Darkroom Developing Equipment Brands

[CC72]

Hi,

I'm planning to get back into B&W home processing after many years. I'm planning to mail order some equipment (tanks, reels and changing bags). What brand would you suggest? There are a few out there like General, Samigon, Kinderman, Kalt, Kindermann, Patterson, etc. Which brand offers the best quality? I'm trying to avoid leaky tanks after a few short months, etc. Or are they all pretty much the same?

Thanks in advance.

CPC

 

[Bryce]

I picked up a Kindermann branded tank and it doesn't leak at all, ever. The other stainless tanks I've used did.
Also, Hewes brand 35mm stainless reels are a little easier to load than most, having hooks to attach to the sprocket holes rather than a spring clip. Minor difference really.
Most of this type of equipment is at least "good enough" and varies relatively little in quality, maybe the reason there aren't a lot of strong opinions out there.
Have fun!

 

[Justin Low]

If you don't mind plastic tanks, I find the Jobo range to be the best.

The reels never jam (for me, at least), and the 2-reel tank takes a convenient 485ml to cover both reels—just nice if you work in metric as you can easily mix up 500ml, which keeps calculations simple.

I've used mine for 3.5 years and counting and the cover has never leaked either.

 

[Sam R]

Stainless is nice for temp control. That equipment is selling for 5 cents on the dollar on my local craigs list. Want my Beseler 23c? you can have it for 10 dollars.

 

[Steve Litt]

I think there is more to consider as to whether you want metal or plastic tanks/reels,center or outer loading spirals as opposed to brands.I have used Patterson tanks for a long while but wouldn't think they were better or worse than any other.

Regards
Steve

 

[Roger Hicks]

I'm still using Kindermann double-35 (single-120) tanks I bought second-hand in the 60s: there are none better. I prefer Hewes reels, though. I also use Jobo (in a CPE-2) and Paterson. Both are fine. You might care to lok at

http://www.rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps how choose dev tank.html

Cheers,

R.

 

[Mudman]

I like the paterson tank, but I'm using samigon reels.

 

[CC72]

Thank you for all your responses. Honestly, I learned to develop with plastic reels and tanks...and feel more comfortable with them. I never really did get used to steel reels.

Sam R: Thanks. I think I'll pass for now. I live in Asia.

Justin Low: I noticed you're in Sing. Where did you get your Jobo tanks/reels? And yes, I prefer metric.

Thanks.

CC

 

[Justin Low]

CC, I bought my tanks and accessories from eBay.

 

[df cardwell]

So many folks who tried steel reels tried the cheap stuff,
and justifiably, disliked it.

In the old days, Nikor (Honeywell) were the standard,
today, Hewes. Amazing stuff.

Kindermann tanks, as Rogers says.

I can't imagine EVER working with plastic,
whether from choice, or under duress.
Huge difference.

 

[CC72]

Thanks df cardwell.

 

[smotchx]

The only affinity I have is for Hewes SS reels. Everything else I use is a 'whatever' brand

 

[maddoc]

I used JOBO (1520 system) but had often problems with the tank cover (lid). JOBO sent me a replacement for free (very good service !!) but still problems (the lid was tilting when pressing the closing ring downwards)

Now I use Makuso (Japanese company) stainless steel tank / wheels. Loading up to three 135 wheels in a changing bag is easy but the tank is large (1.2l).