Idea: MOD54 + paterson reel + combiplan

[Saus]

So ok, I'm sure I'm not the only one having problems with the MOD54 (scratches, uneven development), so I've been thinking, trying to come up with someting that can fit in a paterson 3 tank. I am no engineer, and have no way to make this, it's just an idea in my head.

What if there was a kind of reel, that looks like a paterson reel for 4x5 (very tall paterson reel), that fit in the tank like the mod54, and loaded film like the combiplan? Did I explain that well enough? With vents for the chemicals to flow just like the 35mm/120 film reels, only a bit larger. Say you could fit 6 or 8 sheets. And the tracks would just have to be a little bit deeper.

Oh, and that there are 2 sides, just like the mod54. So you have 3-4 on each side.

Would the sheets be rigid enough (not popping out)?

Maybe we can invent something together?

[Regular Rod]

Here's how I process up to 4 sheets of 4x5 at once without a darkroom using a Paterson Orbital Processor


RR

[Saus]

That tank is even more rare than the combiplan...

[jp]

Saus, that would work for inversion agitation, but not for rotating agitation based on what I understand from you. The combiplan track system is solid plastic.

Do your agitation in slow motion if you are having problems with the mod54 function. I have one that I don't use much because I am happy with the combiplan.

[Light Guru]

The old Nikor stainless steel 4x5 developing tank is the best design of daylight tank I have seen. But they are rare and pricy.

[Saus]

The old Nikor stainless steel 4x5 developing tank is the best design of daylight tank I have seen. But they are rare and pricy.

Wow, I didn't even know about this. And it kind of resembles what I've been thinking of, only that the tracks for the film are at the top and bottom of the holder.

Do your agitation in slow motion if you are having problems with the mod54 function.

I am doing it very slowly, but it seems the liquids are pulling at the film up and down in the holder, making scratches on the emulsion free side. My mod54 is also a little bit taller than a sheet of film, making room for movement. I've been thinking of "modding" my mod 54 by making the "tracks" wider, or make the "corners" round.


Why can't there just be a "perfect" tank...

[Regular Rod]

That tank is even more rare than the combiplan...

They come up on eBay quite regularly.

RR

[Saus]

The JOBO 3010 caught my attention. Quite expensive though.

[koh303]

The JOBO 3010 caught my attention. Quite expensive though.

My 2 cents: does anyone ever get even development from a combiplan?

What you are looking for is the Jobo 2509 reel, and a 2520 tank. Answers all of your requests above, and costs about a third of an expert drum.
It does not leak, it is easy to load, and only needs minimal amounts of chemistry when in rotation (similar amounts to MOD54 when inverting).

[jp]

My 2 cents: does anyone ever get even development from a combiplan?

What you are looking for is the Jobo 2509 reel, and a 2520 tank. Answers all of your requests above, and costs about a third of an expert drum.
It does not leak, it is easy to load, and only needs minimal amounts of chemistry when in rotation (similar amounts to MOD54 when inverting).

I get perfect results from my combiplan, even though it's not a perfect instrument. I'm interested in and think highly of the Jobo stuff, but I don't have space in my current darkroom for the machine.