DEAR MARK,
I assume you bought the 4X5 partly for the great increase in image quality
from 35mm or 120 film and partly because it is a really great camera. But, if
image quality plays any part in your decision, then you MUST use the best
possible processing system or you will get unevenness in development, streaking
in the image, and all sorts of other problems, defeating the reason for which
you made the investment in the first place. Please don't be penny wise and
pound foolish!
As I mentioned before, I shot over 100 chattel houses on 8X10 Tri X for my
book. I tray processed them mostly in PMK. Why tray? Because, after
practicing for a few batches, I got complete uniformity of development and
never ruined a shot. It also allowed me to push and pull individual sheets in
a batch of 4, 6, or even 8 sheets. OK, this would mean investing the time and
materials to make your darkroom completely dark...not impossible, just
requiring some effort. But, if you don't want to do this, then look on ebay
for any of the used Jobo systems that you could afford and would work for 4X5.
I taught an advanced photo workshop for decades and the only 4X5 negs made by
the students that approached my results were those using the Jobo.
Many years ago, in the interest of efficiency, I used a 3 1/2 gallon tank
line in a separate film darkroom in my NYC studio. Time was always of the
essence so the line was always ready to go. I used those large metal
processing frames for 4X5, 5X7, and 8X10 and reels in baskets for 35mm and 120.
The processing was very good for the roll film but took careful handling to
get evenly processed sheet film. OK, if I had invested in a nitrogen burst
system, it might have been easier but, after I (and then my assistants) got the
hang of it, we got very even results.
IMHO, the best of the new systems (which I have not used) appears to be
the Stearman Press tank if you really don't want the Jobo.
So, in summary, Best options (IMHO): tray processing in a dark-darkroom or
Jobo. Alternative: Stearman Press tank.
Good luck. Please post results when you have some...
CHEERS!
BOB
On April 29, 2019 at 11:44 PM mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Well the next step in the process is to figure out how to process the
sheet film. I did so little of it years ago, that I never really found a
good way.
I tried trays, but total darkness just isn't something that I thought was
practical. Old eyes only make it worse, but more importantly my darkroom
really isn't as dark as it should be. I have a changing bag, but the
darkroom has too doors and a window. At this point I am ruling trays out.
IF its not as dark as it should be for paper, I can reprint. If its not as
dark as it should be for a negative, no way out. Makes a changing bag and a
light tight method a must.
I used an old unicolor print drum years ago. I still have it, but it was
very awkward, and wouldn't fit in the changing bag now. Not the best option.
Might work, but not exactly ideal.
Wish I could find some stainless steel reels like they make for 35mm and
120. Have the tanks and top for those, but again no go.
The main option that seems the most viable is the yankee developing tank
for about $35 or so. It's not water tight, but it is light tight, or so it
shows. Being able to process 12 sheets at a time seems to be an advantage.
Processing all that had a N +1 at the same time seems like it would be a
plus. It''s cost effective, and it looks like it would go in a changing bag
to load.
I have made developing tubes. They were sort of light tight. You could
turn the lights on while it was developing, but changing the chemicals had to
be done in the dark. Better than trays, and maybe as good as the unicolor
drums, but again not ideal.
The jobo reels do not seem to be cost effective unless I were using a
jobo processor. Maybe one day if I use color here, but its not in the
immediate plans.
Any other options other than those I don't know about. The Yankee tank
seems to be the best choice, unless someone knows something I don't. (that is
highly likely)
Also I am reading the books recommended here. Thank you. They seem to
have been excellent choices. I am learning a lot
Mark
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