Which type tray bottoms for film developing?

[scott_6029]

I prefer trays with grooves and the smaller the tray to the negative the easier to avoid negs 'floating' around and possible corners scratching the negs. So, I would go 5 x 7 for 4 x 5 negs. presoak and develop emulsion side up.

[John Kasaian]

My favorite tray for 5x7 and 8x10 is the Unicolor Processor

[robert amsden]

I have been using the same flat bottom trays since 1972. I prefer them. On the contrary I found the sheets did not stick when I was using (gentle)continious agitation. The flat bottom always seemed to keep enough underneath to let sheet move freely. I now use hangers and semistand. Do NOT use 5x7 trays for 4x5. Action of agitation will cause overdevelopment on the edges from wave reflection on the side of the tray.

I have always used 5x7 tray for 4x5 film, no problems at all. agitate so every film gets moved from bottom to top every 30 seconds.

[Alan Rabe]

I've been using 5x7 trays for 4x5 for 20 years with no edge problem. But I wear gloves and keep the negs neatly stacked with my left hand while my right pulls a neg from the bottom and deposits it on top about ever 10 seconds. But 8x10 is the more popular size. But 5x7 uses half the developer.

[John Bowen]

Grooved Pattersen trays. I prefer 10x12 for 8x10 negatives and use 8x10 trays for 4x5 & 5x7 films.

If anyone knows where to acquire some New Pattersen 10x12 trays, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Ken Lee]

I use plastic food containers.

They are inexpensive, and the exact right size for 5x7. They are narrow, tall and deep, rather than wide and shallow like trays. You get less oxidation, better immersion, and no slippage. They take up much less room too.

Hail to Carl Weese, who introduced them to me.

While you're at it, treat yourself to a Dish Rack Film Washer. No fuss, no muss: no moving parts. Osmosis does all the work.

The money you save will be... your own

[John Berry]

I have always used 5x7 tray for 4x5 film, no problems at all. agitate so every film gets moved from bottom to top every 30 seconds.

My rerference was directed at single sheet development. Not a problem with shuffle.