[LargeFormat] RE: BW 4x5 processing

[Muessig, Hans, RTSLS]

I've never used a Jobo and never had much success with tray processing.

My solution for the past 25 years has been standard hangers and tanks.
Gives me good consistent results and gives me the flexibility to do N+
and N- by pulling a hanger out sooner or later than others . . .=20

For a small space you might consider half gallon Kodak hard rubber
tanks. You'll be able to do 6 or 7 sheets at a time. TIP: You can notch
the developer tank so that the hangers maintain the proper spacing or
make a set of handles that the hangers fit into.

Hangers: Stick with Kodak hangers. I found that with proper agitation
(lift and tip) I get no flow marks/uneven development. Carr and other
brands are a disaster.

Washing: Get a Yankee Adjustable Cut Sheet film tank. It will hold 12
sheets and is a great washing rack or works well if you stick a hose
down the center and lift the rack a bit off the bottom.

Drying: When I was shooting commercially (100's of sheets per
assignment) we built a phone booth sized drying closet. Now I've got a
garment bag with two levels of wires to hang the film on. BTW never had
great success drying film in the hangers. Take it out and use cloths
pins with a paperclip hook attached with electrical tape. And don't
forget to use your favorite wetting agent (Photoflo or whatever) mixed
with DISTILLED WATER. No squeeging wet negs and no drying spots.

The hangers and tanks are easily available on eBay for not much $$. $3
to $4 for hangers and perhaps $7 to $10 for each tank . . . =20

Hope this helps.

Hans=20