Help with developing - agitation method?

[iamzip]

It has been many, many years since I have developed my own film, and back then I used a steel tank and the inversion method. Having to pay for supplies on my own coin, though, I went cheap and got a plastic tank (also wanted the adjustable reels). The directions (poorly translated as they are) state that the preferred method of developing is one they call "shaking." There is a handle which extends out of the tank, and by twisting the handle not only does the reel rotate but it also gets pushed up and down by bumps in the floor of the tank. Basically I would like to know if anyone has any experience using this method, and if it's worth trying or if it's better to just stick with inversion.

Also, since it has been many years, I don't remember how much to fill the tank for the inversion method - just enough to cover the film you're developing, the maximum amount listed for the most / largest film, or just fill it until it's full.

Thanks!

 

[Chris101]

I prefer metal tanks, agitate by inversion either 5 seconds per 30 seconds (concentrated developer) or 10 seconds per 3 minutes (dilute developer.) I fill my tank completely full without regard to the amount of film inthe tank, in order to remain consistent from roll to roll.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Cover the film. You need no more.

Do not get too excited about this.

More agitation = more development + a slightly higher toe speed for a given contrast.

After that, nothing matters as long as you are a) consistent and (b) satisfied with the results. Adjust (a) until (b).

Cheers,

R.

 

[bmattock]

Vigorous shaking will lead to bubbles in the developer, which will show up in your film. It's pretty evident when I've seen it in the past - spots that look just like bubbles. I'd suggest not shaking it like a paint can.

 

[iamzip]

It's not actual shaking, that's just what they call it, or how it got translated.

 

[bmattock]

It's not actual shaking, that's just what they call it, or how it got translated.

Unfortunately choice of words. I have seen the result of film that was shaken during development, and it was not pretty. Glad to hear you realized it wasn't meant to be taken literally.

 

[iamzip]

It took a while - I had to read the directions over and over several times and play with the tank before finally figuring out what they meant.

 

[40oz]

I use the twisting method. At first I was skeptical, and still look for evidence it is not sufficient, but have yet to see any.

I stopped using inversion because the tank top rubber cover always seemed to leak a few drops once the seal got wet between dumping the developer, stop-rinsing, and pouring in the fix. A small hassle I don't need, IMHO.

My plastic tank has volumes listed on the bottom for one or two 35mm films, as well as for one 120 roll. I make sure to use at least that amount, maybe 5-10ml over at most. Too much doesn't help and just seems a waste to me.