4x5 processing method: practical?

[Dean Taylor]

hello--



A photographer has posted a YT video explaining a method of 4x5 processing.

In it, he takes the exposed 4x5 film and curls it, longways--emulsion in, of course--and secures it with a type of rubber band. The ends of the curl do not touch, allowing chemical bath to reach the emulsion. He may then place 4 of these...'curls' into a Paterson System 4 tank for agitation.



My admittedly inexperienced analysis wants to conclude that for 4x5 film, it is, indeed, superior to tray processing--avoiding scratches, splashes and spills, etc. But what do you pros think? Is it, in fact, a trade off (something lost/something gained)?



Thank you!

Dean

[welly]

Sounds like the taco method to me.

[Nathan Potter]

It is the "taco" method and can be used very successfully. The only time I used it, years ago, was one taco at a time in a vertical tube with a cap on the bottom and in a complete darkroom. Used PVC pipe with a removable cap on the top (home built) for 8X10 film (Tech pan). Worked fine but there are other embodiments of the taco method. Can be twirled in a tray of course and used in some commercial tanks. I used ordinary rubber bands to contain the taco.

Nate Potter, Austin TX.

[Jim Jones]

The anti-halation coating on the backs of some films may not be completely removed underneath the rubber bands in the taco method.

[ShawnHoke]

I've used the taco method with great results on 4x5 film. Very easy as long as your Paterson tank is tall enough.

[ScottPhotoCo]

I just spent a few $ and got the MOD45. Fits perfectly in the Paterson tank and up to 6 sheets of 4x5 at a time.

Tim
www.ScottPhoto.co

[Dean Taylor]

a Visqueen darkroom...

thank you, LFP community, for sharing your expertise! Much to consider here, food for thought...

At any rate--and, while I am assimilating this, I came up with another idea (however--and, as there is nothing new under the sun--chances are that the 'theory' has been applied by someone else.). And, that is: a 'darkroom' in the apartment.

Several photographers (here and at photo.net and APUG) wrote of tray processing for 4x5. It occurred to me that using a change bag arrangement to load the Riteways is quite...constricting, to say the least. Also, to utilize trays would necessitate a bona fide darkroom--I am fairly certain that getting my apartment pitch black would be difficult at best, what with the site lighting on all night at the property, etc.

I thought it might be appropriate to buy a camper's tent and put every thing inside--a small table, trays, Riteways, 4x5 film, chemicals, etc.--and, then cover it with a darker material. But, (and, following Ockham), why not, I mused, then delete the camper's tent and just purchase a roll of Visqueen*, cut off a 12x12 foot piece and hang it from a swag hook on the ceiling ('pinch off' a handful at the center and hang).

I know for a fact that it would enable a pitch-black environment within (without hassling with window covering, etc.), with plenty of room to work inside--whether loading Riteways, tray processing, etc.

Has anyone tried this--it's inexpensive, collapsible (I can fold it and stow it away in a kitchen drawer), lightproof, as roomy as I need it to be.

Best,

Dean

*Visqueen: heavy black plastic used at construction sites for covering material, etc.

(addendum: apartments here designed with meager bathroom space)

[Light Guru]

I am fairly certain that getting my apartment pitch black would be difficult at best

You don't need to do it to your entire apartment just one small room like the bathroom.

I thought it might be appropriate to buy a camper's tent and put every thing inside--a small table, trays, Riteways, 4x5 film, chemicals, etc.--and, then cover it with a darker material. But, (and, following Ockham), why not, I mused, then delete the camper's tent and just purchase a roll of Visqueen*, cut off a 12x12 foot piece and hang it from a swag hook on the ceiling ('pinch off' a handful at the center and hang)

Sounds like a LOT more work then just blocking out the light in a bathroom.

I can fold it and stow it away in a kitchen drawer

Doubtful you fan fit a camping tent into a kitchen drawer.

If you have a window in the bathroom just cover it with a peace of black visqueen taped up with painters tape so it is easy to remove. And put a towel over the bottom of the bathroom door.

[ShawnHoke]

Dean, I use our small bathroom for tray developing (and contact printing) of 4x5 and even 8x10. I just lay the trays out in the tub. Not ideal, but works well.

Most bathrooms are easy to make light tight even if they have a window.

There's a bit of clean up afterwards to transform it back into a bathroom without pissing my wife off, but it's very doable.

Good luck!

[Leonard Evens]

The MOD45 processor looks pretty neat.

But it does take 1 litre of solution.

I can do up to four 4 x 5 sheets in my 8 x 10 Beseler drum on a roller base. One can find these or the similar Uniroller drums at ebay from time to time at moderate cost. With my drum I get by using 4 oz of solution.