Do I have to use reels?

[snaggs]

If I'm using Diafine, why can't I just stick it in a bucket? If I leave it in there long enough, will it just sort itself out?

[Steve Smith]

In theory it would work but reels help to prevent scratching. e.g. the edges of the film rubbing the emulsion.


Steve.

[MattKing]

You could use a pipe long enough to hang the film vertically without folds or curls - a single roll dip and dunk approach.

That would, however, take a lot of Diafine.

[snaggs]

thats a good idea. Since diafine never runs out, theres no reason not to mix up two pipes full.

What did people do with Dip & dunk with 15 foot of 70mm out of interest? Did they have 15 ft deep pits at the labs?

Daniel.

PS. What is the problem with the curls btw?

[AgX]

Films were wound onto a frame.

[snaggs]

Ok, so one to halve the length of a 15ft strip would be ok?

This sounds like ideal lazy developing to me!

[AgX]

Lazy?

We are not talking about stand-development. Are we? Processing film on frames hanging in bassins still needs agitation. Typically done by means of N2 bursts.

[Gerald C Koch]

No, you don't have to use reels but they are a lot easier to use than any of the alternatives. Is there a particular reason why you don't want to use reels.

[snaggs]

Im not very good at them. Ok on 35mm, but a bit daunted on what to do with 120 hands get sweaty in the change bag, so if you dont get it right it just gets more complicated!

[railwayman3]

Im not very good at them. Ok on 35mm, but a bit daunted on what to do with 120 hands get sweaty in the change bag, so if you dont get it right it just gets more complicated!

I had that problem at first....try practising with a scrap film, both in and out the changing bag, until you overcome the fear of messing up the film.

Or see if you can thoroughly black out a room, maybe more comfortable than a changing bag. Keep a light-tight box available, to hold the film and reel, in case you get stuck or need a break.

Reels and tanks do take a bit of patience at first, but are much more convenient for smallscale use, and less likely to damage the film than the options (IMHO).