[LargeFormat] Processing 4X5 recommandations.

[Stein]

Dear Robert,

     Do try the Combiplan. I use it for colour and B/W work and it does
indeed process both with no streaking if you are careful.

    It is an advantage to have a good darkroom to do it in, however - as you
need to load the sheets of film down the removable rack in the dark. When
you do this, have the developer sitting in the plastic tank ready for the
film - you just dunk the filled rack into the tank and pop on the flexible
cover. Then you can turn the lights on and invert away for the agitation.

     That first fast dunk prevents any streaks or dribbles down the dry film
surface. The developer can be run out of the tank at the conclusion of the
time with the bottom valve - it takes about 20-30 seconds to drain out. Then
the stop and fix can be added through the top valve. Once fixed, you can
connect a hose to the bottom valve and get a pretty good wash.

    If you overcome your fear of the dark and the metal film hanger - just
remember that anything in the dark is smaller than you are and not near as
hungry - go to your local department store or furnishing outlet and look at
the plastic food storage bins - you can get a whole processing line set up
including a water bath using the rectangular refrigerator boxes at a
fraction of the cost of photo store items.

    You can cotrol the temperature of the water bath by alternately dipping
in a fishtank heater or a chilled bottle of Chardonnay.

    Uncle Dick