Graflex.org Forum Index Graflex.org
Get help with your Graflex questions here
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Your opinions please - developing B & W in a drum

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Graflex.org Forum Index -> Speed Graphic Help
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
steve@toprinting.com



Joined: 27 Sep 2001
Posts: 33
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2001 5:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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

_________________
FOLLOW THE K.I.S.S. PRINCIPLE (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Les



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 2682
Location: Detroit, MI

PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2001 5:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
steve@toprinting.com



Joined: 27 Sep 2001
Posts: 33
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2001 7:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Les



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 2682
Location: Detroit, MI

PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2001 11:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Harris Austin



Joined: 11 Nov 2001
Posts: 4
Location: NE Alabama

PostPosted: Sun Dec 30, 2001 10:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
steve@toprinting.com



Joined: 27 Sep 2001
Posts: 33
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Mon Dec 31, 2001 12:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Harris,

Ain't it the truth.

Thanx to all for your comments.

-Steve


_________________
FOLLOW THE K.I.S.S. PRINCIPLE (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
hartwell_a_m



Joined: 04 Jun 2001
Posts: 84
Location: Northern California

PostPosted: Wed Jan 02, 2002 5:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
daleraby



Joined: 24 Nov 2001
Posts: 60
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin

PostPosted: Wed Jan 02, 2002 3:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What kind of tank do you use and where did you get it?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
hartwell_a_m



Joined: 04 Jun 2001
Posts: 84
Location: Northern California

PostPosted: Thu Jan 03, 2002 3:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Harris Austin



Joined: 11 Nov 2001
Posts: 4
Location: NE Alabama

PostPosted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 4:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
alecj



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 853
Location: Alabama

PostPosted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 1:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
jpmose



Joined: 29 May 2001
Posts: 164
Location: Atlanta, GA

PostPosted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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!!!!!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
steve@toprinting.com



Joined: 27 Sep 2001
Posts: 33
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 9:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My thanks to all who responded.

Many good thoughts to consider.

-Steve :>)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Graflex.org Forum Index -> Speed Graphic Help All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group