Suggestions for 4x5 Development in an Apartment

[RmFrase]

Initially, I had thought about selling off my 4x5 after the demise of Fuji's Quickloads. But decided against it and have gotten my cut film and film holders etc.

But now, with photo labs that develop 4x5's getting harder and harder to find, I'd like to learn how to develop my own B&W 4x5 Negs.

Downside is that I live in an apartment and have limited area to work with.

I have considered something like the Jobo CPE-2 Plus Processor, but it is no longer available at B&H Photo and others.

Another downside is that I've never developed anything before, so I'm in need of suggestions for chemicals, or where I can go to get a list of things needed?

Any suggestions?

[Joanna Carter]

You don't need a processing machine for B&W. The cheapest and easiest way to develop film is to get a CombiPlan tank, which takes 6 sheets at a time. It does take 1 litre of chemistry to fill it but you can reuse most developers about 3-4 times without too much problem.

Chemistry is one of those "personal" things. I use Ilford DD-X developer, along with Ilfostop stop bath (not essential) and Ilford Rapid Fixer.

If you have a totally light-tight room, you can load the tank in there, otherwise, you might like to consider getting a Calumet Changing Room changing tent.

[mcfactor]

Jobo makes a tank that holds 6 negatives in a spiral, it uses a lot of chemistry (1500ml) but you do not need a processor. I develop them by inversion and it works perfectly. It is the Jobo 2500.

[ic-racer]

What mcfactor said. Also, when diluting the developer for one-shot, the total volume in the tank does not make much difference. You are going to need the same amount of developer concentrate irrespective of inversion or rotary processing.

[brian mcweeney]

Hey Robert, I sent you an e-mail.

[msk2193]

Robert,

See this message posted by Eugene some time ago.....

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ve-developing/

[Peter York]

A cheap and good option is a unicolor drum and roller. See http://www.largeformatphotography.info/unicolor/

I found a drum and roller at the local used camera store for a whopping $2.

Peter

[cjbroadbent]

Before you get into rollers and orbitals, try it this way:

[sultanofcognac]

Christopher - could you give us the specifics of what you have there please?

I also have limited space and would like to keep it simple.

Thanks,

Johnny

[jp]

Developing film is pretty easy. It just takes some minor attention to detail, sort of like grilling a steak. You have to pay attention to the temperatures and time and flipping to get the results you've visualized.

I use the combiplan tank. You'll also need a non-mercury thermometer, funnel, a couple 1 qt measuring containers for chemicals, 1+ gallon clean plastic bucket for mixing chemicals, some jugs for the chemicals (I use 2&3 qt juice bottles because of the wide neck, just don't leave them where someone might help themselves!)

Developing film in a tray is a valid method, especially if you have unique development requirements for each negative, but I like the efficiency of putting 6 sheets in at the same time for equal development in daylight.

I have a darkroom instead of a changing bag/tent. There are nice guides online already to show how to load film into holders, etc...