Hi

I recently bought a Paterson tank for developing single 35mm films. It didnt come with a central column like the multiple reel tanks I have but the seller said it wasnt needed. I tried a film in it and it was fogged, I dont think it could have been fogged prior to processing so I now wonder if the tank should have come with a central column? Any ideas?

Thanks

Ritchie

All Paterson tanks need a central black plastic core, into which the funnel built into the lid projects, thus creating a light trap. Fogging is inevitable without this!

Regards,

David

All Paterson tanks need a centre column, and always have. You were conned.

Ian

Agreed; looks like the seller was talking s***e!

Center column is must. And as I know Paterson tankscome with with center column included (atleas mine two System 4 tanks are), so question is who removed it from box?

Center column not only block light (eliminate fogging), but with holding reel in place it also prevent reel to float when tank is filled with chemicals, and moving of reel when tank is turned during processing, and thus prevent from bad development even if film is not fogged.

you can pick up one at B&H.

what a jerk that seller was.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

Ritchie

I don't know if anyone else noticed but the center coulmn from the Super System 4 is slightly longer the the old System 4.
I have both type of tanks and I use the old System 4 as I don't seem to like the Super one.
One day while screwing down the lid tightly I heard a crunching and the tank started leaking at the bottom. Sure enough I cracked the bottom of my System 4 tank.
When I finished I compared the columns and found the slight difference in height. This is what cracked the bottom of my tank. I supler glued the crack and now it stopped leaking. And, now I apy attention to make sure I don't mix up the columns.

So, keep that in mind if you have an old System 4 tank but get a colun for a Super System 4 tank.

I was chatting to the Paterson guys at a trade show this week and spares for most Paterson items are available if you contact them direct on 0121 520 4830 (UK) or via www.patersonphotographic.com.
However, nothing available for the old System 4 tanks I'm afraid - I checked as I have two large tanks with no lids!

You can purchase the foam mats for their contact frames though, which is what I was after as mine have perished. It's good to know that not all things need to be consigned to the bin when they wear out.

Is it what you are talking about ?

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=1386

Is it what you are talking about ?

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=1386
That's the agitator, which is inserted into the top of the tank and used to move the film reels in solution.

This is what the OP needs...

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=1389

But i have got the agitator! I thought I needed a central column to put the reel on, not an agitator? Now I'm confused. With my multi reel tanks there are columns and agitators, and I never use the latter.

Can anyone clear this up?

Thanks

Ritchie

But i have got the agitator! I thought I needed a central column to put the reel on, not an agitator? Now I'm confused. With my multi reel tanks there are columns and agitators, and I never use the latter.

Can anyone clear this up?

Thanks

Ritchie

Ritchie you just need the central column, otherwise as already been said your tank will not be light tight and the reel will just move around in the chemicals.

Why don't you just take that tank back to seller and buy a brand new Patterson tank from Freestyle, or another vendor that supports this website. I recommend supporting production of new equipment whenever possible, and these tanks are expensive.

Steve Perry

But i have got the agitator! I thought I needed a central column to put the reel on, not an agitator? Now I'm confused. With my multi reel tanks there are columns and agitators, and I never use the latter.

Can anyone clear this up?

Thanks

Ritchie
You need the center column, which is part of the package sold by Freestyle (as shown in the link I've provided in a previous post). Here is the link again...

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=1389

If you don't want the extra agitator, just throw it away. ;)