View Full Version : RA-4 Temp. Control
Jakelovesphoto
17-Oct-2014, 20:10
Hello all! I just recently started processing RA-4, using trays. I tried room temperature but it was dismal. My expired chemicals (they were free) need to stay right at that 35*C mark. I've tried floating the tray in warm water but the temperature falls and the color shifts. Any RA-4 temp control tips out there?
Jakelovesphoto
18-Oct-2014, 05:42
Keeping in mind a nearly 0 budget
brucetaylor
18-Oct-2014, 11:09
It's been years for me, but print drums and a roller base always worked for for me. Fresh chemistry and a few dollars for a base and drums and you should be good to go. or try floating the trays in a tempering bath like you were thinking.
If you used expired chemicals, it will be dismal at any temperature.
If you are going to use trays, you can do it at room temperature, say 68-75F using Kodak RA/RT Developer/Replenisher for two minutes with excellent results. Some use it at higher temps but I wouldn't go much colder. Consistency is easier with room temps than the higher temps usually used.
But your nearly 0 budget make make this difficult.
StevenJohn
18-Oct-2014, 11:35
I use a turkey roaster water bath for my chemical bottles. I develop a bit warmer (39C) with a Beseler roller and it works well enough for me. I printed this last night with it.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15377260088_5640b8c49f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pqQtFW)
DR2 (https://flic.kr/p/pqQtFW) by smeitner300 (https://www.flickr.com/people/39186614@N00/), on Flickr
Jakelovesphoto
18-Oct-2014, 20:14
I use a turkey roaster water bath for my chemical bottles.
Has anyone tried putting their chemicals directly into an electric casserole dish? It is basically a heated tray. I'm pretty sure they can be had at Salvation Army or church stores for cheap.
Jakelovesphoto
18-Oct-2014, 20:16
That is a lovely print by the way StevenJohn. Is that Fuji Crystal Archive?
StevenJohn
19-Oct-2014, 05:43
Jake,
Yes it is Fuji Crystal Archive. Too bad Kodak is no longer selling paper in boxes. I liked their contrast better.
An electric casserole dish is pretty much what my turkey roaster is. Some don't control to low enough temperatures, but I found one for $20.
prado333
24-Oct-2014, 10:13
Beautiful print.
Filmnut
24-Oct-2014, 10:32
When I did some colour in trays, I put the process trays in other trays with warm water that was slightly higher temp, as you are doing. However, I was working in a smallish room, and used a baseboard heater to bring the ambient temp up to the low 80's F, and that way I was able to process at 85-90 F without a large temp shift in the chem trays.
Keith
Drew Wiley
24-Oct-2014, 16:29
An old Salton hot tray might work. I use them for keeping trays of dye transfer dyes warm. Just realize that none of these things is intended to be used in a sink.
Getting electrocuted during printing might not be quite the thrill you were seeking.
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