New 4x5 processing system on Kickstarter

Awesome. Just signed up. I bought a speed graphic a while back with a 254mm F4.5 Wollensak -- which is one of the longest/fastest lenses you can get on a press camera and still allow it to close properly. It's basically a very compact large-format portrait setup. As of now I've only used it with instant film so I'm excited to start shooting some sheet film in this. Thanks for bumping this... almost missed out on the deadline!

 
I developed my first two sheets of 4x5 from my new to me Crown Graphic. I tried the taco method and it failed me. It seems like the film floated up and a strip of each wasn't developed well. I'm still excited to see the scans but I can't wait to get my hands on a proper developing setup.

This tank led me to a new scanner and camera, most expensive Kickstarter for me so far.
 
VTHokiEE said:
I developed my first two sheets of 4x5 from my new to me Crown Graphic. I tried the taco method and it failed me. It seems like the film floated up and a strip of each wasn't developed well. I'm still excited to see the scans but I can't wait to get my hands on a proper developing setup.

This tank led me to a new scanner and camera, most expensive Kickstarter for me so far.
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What kind of developer do you use for sheet films?
 
I use HC110 (typically dilution h) for everything. I don't really process a ton of film so the long shelf life is very important to me. I'll get my scanner set up today or tomorrow and post one of the images.

Here is a shot (with the developing defects):

Crown Graphic Take 2 by Tim Huggins, on Flickr
 
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VTHokiEE said:
I use HC110 (typically dilution h) for everything. I don't really process a ton of film so the long shelf life is very important to me. I'll get my scanner set up today or tomorrow and post one of the images.

Here is a shot (with the developing defects):

Crown Graphic Take 2 by Tim Huggins, on Flickr
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Very interesting.Some people recommend special developers for sheet films. Not diluted, fast working, high-contrast developers- since you can check the whole process visually.
 
tho60 said:
Very interesting.Some people recommend special developers for sheet films. Not diluted, fast working, high-contrast developers- since you can check the whole process visually.
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I'm by no means a sheet film expert (that was my first shot at developing) so I have a long way to go. I'm not certain I understand how you can check the process visually? I believe that would fog the film?
 
I'm a backer. While I use and have no problem with 1) the 'taco method' or 2) the mod 54 system, the idea of using less developer certainly appeals to me. Looking forward to this project's success.

Kenny
 
safelight

safelight

VTHokiEE said:
I'm by no means a sheet film expert (that was my first shot at developing) so I have a long way to go. I'm not certain I understand how you can check the process visually? I believe that would fog the film?
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Thank you for your question. Albeit some manufacturers recommend total darkness during film developing, I think you can develop your films when the safelight is on. Test your film and safelight before, of course. The main advantage of this method is that you can interrupt the developing at the most proper density.
 
tho60 said:
Thank you for your question. Albeit some manufacturers recommend total darkness during film developing, I think you can develop your films when the safelight is on. Test your film and safelight before, of course. The main advantage of this method is that you can interrupt the developing at the most proper density.
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It depends on the film - if it is orthochromatic it will not be sensitive to red light and you can develop by inspection, but if panchromatic then you will need a dark green filter (I have read). I have done this with orthochromatic and the red light and found it difficult to judge proper development, so I just do it by time and temp now.
 
Kenj8246 said:
I'm a backer. While I use and have no problem with 1) the 'taco method' or 2) the mod 54 system, the idea of using less developer certainly appeals to me. Looking forward to this project's success.

Kenny
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I am lucky to own a Phototherm and a 4 sheet developing tank. I still backed this KS because it is cool and I sometimes like to just do experimentation by hand. Seems like a really good deal, but I couldn't figure out how to buy a second film holder to develop 4 sheets at once - so I'll have to pay retail when its available.
 
gdi said:
I am lucky to own a Phototherm and a 4 sheet developing tank. I still backed this KS because it is cool and I sometimes like to just do experimentation by hand. Seems like a really good deal, but I couldn't figure out how to buy a second film holder to develop 4 sheets at once - so I'll have to pay retail when its available.
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Not sure if I follow you. The SP-445 is built to develop up to 4 sheets at a time. It comes with two film holders, each holding two sheets of film.
 
plummerl said:
Not sure if I follow you. The SP-445 is built to develop up to 4 sheets at a time. It comes with two film holders, each holding two sheets of film.
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Thanks for info, Plummeri, I must have read the description wrong, I thought it only came with one holder. I see now that it does come with two.
 
I read on 'the online darkroom' that they had dumped the plunger agitation feature. So now it is inverse agitation. Does anyone know if this is true?
 
charjohncarter said:
I read on 'the online darkroom' that they had dumped the plunger agitation feature. So now it is inverse agitation. Does anyone know if this is true?
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Based on the latest Kickstarter email updates, it is the case. Also, the film holder are rotated 90 degree to load film horizontally (as opposed to from the top in original design) to avoid loaded films from floating above the liquid.

John
 
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