4x5 B&W development - no processor

[kal800]

Hi,

Is there any way to develop LF film more or less in the same manner as 120 or 135? I planned to get JOBO 2500 series tak with sheet film reel, but I’ve read that it is intended to use with rotary agitation, not inversion as in hand processing. I need to upgrade my enlarger to cater 4x5 which is rather obvious, and I’m not able to buy Jobo CPP or CPA unit at the same time. Is there any way to do film development manually in case od sheet film?

Chris

[Dugan]

There are 4x5 racks available for Paterson plastic tanks.
20th Century makes one, among others.

[Pieter]

Dip and dunk.

[jp]

I use Combiplan tanks for normal inversion processing.
You could also do tray processing, make drums with sewer pipes, buy an insert for the Patterson, and stearman tanks.

[xkaes]

Check out YANKEE AGI-TANKS and YANKEE UTILITY TANKS. These are easy to find, inexpensive, and can be used in a lot of different ways.

The problem with inversion for 4x5" is the amount of liquid involved and the size of the sheets of film. Smaller roll film can handle all that sloshing around movement. Sheets have a harder time, so rocking or dip & dunk are used instead.

To cut the amount of liquid to a minimum, use tubes -- these are very inexpensive.

[Lachlan 717]

You can still use Jobo 26xx tanks; however, you’ll need the sealed cap, rather than the cog top.

[ic-racer]

You might want to check these threads too for more info:
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...Jobo-Tank-2500
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...rocessing-tank
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...ion-processing

[jnantz]

do the shuffle, and while you do it you can listen to do the hustle

[Mick Fagan]

I would suggest you look seriously into the Stearman 4x5" tank, it takes 4 sheets and requires just under 500ml of solution. Perfect for inversion processing.

I have all the Jobo gear and have rotary processed 35mm, 120 and 4x5" film extensively over a 30 year period. The Stearman tank is simplicity itself.

[neutron450]

I've used the "taco" method for many years without any issue.
With care you can fit four 4x5s in a standard Patterson tank.