"Taco" Processing

[1750Shooter]

I'm going to start processing 5x7 using the taco method. I'm curious about any advice about changes in agitation or best developers. I'd like to use D-76 or HC-110, but am open to suggestions. I'm going to use a double 35mm tank. How many negatives can I get in one? Any recommendations for the easiest tanks to use? Thanks for any help & sorry for all the questions.

[Jay DeFehr]

I've used both Paterson and Jobo tanks -- both are the center tube/filler type that fill from the bottom, and Nikor-style SS tanks wiothout the center tube. When I use the SS tanks, I turn out the lights, remove the top and fill quickly with plain water, replace the top, and do a pre-wash. Then I turn the lights out again and add the developer the same way. The rest of the processing is done in room light. With the Paterson/ Jobo tanks, it's all done in room light after the film is loaded.

The best way to determine how many sheets your tank can hold is to use old junk film, or cut paper to the same dimensions, and test fit it in your tank. If you're using the Paterson type tanks, the center column should be in place before you put the film in. I don't think 5x7 will fit in a double 35mm Paterson tank. In fact, I'm not sure 4x5 will.

As for agitation, I recommend continuous gentle inversion agitation, though I've had success rolling the tanks, too.

I think either of those developers should be fine.

Good luck!

[Tony Evans]

Don't think 5x7 will fit in a Paterson 2-reeler, "Taco" style. I use this tank for 4x5's (4 inch side vertical) and the funnel-lid just closes with a little pressure on the Tacos.

[mdm]

5x7 does not fit in any of my double 35mm tanks, even just 1 around the edges.

[Roger Thoms]

Bought a Paterson 2 reel tank and just processed my first two sheets using the taco method. The funnel portion presses down on the film a little bit and I got a very bad scratch on the corner of on sheet of film. On the recommendation of another thread I just ordered an Arista Premium two reel tank which will be here tomorrow, I'll let you know if the film fits better.

In searching various posts on the taco method I have found reports that the Paterson two reel tank works, that it works but you may get scratched on the corner of your film, and that it doesn't work. This of course was after buying the Paterson. Guess that's the internet for you. Anyway I'll report back on the Arista tank once I've tried it.

Roger

[urs0polar]

I tried taco processing for a while, but it was fiddly and inconsistent. I got some rubber window screen material, sewed little tubes, and used it in a 120 tank. It was ok but not great. I've since got a jobo 3010 expert drum and a beseler motor base. However, the other day I came across this, and you guys might be interested. It looks pretty cool (I haven't tried it and don't even know the guy, so YMMV).

http://www.mod54.com/

[Jay DeFehr]

Yes, the Expert drums are much nicer than bending tacos. I never had any problem with tacos, but it is fiddlier than loading the Expert tanks. I don't do much rotary processing anymore, preferring intermittent agitation, but when I do, I use my Expert tanks.

[Tony Evans]

Do I assume that with a Rotary Processor that you lose the ability for Stand & Semi-Stand development?

[joelio]

I tried taco processing for a while, but it was fiddly and inconsistent. I got some rubber window screen material, sewed little tubes, and used it in a 120 tank. It was ok but not great. I've since got a jobo 3010 expert drum and a beseler motor base. However, the other day I came across this, and you guys might be interested. It looks pretty cool (I haven't tried it and don't even know the guy, so YMMV).

http://www.mod54.com/

I use one of these mod54 tanks regularly. It was easy to get the hang of loading and my results are consistently good.

[stradibarrius]

I agree with Tony. I don't think a 5x7 would fit in the 2 reel tank. I process 4x5 in the patterson 2 reel and have had great consistant results. I use the same aggitation method I do with 120 film or 35mm. If I have more than 4 sheets I use hankers and the dip method.

Don't think 5x7 will fit in a Paterson 2-reeler, "Taco" style. I use this tank for 4x5's (4 inch side vertical) and the funnel-lid just closes with a little pressure on the Tacos.

[Michael Cienfuegos]

Yes, the Expert drums are much nicer than bending tacos. I never had any problem with tacos, but it is fiddlier than loading the Expert tanks. I don't do much rotary processing anymore, preferring intermittent agitation, but when I do, I use my Expert tanks.


I can bend a whole lot of tacos for the price of an expert drum :eek: I have been using my Unicolor print drum for 5x7, It hold two sheets very nicely.

[Jay DeFehr]

I can bend a whole lot of tacos for the price of an expert drum :eek: I have been using my Unicolor print drum for 5x7, It hold two sheets very nicely.

I absolutely agree, Michael, and that's what I did before I got my Expert drum. I like low cost solutions when they don't compromise quality, and I wouldn't say there's any difference in quality using an Expert drum or bending tacos, though I did get some rubber band marks before I switched to beads.

[urs0polar]

Like Jay, I ended up with rubber band marks too. The last time I tried it, I also tried to fit too many 4x5 sheets in a 120 tank (i think i tried 5 or 6 instead of 4 like I regularly did), and I got a grid pattern from the taco "tubes". At that point, I happened to see an expert drum come up for a good price on this forum, so I went for it.

So, I think it depends on how many sheets you try to stick in there. I've been shooting my technika handheld, so I'm going through more sheets than if I was doing the normal LF thing with a tripod, etc. If someone could figure out how to make something like the expert drums but cheaper, I think they could make quite a good bit of money among us enthusiasts. The mod54 guy seems to be doing well, which is great. If I didn't have the expert, I would be doing the mod54 thing at this point instead of tacos.

Sorry if I come off as elitist because I have an expert drum now; that's not my intent.

[dupont07]

Can I apply Taco Processing with 5x7 X-ray film? I got 2 reels tank that I can develop a normal 5x7 sheet film but I don't know if the rubber band will make scratches to X-ray film?

[Michael Cienfuegos]

I don't shoot enough 4x5 or 5x7 to warrant an expert drum. If I had that much to spend I would probably be buying another lens. The Unicolor drum has been great for processing 5x7, only 2 sheets at a time, but I have two drums, so it makes for quick work for me. :)

[Jay DeFehr]

Can I apply Taco Processing with 5x7 X-ray film? I got 2 reels tank that I can develop a normal 5x7 sheet film but I don't know if the rubber band will make scratches to X-ray film?

If it's 2-sided film, I think it will scratch. I've not had much success rotary processing 2-sided X-ray film.

[dupont07]

Thanks, Jay. The X-ray film's emulsion is easy to be scratch too.

[Jay DeFehr]

Thanks, Jay. The X-ray film's emulsion is easy to be scratch too.

It sure is. When I've rotary processed 2-sided X-Ray film, I've stripped the back side emulsion (along with all the scratches) afterward. I'm not very happy with my 2-sided X-Ray film, and plan to try the single-sided stuff when I get the time.