Deep tank development of sheet films

[jnanian]

The problem is in agitation, using the basket invites vertical surge marks on the film. With a water bath before developer, most likely no air bubbles will be clinging to the film emulsion. Insert of the film into the tank, once completely submersed lift a bit then kind of rattle the hanger against the sides of the tank. Has worked perfectly for me for more years than I care to count. BTW, each minute, I lift and rock to the right 45 degrees or so then resubmerge gently, not dropping the hanger so as not causing the developer to rush through the side and bottom holes. Lift again, and rock to the left and gently replace the hanger in the developer. For me it takes close to five seconds.

Charlie...............................

what he said ...

[herb]

My tanks only hold about a gallon for 8x10, but slowwww lift and tilt works for me also in 5x7. Had a hell of a time with Efke until I got VERY slow with the lift and tilt deal. Also like water bath before dev.

[brian steinberger]

I tried hangers with 4x5 on single SS hangers (6 at a time) for 2 years before giving up due to streaking. Someone recommended the cradle from Steve Summitek. I got one and never looked back. 6 sheets at time in an 11x14 tray. It use the same amount of chemistry as the half gallon tank that I used before and I get the most even development ever. Just my two cents...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I have done tray development and was able to do 4-6 sheets of 4x5 or 8x10 without scratching them. Efke, Fp-4+, T-max 400 etc. If you are not in a rush and pay attention to what you are doing it is very easy to do. I have only developing my B&W for about three years now and I recently switched to tanks for my 4x5 and 8x10 (soon 5x7) so I could use the Pyrocat HD and minimal agitation. Again, if you concentrate on what you are doing and follow procedures you should do fine. I am developing in my apartment bathroom with no problem. Then again my bedroom never sees the light of day!! It is my darkroom!! My development has been very even with this process and I've been using a lot of Efke and love the results with the hangers. I always use a presoak. There is a lot of helpfull info on the forum and I suggest you do some testing to see what procedure fits your nature. I will be going back to tray development for my 8x20 when I finish building it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Ask as many questions as you want. The people on this forum are the best.

Stay Focused or... Soft Focused!!

Jim

[Tony Lovell]

[QUOTE=Jim Fitzgerald;454193]I have done tray development and was able to do 4-6 sheets of 4x5 or 8x10 without scratching them. Efke, Fp-4+, T-max 400 etc. If you are not in a rush and pay attention to what you are doing it is very easy to do. I have only developing my B&W for about three years now and I recently switched to tanks for my 4x5 and 8x10 (soon 5x7) so I could use the Pyrocat HD and minimal agitation.

Jim are you using the Pyrocat HD as a one shot developer in deep tanks?

Tony