HP Combi-Plan 4x5 tank and agitation

[younghoon Kil]

I developed films using a CombiPlan tank as a daylight tank, but got poor results.
So I'm going to try the dip-and-dunk method described in this article.
- https://www.largeformatphotography.i...ve-developing/

But in the bathroom with the lights off, how can I check the development time?
Can I use the darkroom timer(red and very dark screen) app for smartphones?

[Sal Santamaura]

I developed films using a CombiPlan tank as a daylight tank, but got poor results.
So I'm going to try the dip-and-dunk method described in this article.

But in the bathroom with the lights off, how can I check the development time?
Can I use the darkroom timer(red and very dark screen) app for smartphones?

I don't know the brightness or spectral characteristics of that app on your phone. I'm lucky enough to have a Zone VI Compensating Development Timer. I place its probe in the water jacket tub my three Combiplan T tanks are sitting in, and select "Film" on the timer. That renders the digital display very dark, but still visible after my eyes have adapted to conditions. It's also supplemented by an audible beep every 30 seconds. I suggest you try a bit of rubylith over your phone's screen and see whether any fogging results.

[paulbarden]

Can I use the darkroom timer(red and very dark screen) app for smartphones?

Yes, you can. I've been using the Massive Dev Chart timer for a decade and it works. (Turn your screen brightness all the way down and use the red screen)

[younghoon Kil]

Thanks for all the replies.
If I use a smartphone app, I would place the phone lower than the tank.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Dip N Dunk Combiplan set up for Panchro Work by Nokton48, on Flickr

This is my present Combiplan three tank setup, getting ready to run six sheets of 4x5 Shanghai. Will use my liter of Replenished D23. Middle tank is Wash Tank, for presoaking (haven't been doing that), water stop, and final washing too. Raising the tanks on a plastic box puts them at a good working height. I processed some Ortho film by inspection, but I am just getting going with this.

[younghoon Kil]

Looks good!

[monochromeFan]

Thanks for all the replies.
If I use a smartphone app, I would place the phone lower than the tank.

I concur, film is rather sensitive to light at the wrong moment. I started my PAPER developing in the bathtub with open trays, and i used a cell phone timer app, and cell phone on the edge of the tub, and every piece of paper was ruined until i went with a regular kitchen timer in an upside down box. Then switched to paper tubes.

[seezee]

Dip & dunk is the way to go. Just make sure your darkroom is really light-tight, or use a changing tent.

[younghoon Kil]

I appreciate everyone's advice!

Currently I don't have a darkroom timer like Gralab timer. First, I'm going to try it with a smartphone app.