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tank size matter?
does it make a difference if i develop 1 roll of 35mm film in a small tank that only takes 1 roll of 35mm film vs developing that 1 roll of 35mm film in a larger tank that takes 2 rolls of 35mm film (filling the whole tank with chemical)?
Last edited by Rinthe; 03-14-2010 at 01:12 AM.
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If you use a larger tank, Paterson or similar, and you're using inversion agitation then you just use enough developerto cover the reel, the amount is on the bottom. So no you don't need to fill the tank.
Ian
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I have been trying to figure this same thing out as I have a few test rolls that I need to develop. I use a Paterson tank that holds 3 35mm films. If you only put enough developer in the tank to 1 film (I think it says 295ml or something) what happens when you invert the tank? Will the film not be left high an dry as the liquid sloshes to the top (now the bottom)?
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For myself, I always fill my tank (well, not quite completely) with developer. But I use replenished D23, so I am not wasting chemical. I know that does not answer OP's question, but I would wonder about overagitation if the tank were not filled completely. But my fears may be unfounded. I have found since being on APUG that people suggest procedures taught me by old lab rats (some of whom went back to glass-plate era) are wrong.
Last edited by Anscojohn; 03-16-2010 at 04:57 PM.
John, Mount Vernon, Virginia USA
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I'm with Anscojohn. I always fill to the top to avoid exacerbating any agitation problems.
"There is a time and place for all things, the difficulty is to use them only in their proper time and places." -- Robert Henri
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It depends how you do your agitation.
In my case, I use continuous roller agitation, so I calculate the amount necessary by determining how much is needed to cover half the reel when it is turned on it's side.
If I went back to using non-continuous inversion agitation, I would most likely want to (mostly) fill the tank. Alternatively, I might consider agitation schemes that don't involve inversion (twirling, or "figure-eight" on countertop).
Remember as well that if you are in the habit of choosing between various dilutions, you can choose a higher dilution to ensure a full fill.
Matt
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 Originally Posted by Gritycityflicks  I have been trying to figure this same thing out as I have a few test rolls that I need to develop. I use a Paterson tank that holds 3 35mm films. If you only put enough developer in the tank to 1 film (I think it says 295ml or something) what happens when you invert the tank? Will the film not be left high an dry as the liquid sloshes to the top (now the bottom)? Not a problem. The film isn't out of the developer long enough for it to make a difference, and you're sure to get good agitation. The only thing to watch out for is to make sure the reel doesn't creep up the center spindle. Paterson tanks should have a clip that goes around the spindle above the reels to prevent slippage; but after a while, these clips either go missing or wear out and slip themselves. A rubber band wrapped tightly around the spindle and tight up against the top reel makes a more than satisfactory substitute. It actually works more reliably than the factory supplied clip.
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Originally Posted by fschifano Not a problem. The film isn't out of the developer long enough for it to make a difference, and you're sure to get good agitation. The only thing to watch out for is to make sure the reel doesn't creep up the center spindle. Paterson tanks should have a clip that goes around the spindle above the reels to prevent slippage; but after a while, these clips either go missing or wear out and slip themselves. A rubber band wrapped tightly around the spindle and tight up against the top reel makes a more than satisfactory substitute. It actually works more reliably than the factory supplied clip. The only thing I would be concerned with doing that, is introducing foam and specifically air bells to the film surface. I think it might still be problematic even with Franks method. Personally, I will only use a single reel tank when theres only one roll to be processed. Any more, I will only process one roll at a time for consistancy sake.I have larger tanks, but only use them for single 120 runs. A single roll tank is cheap insurance for quality IMHO.
Rick
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One other thing to consider is the developer itself. For example, D-76 has instructions to use no less than 16 ounces for one roll if mixed 1:1. 8 ounces can be used if it is not diluted. So if I only have one roll to develop and I want to use D-76 1:1, I have to use the 2 reel tank and fill it completely. Regardless of this issue, if I were to use the minimum amount in a plastic tank rather than fill it full, I would use the agitation rod rather than inversion to keep the film submerged. But that may just be me.
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My tests indicate as long as the film is submerged for rest time between agitations, make no difference.
In fact the best agitaion removes the film from the developer during agitation.
Paterson tanks are particularly nice because the empty space in the top makes for significant developer movement. You never get streaks or marks with a PATERSON IF YOU FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.
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