Topic: Film Processors

[charles binns]

I am looking to invest in a film processor as I am tired of streaky negatives.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

The only specific requirements I would have are that the unit must be compatible with Patterson Tanks.  I'd use the processor for colour and b&w so temperature control will be important as well.

I have looked at the Fotolabor SST4 and Heiland TAS Systems on sale with Firstcall Photographic but they are pricey.

At the end of the day, I'll probably have to buy whatever I can find on eBay but I'd appreciate any suggestions from the forum.

[Francois]

Apart from the Patterson orbital, I don't really know of any processor designed for those tanks...
I think you'll need to go the diy way...

[charles binns]

Apart from the Patterson orbital, I don't really know of any processor designed for those tanks...
I think you'll need to go the diy way...

Thanks - what about a roller base?

[SLVR]

What about your neg is streaky? Color of BW? MF or 35mm? Perhaps the solution could be something more cost effective

[charles binns]

Actually, it mainly affects colour (C41) 120 negs.  Black and white tends to be fine both for 120 and the little 5x4 sheet film I have processed.

I invert the tank for 30 seconds then 5 seconds every 30 seconds reasonably vigorously, twisting the tank as I invert and still get marks.

Not sure what else could cause the streaks even though I am very careful to agitate in such a way as to prevent drag.

[Terry]

I just got my first seriously streaky negs the last batch I processed.  The only thing I think I did wrong was to fail to test the pre-wash temperature.  It seemed to be substantially cooler than the recommended 102 degrees F.  (I didn't notice this until I picked up the tank to pour it out.)  Would that have caused streaks?

Sample:

Updike barn 2015 par Terry B, on ipernity

[Francois]

Apart from the Patterson orbital, I don't really know of any processor designed for those tanks...
I think you'll need to go the diy way...

Thanks - what about a roller base?

I think that's probably the best way to get overdeveloped negs with plenty of bromide drag...
Besides, you have to use the big tanks for that, that means more chemistry every time...

[charles binns]

I did abit more digging this pm.

A way of preventing streaks and uneven development on negs during C41 is to use a stop bath  after the Colour Developer and before the Blix.  Something I have not been doing.  I'll try that.

[thatguychad]

I did abit more digging this pm.

A way of preventing streaks and uneven development on negs during C41 is to use a stop bath  after the Colour Developer and before the Blix.  Something I have not been doing.  I'll try that.

I've never used a stop bath, but I do a quick rinse with 102F water between developer and blix. I haven't seen this streak issue with my C-41.

[imagesfrugales]

I don't prewash but rinse between developer, bleach and fix with 2x fresh (tap) water. Agitation is something like 1x every 15 - 60 seconds, I'm not very meticulous with that, but try to keep short intervals. Dev at room temp between 20 and 30 °C with adjusted times, no streaks, no color shift, perfect developments, be it 135 or 120 film.

[charles binns]

I did abit more digging this pm.

A way of preventing streaks and uneven development on negs during C41 is to use a stop bath  after the Colour Developer and before the Blix.  Something I have not been doing.  I'll try that.

I've never used a stop bath, but I do a quick rinse with 102F water between developer and blix. I haven't seen this streak issue with my C-41.

I'm going to do a test this week end.  Will try both a stop bath or a rinse for different batches and will let you know.  the Tetenal instruction booklet does recommend a stop bath if re using Blix  - I clearly never read that paragraph