Devices for developing 4x5 with little chemistry???

[vdonovan]

Alan, I saw this one last week. Over here in San Francisco, the place where I go to print, Rayko Photo Center, they showed me one of these. Apparently they are going to start using them. Something to keep in mind. But the question is, do they have one for 12 sheets?

If you are in San Francisco, you can see both the SP-445 and the MOD54 at Glass Key Photo on Haight Street. They've got both in stock. I have both, and while I've liked the MOD54 for years, now I really like the SP-445.

I agree with other posters, however. The goal in choosing and using a processing solution should be even, accurate, and consistent development. Developer is cheap compared to film, so being stingy with developer is actually not cost effective if it gives bad results. I try to use the minimum recommended, plus a little extra.

[macandal]

I agree with other posters, however. The goal in choosing and using a processing solution should be even, accurate, and consistent development. Developer is cheap compared to film, so being stingy with developer is actually not cost effective if it gives bad results. I try to use the minimum recommended, plus a little extra.

I understand that developer is cheap, but my tank uses 1 liter (~34 ounces) of developer, and when you only have to do 2 or 3 sheets, cheap as it may be, that hurts. That's why I'm looking for a specific device that can process 6 and 12 sheets. I think I'm going to go with the Jobo 2521, 2551 tanks.

[Kirk Gittings]

Mario...

Over the past 60+ years I have used both tray and my much experienced Kodak 'hangers' in hard rubber tanks.

Might I be allowed to direct you towards the BTZS developing tubes. I have been using the 'original' style grey tubes for developing both my 4x5 and 8x10 negatives for the past 18 years allowing me to use of a 'minimum' volume of my developer of choice.

I started out with 'home-made' tubes using black ABS tubing from the hardware store. I feel that the less expensive home-made proved to 'me' that the concept worked.... and 'saved' me from excessive chemical 'waste'

I then acquired a set of the BTZS-made "grey" tubes... and have nothing but "good" things to say about the system.. I get to process my films with a minimum to no 'waste'. While I now mostly prefer Pyrocat-HD developer, I have also used, with success... both D76 and HC110 in the tubes.

That being said.... I have no experience with the 'newer' model BTZS tubes... but will and must admit that I would both hesitate and probably hate, having to 'go back' to tray and/or tank development of my sheet films.

Ken

ditto

[Kirk Gittings]

I've been using BTZS tubes (the old grey ones) for almost 20 years for both 4x5 and 8x10. Only 60ml of solution is required for 4x5 and 250ml for 8x10. The other nice thing is I can develop for different times, dilutions, or six different films, all at the same time, if I ever feel that ambitious!

ditto

[Tim Meisburger]

I did not cut my Orbital fins and usually use 200ml of chemistry! not a problem with several developers, color included! Why are people cutting fins? scratches? marks?

Cheers!

200ml is probably okay, but if you use enough liquid it will hit the fins during rotation, causing swirls, and this can cause uneven development, meaning you get better development with less solution. I cut mine off when I was getting uneven development of FP4 with 70ml, but it was probably not necessary. I used to use 70ml with Shanghai and it was fine, so seems different films react differently.

[Tim Meisburger]

I understand that developer is cheap, but my tank uses 1 liter (~34 ounces) of developer, and when you only have to do 2 or 3 sheets, cheap as it may be, that hurts. That's why I'm looking for a specific device that can process 6 and 12 sheets. I think I'm going to go with the Jobo 2521, 2551 tanks.

Switch to d-23 and plain hypo!

[Duolab123]

I understand that developer is cheap, but my tank uses 1 liter (~34 ounces) of developer, and when you only have to do 2 or 3 sheets, cheap as it may be, that hurts. That's why I'm looking for a specific device that can process 6 and 12 sheets. I think I'm going to go with the Jobo 2521, 2551 tanks.

I have used and own tank,reels, hangers, expert tanks. Easiest is Expert on a CPP 2 with a lift. Used if you can find a deal $1000 on up. The Jobo reels work great, I use IR googles to load. Hangers and HC 110, Cheap (replenish) , fast foolproof . If you fond of the elegant Nikor tank get a bottle that holds 36 ounces, use HC 110 dil B and replenish. It will last for months if you develop every week or so and replenish.
I don't replenish with Jobo, I'm afraid of developer oxidizing. Still the absolute least amount of chemistry is using replenisher in small or large tanks. The old Kodak replenishers usually called for adding 1 ounce of replenisher for each 8x10 sheet. Thats about 8 mL of working solution per 4x5 sheet that is consumed in the process.
Best Regards Mike

[Milonian]

Not sure if the question has been answered but the SP445 tank (Stearman Press) only comes in one size that takes up to 4 sheets of 4x5, so it will not answer the need in the OP to handle up to 12 sheets. Other than that it is very good IMHO. Not affiliated in any way with Stearman - just a happy new user!