Hello All!,

Your opinions please:

I'm currently developing my B & W 4x5 films using a Unicolor Print drum. It can take up to 4 sheets of 4x5 film. Agitation is continuous on the motor base. I've never had a problem and my films come out perfect every time. (Tray developing sometimes streaked and negs stuck together and basically was a real bore!!). I know Jobo and BTZS makes a complete system, if you've got the $$$.$$. I ask all interested to post their opinions either pro or con (I've got big shoudlers and can take the critique). Thanx and HAPPY NEW NEW TO ALL.

-Steve

For small amounts of film this is the way to go. You've got a hndle on the time/temp/agitation formula, It a cheap process in terms of equipment and chemicals (no 3 gallon tanks of dev slowing oxidizing into oblivion) and it gives the results you want.

Somebody on this board has a tag line that says Keep It Simple. It looks like you have, so why change?

Now if you had planned on going on safari for 6 months and came back with 100 or so sheets, then I might think differently

Thanx Les for the very quick response.

K.I.S.S. is the watchword (one of many) of my photography instructor H. Warren King.

And He Means It. He was notorious for critiqing a 16 x 20 print and cutting a 5 x 7 area out if it. OUCH! But he was (usually) right.

When I plan on going on safari for 6 months and came back with 100 or so sheets I'll absolutely need something more automated. Maybe 2 sets of drums & motors.

Still like to hear what others may think on this.

BTW how you insert the little smile faces and photos to this board?

S. F.

just type like normal but forget the hyphen for the nose winks work too. I fyou click on the "Smilies" link below you'll get the whole mess

Steve...
If it works don't change it till it quits working for you.
I've used the Unicolor drums myself for over 8 years with great results.
The only thing I have to say is that I found that for me, the results were better if I used a Beseler motor base that reverses direction every cycle.I've never had streaking problems since I switched to the Beseler motor base.
IMHO, the Jobo drums and the BTZ tubes are vastly overpriced.
The Unicolor drums work-and they're cheap.

Harris,

Ain't it the truth.

Thanx to all for your comments.

-Steve

I personly prefer a simple tank system as Once I load the 10 to 13 sheets the tank holds and put on the lids it is light tight and I dont need a motor and I can follow the developing protocol recomended by the Developer Manufacturer. I only need about 2l of developer for a tank of film.

What kind of tank do you use and where did you get it?

I am uaing a fr adjustible developing tank model DT-500 made by the fr corperation.
The tank is baklite I think, It was purchased from a local camera store that recieved it as a trade in.

Ok..............I screwed up.
Sorry, Steve...It's a UNICOLOR motor base that reverses direction each cycle.
I can't figure out why I said Beseler...oh well...must be an attack of the "D'Oh's"

Don't bail out so fast, Harris. My Beseler deluxe motor base DOES reverse every cycle. I haven't used the Unicolor, so can't speak to it.

I use the JOBO rotary system w/o a motor. I have to spin it manually on a roller accessory that JOBO makes. For the little sheet film that I process, I didn't see the point in buying a motor (the JOBO tank, reels for twelve sheets and loader/guides were expensive enough!). I like this method because I can develop in the light. I used trays years ago and the results weren't always consistant! Large tanks work well but again your in the dark...I'M AFRAID OF GHOSTS!!!!!

My thanks to all who responded.

Many good thoughts to consider.

-Steve :>)