First 13 X 18 negatives: two questions

Hello

I just made my first post in the New Members thread, now I am asking for sugestions related to my first developments of 13 X 18 cm negatives .
I tried tank development with apropriate hangers but the process is difficult and messy. I looked for daylight developing devices: the NOVA is not yet in production. The Stearman press SP-8x10 daylight processing tray seems fine but I read negative opinions related to the displacement of 5 x 7 negatives during the developing process. Moreover these two devices ship from outside the E.U. and the final cost (shipping, taxes, etc) may be inconvenient.
As I have some practice of tank development of 35 mm and MF films, I opted for tank development (Paterson 3 tank with a central 3D printed core to hold four 13 X 18 cm negatives). I will start using hand-rolled tank development . Negatives are Fomapan 100 and the developers I have are HC-110 and R09 One Shot. Other developers may be used in the future, but for experimenting I want to start with what I already have.
Questions:
1) What is the best protocol, under these circunstances, for rythm/speed of tank rotation and development time for four negatives?.
2) If I use less than four negatives, should I use 200 cc of developer for each negative or should I always fill the tank up to the top ??
I am aware that this is the first step of a learning curve, and trial and error will be necessary. However I would like to have a starting point so the opinions of experienced members are important to me.
Thanks in advance

Hello,

I am not going to answer your questions, sorry. :)

But:

You can find Stearman SP810 in stock in Europe, check fotoimpex.de.
You can use Paterson 3 Tank(1l tank nr. 116) to develop two sheets of 13x18 using "taco method". You will need 1l of developer though = better suited for stock developer from economical perspective. I am quite happy with this approach to develop Fomapan 100 13x18 in Barry Thornton 2 bath developer.

I have the 8x10 rolls BTZS, but I have not tested them. Take a look at the view camera store YouTube channel to learn more.

Also, the Jobo 3005 is useful on 5x7 and 13x18 film.

There is always the option of tray development, foma might be easier to scratch, so glass from a cheap frame might be helpful, I don't know if that is necessary in the Spearman.

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I am grateful for your replies.
I was not aware that Stearman processors were shiped from the E.U. (I will keep that in mind, it may be useful in the future).
The BTZS rolls seem interesting but for now I will stick to the stuff I already have.
Thank you
Joao

IMHO the best and reliable way to start out is one film in a tray bigger than your negative, say 20*25 cm, enough developer at 20degC, and gently lift the sides of the tray continuously, gently and randomly during the development time. I use a glove in one hand and lift 2-3 times the film completely from the developer (over done perhaps). Yes it is tedious, but it should get you good negatives, scratch free, from the start.

Good luck !

best,

Cor

I used the SP-810 for processing many 13x18cm negatives and never had any problems at all with displacement or anything else! A very useful product in my opinion.

Answering your questions:

The negative must be completely immersed in the bath, developer, stop, fixer or whatever.

If you never used before your tank make some test, first with the light on, then in the dark, or in the changing bag, depending on what you use.

Any developer can develop any film. Make your tests to understand how to expose and develop.

Good luck with FOMA films.

Thank you for your replies

Cor - I will keep in mind your sugestion, it seems useful if I have only one negative to develop.

Pmlpoma - so the tank must be full. I already have four exposed negatives from last night, let's see how it goes

Regards

Joao

Hello
First negatives developed, far from good but better than I expected. Fomapan 100 in Rodinal. Paterson tank with 3D printed reel for four negatives. A purple discoloration was visible, at the margin of the film, variable from one negative to another. This margin was at the bottom of the Paterson tank- Any ideas of what this is ??
Attachment 260639

That is most likely from the back of the negative. Likely an indication of insufficient liquid flow at the back of the negative. It should come off in washing. You may want to wash again.