Budget daylight development for 8x10

[C. D. Keth]

Yeah, I said it. I paired the words "budget" and "8x10."

I'm shooting 8x10 and I don't have unlimited cash to throw around on development gadgets nor do I have the space or the money for a darkroom. I've pretty much decided that my best option is probably a couple of BTZS tubes and a few trays in the kitchen. I realize that I won't exactly be a speed demon this way but that's OK. I'm not going to shoot massive quantities of film and even development time is fun time for me. I'm strange like that.

Does this seem reasonable? Is there something I'm missing that will crash my party? Is there a better cheaper option you're hoarding?

[erie patsellis]

even better would be using a unicolor print drum and roller base, should cost about $20 on ebay.

[Brian Ellis]

BTZS tubes work very well, I used them for 4x5 and 8x10 for years. Only problem is the 8x10 tubes haven't been made for quite a few years now. They come up for sale used here and on ebay from time to time but you may have to be patient.

Many people make their own tubes out of PVC or a similar material but I didn't find my home-made 8x10 tubes to work very well so I used the real thing for 8x10. The "real" BTZS tubes have screw-on caps. When you make your own you have to rely on friction and I found it difficult to get the caps on tight enough to stop developer from leaking but loose enough that I could quickly remove the tubes when development time was up.

[Ash]

Paterson Orbital

[CG]

Rather than set your heart on some perfect item, then find it unavailable, why not make life more tolerable. When looking for a restaurant in urban areas where parking can be a bear, I just cruise various areas with restaurants I like till I find parking. That decides which restaurant I go to.

Here - the largeformatphotography.info classifieds, apug's classifieds and Craigslist's photo section are an awfully good way to find real bargains right now. I'd just grab the first workable option that pops up at a low price then keep watching the net as you figure out what you really want.

C

[John Kasaian]

FWIW I use a Unicolor and it works fine! If you are dexterous enough you can do 2-up in an 11x14 drum. I've read about the Patterson Orbital and it is a real cool looking device, but I think they are pretty rare on this side of the Atlantic.

[John Kasaian]

Yeah, I said it. I paired the words "budget" and "8x10."

I'm shooting 8x10 and I don't have unlimited cash

There are quite a few of us around!

[C. D. Keth]

There are quite a few of us around!

That's good to know. I'm either not as crazy as I thought or I'm in good company.

[Ginette]

BTZS tubes work very well, I used them for 4x5 and 8x10 for years. Only problem is the 8x10 tubes haven't been made for quite a few years now. They come up for sale used here and on ebay from time to time but you may have to be patient.

You can have new BTZS tubes 8x10 abd 4x5 on ebay http://stores.ebay.com/The-View-Camera-Store with full explanation on how to use them. Not recommended to use 8x10 for 4x5 sheets.
I also take a look for Paterson orbital, one 8x10 unit used can be found actually on ebay -> item 270274508941. Did someone process 4x5 film on a 8x10 unit ? Is larger unit available and work great too ?

[venchka]

I stumbled into a workable solution, but I don't process 8x10 film yet. While rummaging in a local shop, I found a Jobo print drum that holds 2 8x10 sheets-paper or film. It came with the proper lid with the proper light trap for prints/sheet film. On another table I found a Unicolor motor base. Total: $38. And, the drum is big enough for 11x14 if you ever get a bigger camera. Sorry, but the Jobo number escapes me.

I also have 3 Beseler tanks and a motor base. Those were free as parts of a darkroom I was given.

Deals are out there.

Jobo numbers: 2830 for 2 8x10s. My drum is a 2840 which holds larger sizes as well. Either will work for 2 8x10s. They rotate nicely on either Uniroller or Beseler motor bases.