Backing paper and developing.

[Jackle]

I've recently acquired a mint condition `Kodak Tank' (I got it with a 3A Autographic Special), which works by reversing and spooling the film and backing paper into a light tight apron before development. From the instructions, its clear that originally you developed with the backing paper still attached. I'm wondering what the effect would be if modern film (HP5+ atm) was developed with its backing paper still in place. I imagine that it might have some funny effects with dev chemicals, but there is nothing which really suggests that it wouldn't work. Does anyone have any idea if it would/wouldn't work? Its just that I like the idea of using the 3A and tank as it was originally designed .

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

You'll have a nasty mess when that soggy paper sticks to the film.

 

[nikon_sam]

I say give it a go...post your results...bonus points if they're once in a lifetime photos...

 

[ChrisLivsey]

I must admit this almost fell into the too long did not read category:
http://www.brocantina.com/tank.pdf

But it reads, and I advise you to re-read and not rely on me, that a separate DUPLEX paper is used in loading the film in this type of tank.

 

[sevo]

That would have to be very "originally" - even the oldest 120 negatives I have from my grandfather (dating back to the mid 1920's) already were back coated, so that they would have merged into a opaque mess with the backing paper. And two decades prior to that, roll film still was all low speed ortho - where processing film in red light was no issue, so they had no need to offer daylight loading solutions. That leaves a rather small time window for blank-backed pan film. Sure you did not misunderstand it?

 

[sevo]

But it reads, and I advise you to re-read and not rely on me, that a separate DUPLEX paper is used in loading the film in this type of tank.

Ah, ok. That sounds as if the film was separated from the backing paper and sandwiched with something like a disposable equivalent of the creased-edge tapes used in the Correx tank.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

Ah, ok. That sounds as if the film was separated from the backing paper and sandwiched with something like a disposable equivalent of the creased-edge tapes used in the Correx tank.

Indeed, makes the daylight tank bit more than a bit moot I thought 🙄 Unless I am misunderstanding the process.