A Better Mousetrap - DIY Developing Tubes (Part 1)

**trog** · 25-Aug-2012, 23:12

I think I may try to use a rod guard and see if I can build a light trap into the cap. Plenty of depth to accommodate the required disks. It then comes down to suitable adhesives.

**RichardSperry** · 26-Aug-2012, 08:54

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMXQO...e_gdata_player

Why build a light trap?

Just use an extra cap to hold the developer until you're ready to develop, as in the BTZS method. Or just preload the cap with developer and keep the tube end up until you start agitation.

**trog** · 26-Aug-2012, 11:21

The only advantage, and it's pretty specific to my situation, is that I don't have a darkroom. I have to load film in a small closet which I share with my wardrobe. So, I prefer to keep the chemistry out of the closet. The light trap also ensures that after film loading, all other steps are light-tight.

The disadvantage of the light-trap is that it takes about 10-seconds to pour the chemicals in. If I use more than 1 tube, I need to take the accumulated time into consideration.

**joselsgil** · 26-Aug-2012, 15:29

Originally Posted by RichardSperry

The BTZS tubes are welding rod tubes.

Why reinvent the tube?

Richard,

The only reason that I don't use the welding rod/electrode tubes, is that they are too long for 4X5 film. If I didn't have BTZS tubes for my 8X10 film, I would purchase some. I have used the 8X10 BTZS tubes to develop 5X7 and 4X5, but it seems like an overkill.

I saw some welding rod/electrode tubes at Harbor Freight. They were red plastic with a handle. The handle could easily be cut off. What is nice about the welding rod tubes, is that they are water tight, but just too long.

Jose

**trog** · 26-Aug-2012, 16:07

Took this test shot this morning (Ilford-Delta 100). Developed it upon my return home (Kodak D76 chemistry). Scanned on my Epson V750 with no post-scanning alterations. Tube seems to be working fine. Sorry about the small jpg.

**sully75** · 26-Aug-2012, 17:04

Nice job. So these are 1 negative per tube? I'd love a sort of home-made jobo tank where I could do 10 5x7s at once. Not sure that one is going to happen, but that's my dream.