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Thread: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

  1. #1
    Format Omnivore Brian C. Miller's Avatar
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    DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    Here's some photos of a single sheet holder I made out of plastic. I don't remember what plastic I used, but I don't think it should matter.

    It measures 6"x4.5", and the sheet is held in place by nylon screws and nuts. I get really good development, and the sheet stays in place as long as I don't get too excited with the agitation.

    The holes were drilled with a special bit designed for drilling plastics. The bit allowed me to make holes without chipping the edges. The plastic sheet was cut at the store (Tap Plastics).

  2. #2

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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    Interesting idea. Seems it would keep a single sheet submerged quite nicely.

  3. #3
    IanG's Avatar
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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    Make a handle out of plastic heat welding rod and you have a neat way of lifting in and out keeping your fingers/hands dry.

    This what Agfa sold for early sheet film, the wires went into punched corners (of the film).

    Would be even better for wet plate etc.

    Ian

  4. #4
    MIke Sherck's Avatar
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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    I'm curious: how is this better than just developing a sheet of film in a tray?

    Mike
    Politically, aerodynamically, and fashionably incorrect.

  5. #5
    jp's Avatar
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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    The film would be less likely to be scratched by physical contact from your fingers/nails, sliding around against the bottom of the tray, and so forth. One coudl reasonably argue it's not necessary, but it sure looks helpful.

  6. #6
    Format Omnivore Brian C. Miller's Avatar
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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    I like it because it keeps the film submerged, and I don't have a chance to scratch the film. I have a Jobo expert drum, but when I want to do just a sheet or two, this is what I like the best.

  7. #7

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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    Brian
    Looks like a good idea for developing double side Xray film, which some of us are incapable of tray developing without ruination, especially me.
    But I'm unclear as to where the film sheet goes. Is it held above the pierced plate by the bolts or what? Would you mind posting another pic to show the sheet of film in place? Please and thanks.
    regards
    Ed

  8. #8

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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    Until I got my Jobo, I used a sheet of acrylic that I glued a line of plastic pegs, about two inches apart down each center axis of the sheet. That gave me four isolated sections that fit easily into a Paterson 12x16 tray. I could develop four at a time with full control over agitation and never once got inconsistent developing.
    Michael W. Graves
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    If it ain't broke....don't fix it!

  9. #9
    Format Omnivore Brian C. Miller's Avatar
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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    I'll post another photo with the film inserted. The nylon screws are flat-head (#2 above), and the film goes between the head and the nut, so it stays above the plastic.

  10. #10
    Format Omnivore Brian C. Miller's Avatar
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    Re: DIY 4x5 single sheet holder for trays

    As promised (almost forgot due to arrival of RH Designs Analyser Pro F-Stop enlarging meter) here are some more photos of the sheet holder. You can see how the film is kept from the plastic by one nut's width, and the bottom nut holds the plastic off the tray bottom. I just gently lift one side and then another to agitate, or I can slosh the tray a little bit.

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