Daylight Film Developer Tank & Desktop Automated Developer

[Nathan Skalsky]

Hi Folks - I'm a relatively recent partial convert, going from digital to an analog process for some of my hobby photography.

I've focused on removing the need for the changing bag and implemented a simple daylight developer based on the basic principles used by Rondinax along with some modern IoT sensor/automation integration.

This system consists of the following usage modes & components;

Manual: Just using the daylight developer tank, which can be used manually (not unlike a Rondinax 35). The user needs to rotate knob and add/pour out chemistry.

Semi-Automated: Using a motorized-drive base (tank can be set on and removed at will) to automate the film spooling, agitation, and temperature control. The user adds/pours out chemistry per protocol/timer.

(nearly) Fully-Automated: Combine 1 & 2 along with an automated developer (shown in the video/previous thread) and its hands-off other than inserting film (and retrieving the leader if is fully withdrawn).

Probably easier to show than describe (video below), though let me know if you have any questions. Feedback, as always, is very much appreciated!

I've made a half-dozen run of these for local "alpha" level testing. If there is enough interest in more, as things progress I may be asking for beta users (though probably initially focusing on the daylight developer + motorized base vs. the entire fully automated solution).

You can see it in action here (video) > https://youtu.be/e1dd7QOLxg0

The original post that covers the automated desktop developer (on photrio) > https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...dfp-yet-another-desktop-film-processor.164871

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Interesting, you've put a lot of work and thought into this. I've always been skeptical of developing tanks of this type, though. Wet film is delicate and easily scratched. All of that movement with the film brushing against itself can't be good.


Have you had any issues with scratched film or uneven developing (streaks or spots)?

 

[Pherdinand]

Nice idea, would be very handy but im afraid i have to agree with Chris on this.
It would need some sort of separator between the film layers. All thatfilm mincing will result in what i have from 30 years ago from my childhood, a scratched up roll with underdeveloped spots and tear marks.
Did you try it with real exposed film? Any results?
The photrio link errors out.
If you manage to make it more delicate, would / could work!

 

[Bill Clark]

Since, for me, analog photography has been relegated to a fun/hobby adventure, I will still continue to use the small, either stainless steel tank or Paterson system, for film developing. I question how many of these machines would sell?

When I had my business, I switched to digital in 2004. I figure it saved me at the very least several hundred dollars per gig over film and a bunch of time with other tasks I had to do using film. Also, at each gig, I had someone who would mark each exposed roll of film and reload the cameras. PITA.

Back when I did use film for capture, I had a lab do the processing and printing. I brought a large cooler to each gig, divided into compartments for the various types of film I used.

Nice idea tho.

 

[randy stewart]

developing tank system

developing tank system

Of the few new daylight developing machines, yours appears to be unique. I'm not as inclined as others here to jump to a conclusion that your reel-less tank will scratch the film or yield uneven development, but the questions are easily answered if/when you are ready to do so. I have a fairly substantial investment in terms of the financial and procedural in more conventional equipment, and I shoot mostly medium format film, so I'm not a likely customer, but this is very interesting. Hope you will return with more details on questions raised.

 

[Pherdinand]

We are not jumping to conclusions, Randy.
The guy asked for feedback so we gave. Quite positive i would say.
And we asked if he checked it already.

 

[madNbad]

A very innovative approach and applaud you for the time and effort! As others have mentioned is the concern about uneven development if the film bunches up or should loop back on itself. You're off to a good start, keep us apprised of how the project progresses.

 

[Nathan Skalsky]

Thanks for the feedback!

We made a dozen of these for the local photography club - well over 150 rolls developed (I've personally done 18). No scratching reported so far.

Also, to give credit where it is due - the concept for this is based on the Rondinax 35 (ie. the non-"U" version which had a full spool), so its a "previously-used" innovation!

I'm planning on doing more testing and releasing the design/plans. This was more for my own interest.

The automatic developer is probably more marketable than the daylight tank, though limited as well.

The other project I'm balancing time with is creating an open source MF multi-format (35mm first) camera that uses a modern shutter, auto exposure modes, and a wide range of old and new glass.

-Nathan