Paterson Orbital - lost base, what can I do?

[MilamBardo]

Hi, in my moving around all over the place, I've realised that I have lost my Paterson Orbital manual base. This is frustrating me, as I don't particularly want to dump another 100 for another Orbital. I develop 5x7 film.

So, what are my options? Can I put in more developer and agitate it by lifting? Is anyone else doing that? Or am I going to have to stump up the cash?

[MilamBardo]

Hmmm, just found this: http://freepdfhosting.com/f640343f29.pdf

Looks like I may be in luck. However, I'm still interested to hear if any of you are using this semi-stand method...

[CreationBear]

If you're doing semi-stand with your Orbital, you might make a virtue of necessity and use it with a water bath. I've been using dilute Pyrocat HD for two 5x7 sheets; simply tapping on the corners clockwise, then counter-clockwise, serves as agitation.

A couple of other tips: 1.) during the cooler months, I put the water bath on top of a waterproof heating mat to make sure temps remain relatively constant, and 2.) since you're limited to ~500 ml of developer per run, with two sheets of 5x7 I've taken to replenishing with a fresh 500 ml halfway through to make sure I've enough active chemistry for that amount of surface area. (Of course, that's a call you'd want to make after testing.)

[MilamBardo]

Ah okay, sounds like a water bath could be useful. One thing though - I am concerned that water could enter the tank at the edges. Or does it float quite high? (Probably a stupid question)

[CreationBear]

I haven't had a problem taking on water, even when the Orbital is relatively full. Otherwise, I have noted that some users develop without a water bath simply by lifting the corners as you mention.

As with most things LF I'm finding:), there might be some trial-and-error on your part before you find out what works for you. (FWIW, if you've not already, you might consider removing the fins from the top insert if you're getting surge patterns or uneven development.)

[MilamBardo]

I haven't had a problem taking on water, even when the Orbital is relatively full. Otherwise, I have noted that some users develop without a water bath simply by lifting the corners as you mention.

As with most things LF I'm finding:), there might be some trial-and-error on your part before you find out what works for you. (FWIW, if you've not already, you might consider removing the fins from the top insert if you're getting surge patterns or uneven development.)

Yes, I've removed fins. I've also added some joke shop sticky "eyes" to the bottom to raise the negative. I would show a picture, but my wife is using my phone as an alarm at the moment, but maybe tomorrow! :)

[MilamBardo]

I haven't had a problem taking on water, even when the Orbital is relatively full. Otherwise, I have noted that some users develop without a water bath simply by lifting the corners as you mention.

As with most things LF I'm finding:), there might be some trial-and-error on your part before you find out what works for you. (FWIW, if you've not already, you might consider removing the fins from the top insert if you're getting surge patterns or uneven development.)

(Also, thanks for your help on this)

[MilamBardo]

As mentioned yesterday, here are those eyes that I use to keep up the negative. They seem to be fixed down solidly, and I have run about 20 prints through this Orbital so far.215705

[BLATT LAB]

This is hilarious and genius at the same time


As mentioned yesterday, here are those eyes that I use to keep up the negative. They seem to be fixed down solidly, and I have run about 20 prints through this Orbital so far.215705

[CreationBear]

As mentioned yesterday, here are those eyes that I use to keep up the negative.

Ha, that's pretty cool...:) Definitely look forward to seeing your work--I just glimpsed a bit through the Instagram paywall, but the color palette seemed really to my taste.

[MilamBardo]

Ha, that's pretty cool...:) Definitely look forward to seeing your work--I just glimpsed a bit through the Instagram paywall, but the color palette seemed really to my taste.

Thank you! I'll try to post on here once I'm up and running, although I'll only be shooting black and white due to costs.

[mpirie]

I don't use the base for my Orbital at all.

I sit the whole thing in a 10x12 tray of water at 22 ˚C and it floats nicely and allows for rocking to agitate.

I used the small self-adhesive bump-stops from kitchen drawers to keep the film from sticking to the base.

Mike

[lenicolas]

Don’t use the base either. I just lift a corner and rock it gently.
I’m getting great homogeneous results with 4x 4x5 sheets, but with 8x10 I’ve had some uneven development.
I use 500ml solution and I’ve removed the fins btw.

[MilamBardo]

I don't use the base for my Orbital at all.

I sit the whole thing in a 10x12 tray of water at 22 ˚C and it floats nicely and allows for rocking to agitate.

I used the small self-adhesive bump-stops from kitchen drawers to keep the film from sticking to the base.

Mike

Glad to hear people aren't using the base. Maybe I'll try the water bath too.

[MilamBardo]

Don’t use the base either. I just lift a corner and rock it gently.
I’m getting great homogeneous results with 4x 4x5 sheets, but with 8x10 I’ve had some uneven development.
I use 500ml solution and I’ve removed the fins btw.

I'm using 5x7 so should be ok I think, but will need to try it and see I guess.

[mpirie]

I use mine for both 5x4 and 5x7 and get perfect results.

If you put enough water in the tray, the Orbital floats and that allows for easy rocking motions for agitation.

Mike

[MilamBardo]

I use mine for both 5x4 and 5x7 and get perfect results.

If you put enough water in the tray, the Orbital floats and that allows for easy rocking motions for agitation.

Mike

Ah, great. Are you heating your water?

[mpirie]

Yes, I heat the tray on a tray heater to keep the temp just above 20deg C

Mike