Dip n' dunk 4x5

[Shootar401]

Currently I'm using Mod 54 to develop my 4x5 B/W, C41 and E6. And trays to develop my 5x7 and 8x10 B/W. I'd like to standardize on tanks and racks for all 3 formats. I used them before but came across some surge marks that I'd rather not revisit if possible.

Does anybody know a good hanger to eliminate the surge marks?

[vinny]

The kodak hangers work fine. It's your agitation technique which is the problem. Very little movement is required to put fresh developer in contact with the film.

[Shootar401]

LAst time I used dip and dunk it was whit 5x7 and I had some surge marks on my film. I thought I went slow enough, but maybe I should lift and dunk it a little slower?

[brucetaylor]

I use the Kodak hangers for 8x10 and 4-up 4x5. I have not had uneven development problems, I subscribe to Vinny's theory, "Very little movement is required to put fresh developer in contact with the film." I rock the tank moderately for agitation, works for me.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Go faster, not slower. The marks (AKA "bromide drag") are caused by exhausted developer remaining in contact with the emulsion for too long and producing a localized restraining effect.

When I agitate, I pull the hangers completely out of the solution and tilt to one side to drain, and put them back in in the tank. Next cycle I do the same, tilting to the opposite side, and so on, just like Adams recommends in The Negative, and I haven't had any problems with surge marks.

[Ron McElroy]

I agitate in a similar manner as David with no surge marks. In my processing I agitate once every minute and this takes about 7 to 10 seconds to complete.

[BetterSense]

I used to use kodak hangers and never found the magic agitation technique that always gave even development. I went back to tray processing.

[Richard Wasserman]

I found hangers to be developer dependent. Replenished XTOL worked fine, but they did not get on with Pyrocat. Since I really want to use Pyrocat I now use a Slosher.

[bob carnie]

Plus one

Go faster, not slower. The marks (AKA "bromide drag") are caused by exhausted developer remaining in contact with the emulsion for too long and producing a localized restraining effect.

When I agitate, I pull the hangers completely out of the solution and tilt to one side to drain, and put them back in in the tank. Next cycle I do the same, tilting to the opposite side, and so on, just like Adams recommends in The Negative, and I haven't had any problems with surge marks.

[Tony Lakin]

I use nitrogen burst agitation for sheet film, perfectly even negs every time