Tools and methods for sheet film washing

[Ari]

If you decide to buy new, Inglis washers are excellent: http://www.alistairinglis.com/film-washers/

[Michael Kadillak]

I concur with Ari's comments about the Inglis washer for sheet film. Took me a while to figure out that sheet film needs to be washed in a slot individually and the Inglis washer does it with minimal water and an innovative design that puts this device to use weekly. I own the Inglis washer in 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 8x20 and 11x14. They just get the job done.

[Jim Noel]

Nothing beats 5 two minute soaks, with agitation, in a tray.Tests of many washers have been made over the years, but none has left the film, or paper, cleaner than this simple method. Also nothing beats this method for conserving water. Those of us in the west have to be very aware of the total volume of water used in processing.

[Ken Lee]

You might find this helpful: Dishrack Film Washer

[Ari]

I just saw your location.
If you're actually riding around in a caravan for a while, then I'll change my recommendation to concur with Jim and Ken; water might sometimes be scarce and the soak method will help conserve water.

[caleb]

Jim and Ken make an excellent point Ari, I gave up trying to locate the old style black rubber tanks for hand processing, one of those "I shoulda kept those" things. I am doing my processing in batches when I am in campgrounds that have water hook-ups. The thing that is killing me is what to do with the used chemistry, the fixer in particular. Once the project gets rolling next month I'll be updating the website and blogging along the way. I will keep looking for tubs or tanks that can hold 6 of the 5x7 metal holders and try the soak method.
www.tincandarkroom.com

-Caleb

[Daniel Stone]

Caleb,

if you are in a single place for a few days, set out a tray and pour your used fixer into it. Put some sort of mesh or screen atop it, to keep birds out of it. Leave it out in the warm sunlight, so the water will (hopefully) evaporate. The chemical residue left in the bottom of the tray can then be scraped/dusted out, bagged, and tossed in the waste bin.

-Dan

[Oren Grad]

Discussion moved from FS/WTB section.

[caleb]

that's a good suggestion Dan. Thanks!

[adelorenzo]

Agree with Ari, I spent the money on a 4x5 Inglis washer and I couldn't be happier with it in the darkroom.

For your situation, I used to wash my 4x5 right in the Jobo drum I developed it in. Same as the Ilford method for inversion tanks I used 5 washes, the first fairly short and then each getting longer. With 2-3 L of water I could easily wash 10 sheets in my Jobo expert drum.