight tanks for such sizes.

Hi mamypoko , the 4 basic tanks that some forums mentioned of are for each of the following :

1. Developer
2. Stop
3. Fix
4. Wash

Films loaded onto those 8x10 hangars and processed through the various tanks.
Each tanks seem to be in the size of several gallons .. :think:

I was thinking it might help ease the need for any pouring / refilling during the process and I can probably reuse them for a little while more
for the next batch etc ..

I am still in the planning stage so all feedbacks and suggestions are most heartily welcomed!

 

[catchlights]

since is 8x10 and using dip and dunk processing, than you have not much choice liao.

 

[mamypoko]

I shoot 8x10 also but I currently use the Jobo Expert, minimum 270ml to fully cover a sheet. It's a daylight tank so I do everything in one, just premix the chemicals in plastic bottles beforehand.

You can try looking for a used Unicolor, Beseler or Jobo (try Seng Cheong) drum for 8x10 sheet film which you can hand roll on the floor or on a DIY wheel setup (I used to hand roll but now I use a Simma roller), or you can also try the BTZS system which is still being made new. (8x10 BTZS B&W Film Processing Tubes (set of 3))

For me I try to minimize chemicals used as well as save space as I live with 2 young siblings at home as well as a dog, that's why I went with a daylight tank. Yet to do printing though.

 

[giantcanopy]

since is 8x10 and using dip and dunk processing, than you have not much choice liao.

Hi catchlights, yes something like a dip dunk concept. For these tanks, as long as they are corrosion resistant it shld be ok ? I have seen some of these 8x10 film holders for tanks, as long as I can have them put in and submerged within the chemicals it should be a go?

I might just end up with normal tanks or even covered glass fish tanks I suspect, unless there are any other special features that I am missing out.

I shoot 8x10 also but I currently use the Jobo Expert, minimum 270ml to fully cover a sheet. It's a daylight tank so I do everything in one, just premix the chemicals in plastic bottles beforehand.

The roller drum is a good suggestion if space is a premium. Would like to check if developing can get uneven from the film contacts within the container ?

Ryan

 

[zguy]

using the dip and dunk with 4 tanks method would means you have to work in total darkness from film unloading to fixer stage. Some people do not mind but I have tried tray developing using 4x5 sheets in total darkness and didn't like it. I would imagine it to be challenging to move the 8x10 sheets on hangers from one tank to another in total darkness.


i am using a Paterson Orbital Processor which is a daylight tank but can only do one 8x10 sheet at a time.
So i feel Mamypoko's Jobo Expert drum will be the most elegant solution for daylight developing (only film unloading to be done in total darkness) although the drum cost is quite high!

 

[sfoto100]

Hi catchlights, yes something like a dip dunk concept. For these tanks, as long as they are corrosion resistant it shld be ok ? I have seen some of these 8x10 film holders for tanks, as long as I can have them put in and submerged within the chemicals it should be a go?

I might just end up with normal tanks or even covered glass fish tanks I suspect, unless there are any other special features that I am missing out.



The roller drum is a good suggestion if space is a premium. Would like to check if developing can get uneven from the film contacts within the container ?

Ryan

hi ryan

u mean Jobo Expert drum? i am using jobo expert drum 3006, it is very good.. my first 2 sheets of 45 bw are dev in those paterson tank meant for 135... then i bought this drum.. while i got no issues with the paterson (but i used only once for devloping 45), my friend has quite some issues with it..

so i think expert drum is good.. unless u wanna go try zone system.. then i suggest jobo 2820 which allows 2 sheets...

 

[losheng]

The roller drum is a good suggestion if space is a premium. Would like to check if developing can get uneven from the film contacts within the container ?

Jobo drums are pretty pricey (but well made). For 8x10, there are many daylight print drums available for peanuts. I have a couple of Chromega tanks. Coupled with a base roller, and the setup won't cost you more than USD50. You won't get uneven development, because the emulsion side will be facing inwards. It's the non-emulsion side that's in contact with the walls of the drum. There are other reasons you might get occasional uneven development, such as due to standing wave of the solution, if the base roller doesn't have forward/reverse or gentle rocking action. Personally, I have never experienced the latter problem.

The dipping tanks are great if your volume is high, since it use more solutions. If you don't have sufficient volume, you might end up with unpredictable results from reusing solutions that get oxidized over time.

 

[giantcanopy]

Thanks for all the feedbacks thus far. I have decided to get a daylight printing drum for the 8x10 instead. I realised it would be immense effort to light proof my entire toilet especially the door.

I read on other online forums on the possible need for ? spacers to prevent films from touching each other during the agitation/rolling.
Indeed there is a myraid of print drum options on ebay. Is it necessary if I get a Jobo tank ? I would like to keep things as simple as possible.

Ryan

 

[sfoto100]

Thanks for all the feedbacks thus far. I have decided to get a daylight printing drum for the 8x10 instead. I realised it would be immense effort to light proof my entire toilet especially the door.

I read on other online forums on the possible need for ? spacers to prevent films from touching each other during the agitation/rolling.
Indeed there is a myraid of print drum options on ebay. Is it necessary if I get a Jobo tank ? I would like to keep things as simple as possible.

Ryan

lualua bought 8x10 jobo expert drum from M'sia.. u can ask him, i think no spacer is needed , bcos i think all expert drum are the same..

 

[sweat100]

If you are using the Jobo 2xxx series drum such as the 2840, u need the Jobo spacer clips. They will guide the film in place preventing film from dislodging during rolling.

 

[sfoto100]

i have 2820, which can be extended to dev 8x10 by buying the extension (forgot model number) .. i use the 2820 when i dev only 2 sheets of 4x5.. hmm.. i still prefer expert drum...

 

[losheng]

Is it necessary if I get a Jobo tank ? I would like to keep things as simple as possible.

Jobo drums are pricier. You can go for Chromega or Unicolor drums. They normally go for USD10-20 a piece on ebay.

 

[giantcanopy]

Thanks everyone for the good advice!

I was thinking of getting the upcoming Jobo CPP3 in future ( Any inside info on who would be bringing them in locally ? ), and hence I was really considering the 8x10 Expert
drums from Jobo ( for subsequent compatibility in a way ) I do not think I can get them new at the moment, but when CPP3 sales start, Jobo should logically push through with the drums as well
But meanwhile where can I get them apart from evilbay. Malaysia ?

Ryan