New 5x7 daylight processing tank on Kickstarter

[vdonovan]

Tim Gilbert, inventor of my favorite 4x5 processing system, the SP-445, now has the 5x7 version up on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653453089/sp-457-5x7-sheet-film-processing-system

[tim48v]

Prototypes are almost ready!
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[tim48v]

The prototypes have arrived: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653453089/sp-457-5x7-sheet-film-processing-system/posts/1741610

Here's a comparison to the SP-445:

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[John Layton]

I might consider this if it would take six (or eight) sheets.

[Bob Salomon]

I might consider this if it would take six (or eight) sheets.

If you can find one, it hasn't been made since the 80s, the 57 CombiPlan T took up to 6 sheets in color and up to 12 sheets, back to back, in black and white.

[David Aimone]

Not affiliated with this Kickstarter, but having a 4x5" version of this I was one of the people asking for the 5x7" version.

The campaign is behind and only one week left. Any of you 5x7 people willing to pledge for a daylight tank that works well?

[Jerry Bodine]

Not affiliated with this Kickstarter, but having a 4x5" version of this I was one of the people asking for the 5x7" version.

The campaign is behind and only one week left. Any of you 5x7 people willing to pledge for a daylight tank that works well?

David, since you have the 4x5 version, maybe you can provide some more info. How is agitation achieved (inversion?)? How fast is filling/emptying? Care to guess what that might be for the 5x7 version? Is washing/drying the innards required prior to the next batch?

[David Aimone]

I'd be glad to, although I think the inventor's video (https://youtu.be/aTrtU0bhArQ) does the job better!

The 4x5 tank works well. You just rinse after using but yes, the removable holders need to be dried, but it's not that hard to do. I have the B&W King 5x7 tank, and that's ok, but it uses 1350ml for 6 sheets and can't be inverted. This uses 1000ml for 4 sheets (so a bit more per sheet) but can be inverted.

The 4x5 tank is easy to carry/transport (more than my Jobo two reel tank and roller base), and although I like Paterson tanks for medium format, I can't stand the MOD 54. So, for example, when I go to Maine for a few weeks my brother has a Paterson tank there, and I'll just bring the SP 445 with me. I'd like to bring the 5x7 version too!

It actually seals pretty well if you follow the instructions, and it's easy to fill and empty.

[vdonovan]

I'd be glad to, although I think the inventor's video (https://youtu.be/aTrtU0bhArQ) does the job better!

The 4x5 tank works well. You just rinse after using but yes, the removable holders need to be dried, but it's not that hard to do. I have the B&W King 5x7 tank, and that's ok, but it uses 1350ml for 6 sheets and can't be inverted. This uses 1000ml for 4 sheets (so a bit more per sheet) but can be inverted.

The 4x5 tank is easy to carry/transport (more than my Jobo two reel tank and roller base), and although I like Paterson tanks for medium format, I can't stand the MOD 54. So, for example, when I go to Maine for a few weeks my brother has a Paterson tank there, and I'll just bring the SP 445 with me. I'd like to bring the 5x7 version too!

It actually seals pretty well if you follow the instructions, and it's easy to fill and empty.

I'll second David's comments here. I've been using the 4x5 version since it came out and I really like it. Agitation is by inversion. It takes about 5 seconds to empty and fill.

It does help to dry the film holders if you are processing a batch right after another batch. Easy to do.

Mine seals very well. In fact, I walked around an entire day with the SP-445 full of fixer in my camera bag. I was shooting New55 instant film, so I used the SP-445 to clear and store the negatives.

[MAubrey]

I'm already in on the 5x7 and I've been sad to see how far off the response has been.

I'm trying to move entirely over from 4x5 to 5x7 and this would be huge help for me there. Currently all my 5x7 development is in trays.

[tim48v]

Just a quick update: we are expecting new prototypes to arrive tomorrow. Hopefully, they will seal up tight enough for real world testing and we can then post some samples. You can see the issue with the current prototypes here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653453089/sp-457-5x7-sheet-film-processing-system/posts/1749864

Judging from some of the emails we've gotten, we probably need to explain how Kickstarter works: basically, if enough people pledge support to the project, we'll complete the design and take it to production. Each "backer" will receive a reward for their support. If it doesn't meet the goal, the project dies. (And I'm left with a couple of really expensive prototypes!) More details on Kickstarters FAQ page: https://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/kickstarter+basics?ref=footer




I'm already in on the 5x7 and I've been sad to see how far off the response has been.

I'm trying to move entirely over from 4x5 to 5x7 and this would be huge help for me there. Currently all my 5x7 development is in trays.

[tim48v]

Just processed our first negatives in the SP-457:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653453089/sp-457-5x7-sheet-film-processing-system/posts/1759373

[Conrad . Marvin]

Sorry that this didn't happen. I use 5x7 and would be excited to see that inventors and manufacturers were currently thinking about a very useful format. This is my first post and would like to see that others have realized that 5x7 is light compared to 8x10 and about twice the size as 4x5 with only a bit more weight. (To say nothing about the format shape)

[George Hart]

Sorry that this didn't happen. I use 5x7 and would be excited to see that inventors and manufacturers were currently thinking about a very useful format. This is my first post and would like to see that others have realized that 5x7 is light compared to 8x10 and about twice the size as 4x5 with only a bit more weight. (To say nothing about the format shape)

Conrad, you are welcome here! Please be assured that others too have found 5x7 to be a great format for the reasons you say. I have just taken delivery of 25 sheets of Ilford FP4 Plus in 5x7 format for use over the next few weeks.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

There are many 5X7 users here, it is my primary format. Open a new thread to introduce yourself and I am sure you find many like minded members.

[Keith Pitman]

You can find and post 5x7 images here:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?57170-In-Praise-of-5x7-Post-em-!

[Conrad . Marvin]

Thanks George! Enjoy the fp4plus in 5x7..........that is my film of choice for 5x7 for many years. Sharp, flexible, and very consistent. Conrad