Stearman Press leaking like crazy

[neildw]

Any other people developing 4X5 in a Stearman Press.

through time it starts to feel more and more unreliable.

Do others also have experience? The rubber closing off looks intact. But even when I close the cover in the dark I always feel a space between the cover and the tank. (I use duc tape to close it off)

And also while developing, especially using BLX, you see it pouring out :(

I think it is still a great tank to use overall, but would feel better if they improved it. Maybe with sealing on the outside to make shure it closes fully

[rorye]

At first mine leaked a lot, then I started filling it less which caused a better vacuum and it's been fine since, user error on my part.

[Two23]

Wet the gsket with water just before closing. You are squeezing it while putting the final cap on, right?


Kent in SD

[BrianShaw]

I load mine in a changing bag so wetting the O-ring never has been a great option even though it’s probably the best option. After one leaky session my agitation protocol changed from inversion agitation to a more gentle two axis side-to-side agitation. That and “squeezing to create suction” minimizes leakage.

I’ve not noticed any negative impacts of reducing agitation violence. In fact, I use same agitation protocol for Paterson tank too.

[BrianShaw]

Also... I stopped trying to put 475 ml in it. Only 450 and that helped reduce leakage.

[neildw]

Thanks guys,

I have considered the wetting the rubber thing. But did not try.
I do close the tank with the caps on it.
And fill it always to the top.

[BrianShaw]

Don’t forget to squeeze when tightening the last cap.

[Alan9940]

I don't wet the o-ring, I use 475ml of solution, do the "squeeze play" with the caps on loosely, then tighten down the caps while squeezing the tank. It still leaks a little, but nothing problematic. Also, my tank reveals a very slight space between the lid and the tank with the lid fully pressed down. I've never noticed any particular issues because of this.

[Ulophot]

I had an issue a while back which turned out to be the O-ring. It had aged sufficiently over a couple of years that a replacement solved the problem. Mine involved a light leak. As others have noted, the squeeze is the key and not over-filled.
I get both caps on simultaneously, tighten one, then squeeze while tightening the other.

[neildw]

I have been considering moving over to a patterson tank with the mod54.
Don't know, but I have no trust in the Stearman at this point no more and my images are to valuable to loose to such a problem.

[Alan9940]

I have been considering moving over to a patterson tank with the mod54.
Don't know, but I have no trust in the Stearman at this point no more and my images are to valuable to loose to such a problem.

If you're thinking about going the Paterson route, you may want to consider this:

https://www.bounetphoto.com/bounet-shop/bs-4x5-developing-reel

I've never used a Mod54, but I do use this reel and it does what it's supposed to.

[grat]

I find the lid on the Stearman closes better if you press down in the middle of the top, instead of the ends. Still drips a bit from the caps, though. And yes, 450ml seems to work better than 475ml.

I picked up one of the 6 slot 20th century reels to use in a 3 reel paterson, but I haven't had a chance to test it yet, so I can't say how well it works. Seems OK to load, though.

[Ulophot]

neildw, I sympathize with your frustration, and certainly you need to find something you're happy with. I have found the folks at Stearman to be very helpful and concerned about their customers' experience. I use a 12-sheet Jobo tank for large runs, but for my money, the 445 is outstanding for one to four sheets, allowing me to experiment with procedures, chemistry, etc. efficiently and economically. The one issue I had with it, though somewhat mystifying for a few days, was resolved, and I have found it reliable otherwise.

Best wishes on resolving your problem, however you decide to do so.

[richydicky]

Mine started leaking a bit after two years but check out the site, they have great tips on using the system. I was going to order a new O ring but one of the tips is to take it off and rotate it a bit and that did the trick. Also they recommend a smear of vaseline or similar on the ring which in fact is something I already did learned from sub aqua. I think they produce great products and like everything some care and maintenance is required.

[eggsovereasy]

I have been considering moving over to a patterson tank with the mod54.
Don't know, but I have no trust in the Stearman at this point no more and my images are to valuable to loose to such a problem.

I have had uneven development on the inner most sheets with the mod54, which is easily solvable by only using the two outer most slots on each side. Suck to only be able to do 4 sheets at a time rather than 6, but it is what it is.

[jvo]

Don’t forget to squeeze when tightening the last cap.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++1

[abruzzi]

I picked up one of the 6 slot 20th century reels to use in a 3 reel paterson, but I haven't had a chance to test it yet, so I can't say how well it works. Seems OK to load, though.

I haven’t used mine yet either, but I’ve used their 2x3 and 6x9 models quite a bit, and have found it easy to load, and simple to process. The drawback of the 4x5 model is you’ll use 1l of chemicals for 6 sheets, so it’s not quite as efficient as the SP-445, but it’s not too bad.

[jtomasella]

I have been considering moving over to a patterson tank with the mod54.
Don't know, but I have no trust in the Stearman at this point no more and my images are to valuable to loose to such a problem.

This is what I use. Great results every time. I haven't done 6 at once yet, but I'm sure the loading is just as easy as 4.

[jtomasella]

I haven’t used mine yet either, but I’ve used their 2x3 and 6x9 models quite a bit, and have found it easy to load, and simple to process. The drawback of the 4x5 model is you’ll use 1l of chemicals for 6 sheets, so it’s not quite as efficient as the SP-445, but it’s not too bad.

This doesn't bother me too much since I save the stop and fixer for making prints after the negatives dry.

[md-photo]

Pushing down the SP-445 lid in the middle after loading the sheets, and then doing the squeeze the sides thing after adding in the chemicals has worked pretty consistently. Leaks are minimal or not at all with these two steps.

[esearing]

teflon spray the Oring and wipe it off, or a bit of nose grease works too. I have 6 of these and not one of them leaks. I press down in center of the lid and have caps loose/off so air can escape, then do the squeeze when tightening the caps after filling. I use 475-500ml but I am only doing one sheet so only have one holder in the tank so get some space from that. my only complaint is that the caps break easy if dropped on concrete, but they are a standard size and I have found alternatives, especially from PhotoFormulary plastic bottles.

[ChristopherMarv]

I have been considering moving over to a patterson tank with the mod54.
Don't know, but I have no trust in the Stearman at this point no more and my images are to valuable to loose to such a problem.

How many images have you lost due to this problem? Most people find that this tank leaks a little, but their negatives come out fine.

[Duolab123]

After the fill and squeeze, the cap must seal perfect. if air leaks in the cap that will cause leaks. The bigger the air volume above the film the more effectively you will be able to create a vacuum. If the temperature of the tank (and trapped air ) increases after sealing pressure increase will cause leaking.

PV=nRT, I love middle school physics. 1 st thing I would try is a tiny bit of o-ring lube and using a minimum volume of solution, squeeze good and tighten the cap. Make sure the cap is air tight.

[neildw]

How many images have you lost due to this problem? Most people find that this tank leaks a little, but their negatives come out fine.

None, but I rather not wait until I loose one. Each image counts.
But as you know, chems are expensive too, and not the best (nature-wise) so I rather not spill too much.