[LargeFormat] Processing 4X5 recommandations.

[largeformat@f32.net]

I have processed 4x5 in trays, film hangers in daylight tanks, and in a 
Yankee adjustable film developing daylight tank.  The only one you had to sit 
in the dark is the tray method.  Rotating the sheets from the bottom of the 
stack to the top takes a little practice and you should not go for a short 
development time when starting out.  Pre-wetting the film will help reduce 
the chance of streaking and uneven development, but do not do more than you 
can rotate (say limit it to 6 sheets) or you will have uneven development.  
The easiest method I found was the steel hangers loaded and placed in the 
daylight stainless steel tank.  We used to do up to about a dozen at a time 
in the tank which held about 1/2 gallon.  When the development was done we 
turned out the lights and moved all the racks at once into a water rinse and 
then into another daylight tank with fixer.  The daylight tanks had light 
tight lids which just sat on top with the lip on the edges hanging down over 
the tank sides.

The Yankee tanks are very easy to use and you can get used to loading them 
quickly.  A little practice with you eyes closed helps.  By the way sometimes 
it helps to close you eyes in the dark.... It seems to stop your brain from 
trying to use them and focus (!) on what your other senses tell you.

I have just started playing with a paper drum processor to process 4x5 film.  
It looks like it might save on chemicals and be easy to use.  It still takes 
some practice loading it in the dark.

I know I ran on here, but hope it helps some.

Regards,
Fred