[LargeFormat] Processing 4X5 recommandations

[Lee Carmichael]

After tray developing for about 20 years or so, I can say that I never
scratch film anymore.  I figured out a long time ago that most of the damage
to the emulsion occurred in the wash.  All that swirling around.  I solved
that issue by getting some hangers and a Kodak rubber tank.  After I process
the film, it goes in the hangers and gets washed.  The film is not beat up
that way.  Photography is a kinetic sport.  That means that you have to do
it and not just read about it and sometimes it just takes a lot of practice
to get the results you want.  I usually do 6 to 8 sheets at a time in PMK
Pyro.  I used to have a CPP-2, but I was not happy with the results and
someone offered me more money than I paid for it (a lot more) so I sold it
and bought a new enlarger lens.

lee carmichael
click76112@charter.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brock Nanson" <brock@nanson.org>
To: <largeformat@f32.net>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2001 1:10 AM
Subject: Re: [LargeFormat] Processing 4X5 recommandations


> > > I guess I must just do things differently, perhaps because no one ever
> > > taught me differently... I have had the best success with trays -
drums
> > > didn't give me a result I liked and, as we've been discussing, tanks
use
> too
> > > much chemistry.  Or the one I had did.  And I don't shoot enough film
to
> > > fill it quickly enough to satisfy my lack of patience.
> > >
> > > Before starting into large format (well, 4x5 - technically large
> format!), I
> > > had gone from d-76 to (gasp) tmax developer for my 35 work.  I'm
> probably
> > > the only one that I know who actually bought a second bottle, and a
> third
> > > etc...  I don't know why, but this stuff works for me.  So naturally,
I
> > > tried tmax developer when I went to 4x5.  I use a tray, about 6x9
inches
> in
> > > size (a Rubbermaid tray for cutlery I think) that's smooth as a baby's
> > > bottom.  In my scientific way, I learned what volume was required to
do
> a
> > > sheet, multiplied by four, then added some for good measure (until the
> depth
> > > in the tray seemed 'right').  I do two sheets at a time and toss the
> > > chemistry after four sheets.  I gently rock the tray like I was
> developing
> > > paper, pulling the sheets out and putting them back in every minute.
> They
> > > sit side by side in the tray, without overlapping.
> > >
> > > I have never suffered streaks with this method.  The edges are not
> > > overdeveloped... or if they are, they effectively correct for my lack
of
> a
> > > center ND filter ;-)    Perhaps my luck has been due to the viscosity
of
> the
> > > tmax solution - I don't know.  What I do know is there is only ONE
> correct
> > > method of developing sheet film... unfortunately it's a different
method
> for
> > > everyone!
> > >
> > > Robert, before investing time and money in a tank or drum, shoot some
> trial
> > > sheets and try the tray - it might work for you too.
> > >
> > > I will eventually try some other developers, but for now the tmax and
I
> have
> > > an understanding.
> > >
> > > I know at least 80% of you will think me crazy for using either the
tray
> or
> > > tmax developer - so I fully expect the flames!  Have at 'er, I've go
my
> > > asbestos boxers on...
> > >
> > > Brock
> > >
> > >
> > I sure will give it a try, but I'm a bit nervous. Old 35mm and medium
> format
> > routine are hard to get rid off. It sure seem the more cost efficient
> method
> > and once you get the hang of it I suspect it's not so bad. But the
method
> I
> > was taught was a few negative one over the other and slowly alternating
> them
> > one on top of the other, it seem dificult to believe that people are not
> > scratching some negative this way. The other alternative, one by one
seem
> a
> > bit tedious. So maybe I should check all the possibilities before
> discarding
> > this method.
> >
> > Robert
>
> Robert,
>
> I take special care to be sure the negatives DO NOT touch each other.  I
> have the same fear as you - scratches!  The tray is very smooth and I'm
> careful not to abuse the emulsion as it's very soft when wet.  My method
is
> tedious, but for the amount of film I process, it's not too bad.  Wouldn't
> want to do more than 10 sheets at time this way!!!
>
> Brock
>
>
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