Multi reel tanks

[ChrisCummins]

Hi,
I'm curious about upgrading to a multi reel tank, specifically the Paterson Multi Reel 3. At the moment I use an old single reel Paterson tank but I would like the ability to develop multiple films at once. However, I have a couple of questions:

- Can a multi reel tank be used to develop only one or two films (135 or 120 format) at a time, or does every reel have to be loaded?

- What is the fluid quantity required to develop a multi reel tank loaded with 3x 135 or 2 x 120 format films? I will probably need to invest in larger measuring cylinders to mix up the chemicals in, and want to know which size to go for. The single reel tank I use takes 290cc or 500cc for 120 size.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated, or if there is a better system to the paterson multi reel, I'm all ears 🙂 Thanks.

Best regards,
Chris

 

[tlitody]

Hi,
I'm curious about upgrading to a multi reel tank, specifically the Paterson Multi Reel 3. At the moment I use an old single reel Paterson tank but I would like the ability to develop multiple films at once. However, I have a couple of questions:

- Can a multi reel tank be used to develop only one or two films (135 or 120 format) at a time, or does every reel have to be loaded?

- What is the fluid quantity required to develop a multi reel tank loaded with 3x 135 or 2 x 120 format films? I will probably need to invest in larger measuring cylinders to mix up the chemicals in, and want to know which size to go for. The single reel tank I use takes 290cc or 500cc for 120 size.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated, or if there is a better system to the paterson multi reel, I'm all ears 🙂 Thanks.

Best regards,
Chris

You can use only one or two reels but usually you put empty reels in to stop bottom reels sliding up the core unless there are clips for that. Just go steady on the inversions because you don't want to push film out of guides.

Don't know quantitities for a 3 reel tank but its usually printed on tank.

 

[ChrisCummins]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I am curious about the quantities because the place I'll order it from is the same place I'd buy new measuring cylinders from, so I could save p&p by ordering both at the same time.

Just to clarify then, by using only one or two reels, you can use a proportionately smaller quantity of liquid? If I'm having to mix up the same amount of one-shot solutions for three as well as one roll, then it's going to be more economical to buy a larger and smaller tank and just alternate between the two

Regards
Chris

 

[nikon_sam]

You can use the reels in any combo that suits you...1, 2 or all 3...you could do a reel set to 120 and add a reel of 35 too...or two reels loaded with 120 film or only one...

290ml for each roll of 35mm
500ml for each roll of 120

So 800ml for a roll of 120 and one roll of 35mm...
I use the clip if I have fewer than three reels in there...I have never placed an empty reel to take up space and have never had any issues...
And you can load two rolls of 120 into a single reel...
For the 3 reel Paterson tank all you need is a measuring cup that holds 1 liter (32 ozs.)

 

[ChrisCummins]

Thanks Sam, those are exactly the numbers I'm after. It's funny that the quantities are exactly the same on my single reel tank. I would have assumed they'd have changed! (I'm using my granfather's generation II tank from 1955 😀 )

 

[Fraser]

I use a piece of plastic pipe that slips over the centre column to stop the reels moving up, its happened to me a few times in a multi reel tank without the pipe the reel has moved half way up the tank!

 

[MartinP]

Remember there is no need to have ultra-accurately manufactured containers for the dev, stop and fix - because you can measure the relevant amounts carefully in to one litre kitchen jugs and then mark them with indelible felt-tip pen. This is before first using the jugs 'live' of course.

The Jobo tanks are a bit more skinny and use a fraction less chemical, but then it's much harder to find cheap spare reels for them these days. To get through a multi-tank developing session smoothly, it is very convenient to have dry spare-reels for plastic tanks - whichever brand they are.

There is also a 4x5 sheet holder for the three reel Paterson tank, as mentioned on Apug and sold via *bay. That could be an interesting option for the pinhole-photos you always wanted to make, but didn't because of only having small negs.

Edit:
If the multi-reel tank is pretty full of chemical then inversion agitation might be less effective, as there is less air in the tank. Try to test that by giving an extra inversion per minute or something like that which fits in to your routine. Additionally, if the tank contains for example two double-loaded 120 reels, or three 35mm films, then watch out for possibly going below the recommended minimum cc's of developer per roll.

 

[tlitody]

you only need enough chemistry to cover the reels with film in them when the tank is standing on its base, plus a small safety margin in case of heavy froth in tank or if reel has slipped up core a tad. i.e. don't try and cut it to fine.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Chris: I use Paterson 2 reel, 3 reel & 5 reel tanks. They are very cheap used and available on Craigs List, EBay and some used equipment stores.

I always fill the tank to the bottom of the top funnel no matter how many reels of film are in there. Developer is cheap. Don't risk inconsistency by trying to save a few pennies. I always use extra reels to fill the gap in the tank.

It is simple to develop multiple tanks of film simultaneously if you space the times 60 seconds apart. I developed 10 rolls this afternoon in 2 different 5 reel tanks. I just remember that tank #2 was started 60 seconds later so pour at 11 minutes, not the standard 10.

Just remember that consistency is your friend.