Developing 4x5 in the Kitchen?

[koraks]

I use the MOD54 without problems. The only downside is that it uses more chemistry than a Jobo tank on a roller base or in a jobo cp*.

[carylee2002]

I use the BTZs system and it works good for me

Viewcamerastore.com

[Professional]

MOD54 and BTZS here, also have one of those tanks i forgot the name, and i also have trays but i hate trays very much, i tried twice and never felt comfortable, so i will never look back for developing in trays again.

[Salmo22]

Many thanks for the recommendations/suggestions. Looks like I have several alternatives. Using trays in a makeshift darkroom just won't work for me.

[The Joker]

I use a jobo 2500 series tank with the 2509n 4x5 film reel which takes 6 sheets of film. I prefer this over and above the combiplan system even if it does use more chemistry when NOT used on a roller base or jobo processor. When used on a roller base or jobo processor it is more economical on chemistry than a combiplan.
And if you have the right jobo processor you can get the jobo expert tanks but things are getting pricey when you look at those.

[Rick A]

My counter top set up, Unicolor drum holds four 4x5 negatives, uses minimal chemistry. My drums are getting old and drip just a wee bit so I keep things neat with the trays.

[Taija71A]

Kodak Stainless Steel 4x5 Film Hangers for me...
In 'Vinny' Low volume ABS Sheet Film -- Processing Tanks.

But, like Steve said... A 'Dark' Room is of course required.
--
'Free Bump'... For an excellent, LF Member-made Product.

http://www.vinnywalsh.com/#!products/c2jd

[tgtaylor]

Probably the least expensive set-up for rotary processing 4x5 and roll film is a Beseler motor base (~ $35 for one in good condition with reversing option), Jobo 2563 tank (Catlabs sells them new for $119) which holds 12 4x5 sheets, 6 rolls 135 and 8 rolls 120, and 2 2509N reels (Catlabs sells them new for $69 each) for processing 12 sheets of 4x5 at a time. Processing 12 sheets with the 2563 requires 730mL of chemistry which is only 130mL more than Kodak's minimum requirement for Xtol 1:1. Add a Harrison change tent and you can do everything on the kitchen table with the lights on.

Thomas

[dpn]

I had problems with the Mod 54, and settled on either the taco method or tray developing, depending on my mood.

The SP-445 should start shipping soon:

[cjdewey]

Paterson tank and MOD54 is very nearly as easy to develop in the kitchen sink as medium format film. (And the tank can be used to develop two rolls of 120 at the same time.) I don't o use a changing bag, but rather load/unload film in a dark bathroom at night. It's not the most efficient with chemicals, so if that's a concern, and you have more than 6 exposures, you might be able to immediately reuse the developer with no noticeable ill effect. Or tray develop (cheap food containers work pretty well for me) single sheets of film in the dark bathroom at night.