View Full Version : 8x10 film processing setup
I have not done this for many years, and formerly did this in trays. I have obtained some 8x10 hangers and .... that's it(besides a fully functioning darkroom). I'm looking for recommendations, ideas, whatever the forum is kind enough to send my way.
My initial thought is to purchase 4 3.5 gal plastic tanks - drilling a small hole in the bottom of the 4th for washing.
Tin Can
18-Nov-2020, 10:41
I use 1 gallon SS tanks with four 8X10 hangers
also four 2up 5X7 and 4up 4X5
The wash tank has a small copper pipe with holes feeding the bottom and spills out the top
Whole rig fits easily in standard cheap laundry sink
Daniel Unkefer
18-Nov-2020, 10:45
I'm going the 3F route as I have stored these parts for a long time, just setting this up. Ordered a fifth tank for the photo-flo. I have high production original Kodak racks. Bought these at the right time. 18 8x10s or 54 4x5s at a go.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50408779551_def4f50dfe_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jNsaWP)Kodak 3F Basket Line 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2jNsaWP) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr
Ouch! I'd hate to have to clear all that out so I can process some prints.
Can you post a source for 1 gal ss tanks?
Can you post a source for 1 gal ss tanks?
Tin Can
18-Nov-2020, 12:03
I bought mine on eBay 7 years ago
I see many hangers still on eBay https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=Film+Hangers+&_sacat=0
Tanks like mine are rare now, but some tanks also on eBay https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=Film+Hanger+tank&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=Film+Hangers+
I suggest you post a WTB ad here
Can you post a source for 1 gal ss tanks?
Tin Can
18-Nov-2020, 12:20
Here is the whole setup with DIY timer. Gas Burst with small air compressor in furnace room
Arkay SS Tanks with gas burst plenum from the 70's, I bought the tanks used. I have catalogs with them in it. Hangers are hard to DIY, fish tanks from acrylic are made everyday.
Here is a very short video of the bubbles https://youtu.be/9DddOzSUeRc made at my other last Darkroom
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50618145436_6c1bec424b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7Xe8s)IMG_0033 (https://flic.kr/p/2k7Xe8s) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50618253007_9ce4f58a90_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7XM78)IMG_0034 (https://flic.kr/p/2k7XM78) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr
Daniel Unkefer
18-Nov-2020, 14:50
Ouch! I'd hate to have to clear all that out so I can process some prints.
Actually enlarging and print processing is on the other side of the wall through the doorway to the right. I've never met anyone who has set up a 3.5G basket line and then moves it around :)
I have ten gallons of DK-50 and four gallons of DK-50 Replenisher. I may start with that. I have a friend who will be setting up same tanks, will be using Diafine A&B. You want a developer that will last for years.
Daniel Unkefer
18-Nov-2020, 15:05
https://www.google.com/search?source=univ&tbm=isch&q=kodak+3f+tanks&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiwxNuijI3tAhUJP6wKHcdBB8wQjJkEegQIBhAB&biw=1376&bih=779#imgrc=KEeqUl8dLR7xFM
http://www.richards.uk.com/filmindx.htm
https://www.google.com/search?source=univ&tbm=isch&q=kodak+3f+tanks&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiwxNuijI3tAhUJP6wKHcdBB8wQjJkEegQIBhAB&biw=1376&bih=779#imgrc=vF-48wV2sIewXM
Those are tanks that were not used in Viet Nam.
I use Jobo Expert Drums (3005x3) and a Unicolor non-reversing motor base. Or open trays if a sheet of film needs special attention during developing. If I have more than 5 negs to wash at one time, I will use the 8x10 SS hangers for washing. I have a big plastic tub made for a dozen or more at a time.
The whine of the motor base can get on my nerves, but it nice processing film with the lights on. I can process in the kitchen, so I can just wash my hands and make a sandwich or grab a beer.
Tin Can
19-Nov-2020, 16:01
I will add, my Calumet, Arkay, Rosy Products, tanks have light tight lids, I always turn on lights during Gas Burst until time for stop, but that's a short dunk and then into the bubbling fix, the wash tank is at front and needs no top
I am like 5X7 and being able to process 8 at once is plenty
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