MOD 54: Experiences?

[Michael R 1974]

I've always developed my sheet film the same way - homemade slosher in open trays. I use intermittent agitation for all my plus, minus and compensating development so the slosher has always been perfect for me. It is relatively simple and gives me exceptionally even development. However sometimes I can't resist the urge to experiment with something - even though I don't have any problems to solve and I know the new gadget won't improve the results. It's for fun more than anything else.

Case in point, the Mod 54 system. I hadn't heard of it before but there have been a few references to it relatively recently on APUG. So anyway, it just looks so cool I want to try it. The only bummer is I'll have to get a Patterson tank. I don't like those things at all.

Looking at the pictures of the Mod 54 on the website, one thing that puzzles me is, those finger-tabs that hold the sheets seem to extend pretty far into the image area of the sheet. Why would that not cause development issues - ie increased development around the tabs, reduced development under the tabs etc?

Anybody have any experience with this sexy looking system?

Thanks
Michael

[wildbill]

http://www.apug.org/forums/archive/i...p/t-81198.html

[Chris Lange]

I use one for all my 4x5 work, and love it. Very convenient, as I primarily shoot 120 and 35mm roll film, which I develop in a mult-reel paterson tank. Never had any development issues related to the tank, the only mistakes have been related...

[Michael R 1974]

Thanks for the link and thanks Chris.

I guess I'll just have to try it and see for myself. I just wish someone made one of these insert things for stainless steel tanks. I don't like the Patterson tanks.