From: Robert W. Schramm (schrammrus@hotmail.com)
Date: 12/16/02-04:38:16 PM Z
The Combi tank, which has been mentioned works pretty well but involves
opening and closing valves and some semi-tricky manipulation in the dark. It
has the advantage of using a relatively small amount of chemicals compared
to the larger tanks. I think Federal still makes a larger daylight tank for
4 x 5. In fact, I believe this tank can be adjusted for 2 x 3 and 3 x 4.
This tank is easy to load and clean amd is cheaper than the Combi tank. I
think I've seen them in Porter's. The disadvantage is that it holds about a
liter of solution, but then, you can develop 6 - 8 sheets of film in it or
1 sheet if you wish. If you have lots of film to develop then you can go to
sheet film holders (stainless steel) and three rubber tanks. These are not
daylight tanks but you can process a lot of film fairly quickly with them
and they come with lids so you can store the chemicals in them.
I might suggest you consider an alkaline fixer formula so you don't need
stop bath( just a water rinse) and that gets you down to two trays to find
in the dark instead of three.
Bob Schramm
Check out my web page at:
>From: Sandy King <sanking@clemson.edu>
>Reply-To: alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca
>To: alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca
>Subject: Re: 4x5 Development [ever so slightly off topic]
>Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 18:25:39 -0500
>
>I use BTZS type tubes for developing 4x5 and 5X7 film. This will give you
>very even development.
>
>Another option is an 8X10 Beseler or Unicolor paper drum and motor base,
>both very inexpensive on ebay. This will allow you to develop up to four
>sheets at a time of 4X5, with some kind of spacing device.
>
>Another is the Combi Tank, but I am not sure how well this works. Some
>people swear by them, however.
>
>Last, and most expensive option is Jobo. You will need a processor and
>expert drum.
>
>Sandy King
>
>
>
>
>
>>I don't know if this is absolutely on topic, but i'm sure a lot of you
>>might be able to give me some advice. i think i sent out a message about
>>how i acquired a 4x5 field camera. since i got it i've been developing the
>>negatives in trays in my bathroom, and i'm wondering if there might be an
>>easier way. processing 35mm is so easy because i can turn on the lights
>>when it's loaded, but with 4x5 i have two trays on the counter and one on
>>the toilet and i have to kind of get used to maneuvering wierdly in the
>>pitch black bathroom (i know, if you had night vision goggles and spent
>>some time with me, you'd probably laugh your asses off).
>>
>>so, what are 4x5 developing tanks? are they the same type of thing as the
>>canister for 35mm? can i load the film and then turn on the lights and
>>develop? should i just stick with the trays? i'm building a darkroom, and
>>it should be finished sometime soon, but for now, any suggestions?
>>
>>thanks,
>>
>>Steve
>>
>>
>>--- Steve Bell
>>--- Veracity000@earthlink.net
>>--- "We have...become our own thought police; but instead of calling the
>>process by which we limit our own expression of
>> dissent and wonder 'censorship', we call it 'concern for commercial
>>viability'." -David Mamet
_________________________________________________________________
Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : 01/31/03-09:31:25 AM Z CST