New 4x5 processing system on Kickstarter

[brbo]

I'm concerned about washing and contamination although it may be an unfounded concern.
It sure looks like solution will get trapped behind the film in the holder.
I have the JOBO system which uses a lot of solution but also does up to 12 sheets.
This looks tempting to buy as well for smaller batches.
I'll send in a question about the concern.

A valid concern. I think they should make a "wire-frame" holder instead of a solid one.

 

[f16sunshine]

A valid concern. I think they should make a "wire-frame" holder instead of a solid one.

I just sent in a question. Will share the reply in the thread. 🙂

 

[Larry Cloetta]

I'm concerned about washing and contamination although it may be an unfounded concern.
It sure looks like solution will get trapped behind the film in the holder.
I have the JOBO system...SNIP

I understand your concern. If I had a JOBO, I'd probably call it good myself, but I don't🙂 As far as the possibility of uneven development goes, for $47 I figured it would make more sense to try it myself and see if I could work out any wrinkles. Most of us have lens hoods that cost more than that, so it seemed worth a try.

 

[taemo]

the jobo allows me to process up to 6 sheets with 270ml of solution, however loading the sheets can sometimes become a challenge, this one looks very easy, just like loading a sheet in a holder.

your concern is definitely valid Andy, would like to see sample sheets or feedback from him. keep us posted when you get a response.

 

[f16sunshine]

Hi Earl

Keep an eye out for the Jobo Sheet loader. Makes loading the reels much simpler.

Hi Larry
I fully agree. It looks like a cool system. Even with the Jobo, I'm interested in getting one for small batches.
Even though, I should probably just look for a single reel tank for my Jobo system.

 

[brbo]

the jobo allows me to process up to 6 sheets with 270ml of solution, however loading the sheets can sometimes become a challenge, this one looks very easy, just like loading a sheet in a holder.

I get by with just 250ml (for E-6 where developer costs are not negligible) in Jobo, but this needs constant (rolling) agitation.

 

[plummerl]

Hi Earl

Keep an eye out for the Jobo Sheet loader. Makes loading the reels much simpler.

Hi Larry
I fully agree. It looks like a cool system. Even with the Jobo, I'm interested in getting one for small batches.
Even though, I should probably just look for a single reel tank for my Jobo system.

Hi Andy,
The ability to do a small batch is why I'm very interested. With the Nikor I can do 12 sheets as well, but doing 1 - 4 would be a great savings in solution. I have a Gravity Works Archival Film Washer, so washing is not a concern.

 

[SuperUJ]

Pledged.
Shipping cost (U.S.) for two units: $9!
Looks even better than the tortilla method using Patterson tanks.

John

 

[plummerl]

Pledged as well. Last night he had under $800 pledged, today he has just under $12,000. It must be all the recent recipients of the TravelWide (like me!).

 

[Trius]

So given that the inventor is a working photographer I would think any issues with uneven agitation, trapped solution, etc., would be worked out. That said, different people have different degrees of success with various equipment and methods. I can't tray process for the life of me, but I am a whiz with deep tanks, i.e., the Kodak rubber tanks and their like. The Yankee type daylight tank gave highly variable results for me.

I expect it will be same with this. I haven't made a decision yet. I normally accumulate my negatives so using a full 4x5 Kodak tank worth of solution isn't an issue for me, especially since I usually use Rodinal.

 

[f16sunshine]

I'm going to get one. It's a worthy endeavor and a useful addition 🙂

This reply came in from Timothy

Andy,
It seems to wash out fine. The only issue I've seen has been on the edges where the film is 'pinched' by the film holder. (One our our holders is tighter than the rest.) One reason we're going to make the slot wider.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

As of now, this project is fully funded! In 4 days. Pretty amazing. Maybe film not really dead.

 

[VTHokiEE]

As of now, this project is fully funded! In 4 days. Pretty amazing. Maybe film not really dead.

So does anyone have a 4x5 starter kit 🙂?

 

[BillBingham2]

Just got off my butt and signed up for two. Still a few days left for those who procrastinate........

Bump.

B2 (;->

 

[kuzano]

What about price, just for the tanks as a rationale.

What about price, just for the tanks as a rationale.

A valid concern. I think they should make a "wire-frame" holder instead of a solid one.

Anybody halfway creative could solve the wire holder need, if it really exists. The tanks and rest of the system alone are worth more than the pledge. I have no problems with making mods.

I modified a trashed out Graflex Super Speed to it's full movements intact but half it's weight.

I bought two travelwides but keeping my FrankenGrafSpeed instead for more flexibility.

Don't let non issues stop the presses.

 

[Mike Fish]

Calumet CC-400 and Caltar 150mm

Calumet CC-400 and Caltar 150mm

Having kicked in on this on Kickstarter, I realized I would probably need a means to actually expose some 4x5 film. =)

So last night I bought a kit on _bay. It all looks to be in great condition, and should be in my hands next week. Until the SP-445 debuts, I may try Ilford's direct positive paper.

This is what I got for $220 USD:
- Calumet CC-400 monorail camera
- Caltar-S II 150mm f/5.6 (Schneider Symmar-S) lens
- 6 film holders
- 1 Calumet roll film holder
- case and some small bits and pcs

Is that a decent price?

- Mike

 

[f16sunshine]

It's seems like a great price. For tge cost of a press camera you have a nice monorail.

 

[KM-25]

I'm torn, I love supporting things like this but I have a Jobo CPP3 with 3x 3010 expert drums, they only use 600ML for 10x sheets, I ran 50 sheets last night and they came out beautiful.

Still thinking about it.....

 

[BillBingham2]

I'm torn, I love supporting things like this but I have a Jobo CPP3 with 3x 3010 expert drums, they only use 600ML for 10x sheets, I ran 50 sheets last night and they came out beautiful.

Still thinking about it.....

Perhaps just as a backup in case you run into troubles?

I'm a big believer in plan B (and some times C, D and E). Still too much a scout.

B2 (;->

 

[tim48v]

There's a new update on kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/…/sp-445-compact-4x5-fi…/updates

We've posted samples that we processed in our SP-445 our website: www.stearmanpress.com.

Thanks again for everyone's support, comments, and suggestions. Thanks especially for spreading the news.