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Thread: Combi tank follies

  1. #1

    Combi tank follies

    Developed my first 4x5 negs tonight. Here's what I learned:

    1) Completely read the instructions, no matter how obtuse they may be, before asking stupid questions.

    2) Don't drain the dev from the bottom tap. It's too slow.

    3) After draining the dev from the bottom tap anyhow, don't forget to put the cap back on or else you'll have stop all over your kitchen counter.

    4) Draining out of the top is also mighty slow.

    5) The HP Combi Plan leaks out the top drain, so it's not possible to do inversions without leaking developer all over your kitchen counter, despite what the extremely obtuse instructions say.

    6) Despite all that, I still managed to get images on my negs! Can't wait to see what they look like when they're dry.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    173

    Re: Combi tank follies

    I have had pretty good success with these tanks - because they fill from the bottom up and drain from the top down - I always use the bottom drain to empty it with mine. Also, I shake mine from side to side instead of inverting it - that also seems to work OK for me.

  3. #3
    Jon Shiu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Mendocino, California
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    1,317

    Re: Combi tank follies

    Hi, it should drain as fast out of the lower drain if you take the cap off of the top spout to let air in. Also, make sure you screw in the top vent completely and it won't leak when doing inversions. I wear rubber gloves because the spout is slippery when wet and hard to tighten and unscrew.

    Jon
    my black and white photos of the Mendocino Coast: jonshiu.zenfolio.com

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2005
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    2,955

    Re: Combi tank follies

    My Combi works fine; but I am happy I spent the money for my Jobo Expert.

  5. #5

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    May 2007
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    New York City & Pontremoli, Italy
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    Re: Combi tank follies

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Shiu View Post
    Hi, it should drain as fast out of the lower drain if you take the cap off of the top spout to let air in. Also, make sure you screw in the top vent completely and it won't leak when doing inversions. I wear rubber gloves because the spout is slippery when wet and hard to tighten and unscrew.

    Jon
    Excellent advice. I never had a problem using the HP tank.

  6. #6

    Re: Combi tank follies

    Thanks, Jon. I'll try that next time I dev.

    I had the top drain screwed down as tight as it would go. Still leaked when I inverted it. Oh, well. Not a big deal.

  7. #7
    Ross
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Blue Mountains NSW
    Posts
    84

    Re: Combi tank follies

    ..and substitute something like fishing line for the dubious string which keeps the caps and the taps together for only a limited time, nothing worse than chasing around for a replacement if you lose the caps.

    BTW I invert and wear gloves for both purchase and for preserving the health of my skin.

    Regards - Ross

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: Combi tank follies

    Quote Originally Posted by captainslack View Post
    Thanks, Jon. I'll try that next time I dev.

    I had the top drain screwed down as tight as it would go. Still leaked when I inverted it. Oh, well. Not a big deal.
    Are you missing the washers that go on the drain plugs to prevent leaks? It also sounds like you are not opening the Light Tight Hose Connectors air path by giving them a slight twist open before filling or emptying. As I am the one that wrote those instructions from the original German ones you might want to call us if you need help with the tank. 800 735-4373. I will not be in tomorrow or Friday and will be unavailable the better part of Thursday.

  9. #9
    jetcode
    Guest

    Re: Combi tank follies

    I used 2 tanks - once you get used to it you will be developing 12 sheets at a time two handed!

  10. #10

    Re: Combi tank follies

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Salomon - HP Marketing View Post
    Are you missing the washers that go on the drain plugs to prevent leaks? It also sounds like you are not opening the Light Tight Hose Connectors air path by giving them a slight twist open before filling or emptying. As I am the one that wrote those instructions from the original German ones you might want to call us if you need help with the tank. 800 735-4373. I will not be in tomorrow or Friday and will be unavailable the better part of Thursday.
    No, I did not receive the washers. That would explain the leak. Would I need a specific set from HP or could I buy some from my local hardware store?

    Yes, I am twisting the connectors to open the path. Sounds like I should have opened the top connector to let in air.

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