Nikor Development Tank

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Oh that blows I was really hoping to be able to develop 2x Hewes 35mm reels with this. It's specced to hold 2 reels but I guess I'll know for sure later when my reels arrive.

If it doesn't work, sell it on RFF and buy one of these. It is only $18 new.

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/91216-Arista-Stainless-Steel-Tank-16-oz.-with-PVC-Top

This is the tank I use. I also have a couple of the four-reel version, too.

 

[the.ronin]

Thanks yea I was eyeing that Arista tank before I came across this Nikor. Luckily I have a Freestyle near me.

I did read that it can be hit or miss with the x2 35mm Hewes reels on these Q15 Nikor tanks. So I'lll see if mine can fit em.

[edit] Here's the thread where I came across some indication that it could fit but it is hit or miss ... https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/2x35mm-hewes-reels-too-tall-for-nikor-tank.82457/

 

[css9450]

I also have a couple of the four-reel version, too.

I finally decided to bite the bullet and get the four-reel version. I already had the two-reel... But every time I wanted to develop two rolls, one of them was either 120 or 127! Had to do them one at a time...

 

[Ronald M]

Steel reels and tanks only have advantages over plastic stuff. As others wrote, take care of your Hewes reels.

All my Nikor tanks leak more or less. Some turns (don't use too much) of cheap plumbing Teflon ribbon around the main lid gasket will help a lot, as well as a worn piece of tissue wrapped over the lids with an elastic band when you agitate.

Caveat : don't use anything around the tank main lid gasket which will make the main lid impossible to remove when it's time to rinse the films ! Something made of rubber may be too thick.

I stick to full metal jacket lids. I have had cracks in some plastic lids designed for steel tanks.

My lids have no gaskets. Are yours engraved Nikkor on the bottom?

 

[the.ronin]

Guys I am very happy to report that the 2x Hewes 35mm reels fit like a glove with some room to spare at the top in my Nikor Q15 tank!!

Unfortunately, my first roll that I developed I may have pushed my C41 kit too far so it came out completely ruined ... not the best maiden voyage for the Nikor lol. But the tank itself did hold up very well!

As you guys mentioned, there is some leakage. You can tell most with the Blix since the coloring is easy to spot. But hardly enough leakage to raise alarms. Put another way, when I poured chemistry back out, I could not really tell the difference in the ending volume from the starting volume. I did have to constantly wipe and/or wash the outside of the tank.

And these reels ... wow these reels (compared to plastic). At first I thought I got jipped paying only $30 for 2 of em cos the film appeared to be a smidge too big (LOL). It came in what looked like legit Hewes boxes and even had the engravings on the sprocket catching plate. Then I realized its meant to be that way lol. I'm still getting used to it though took me like 7 minutes to reel a 35mm roll in the dark bag.

Anyway sorry I digress - thanks everyone for your feedback on this tank!!

 

[joeswe]

Older thread, I know ...

Older LPL tanks with steel lids are also excellent quality. Mine doesn't leak (yet?). There is a small tab welded to the cap that helps pulling the cap after processing. No screwdriver needed! Also the 120 size LPL reels I purchased are neat. Very sturdy with thick wire and they have a big clip of thin steel sheet in the center that makes centering and fixing the film to the core quite easy. Much better than the usual wire clips, I found! For 35mm I agree that Hewes reels are the way to go.

I also have some SS tanks with plastic lids that are older and leak a little. When doing color processing I actually prefer the plastic caps (less loss of heat through the lid, which is not covered by the water bath). A bit of gaffer tape around the lid will prevent leaking or the lid coming loose during processing.

 

[css9450]

I have the stainless tanks with the plastic/rubbery PVC lids. No leaks yet, except maybe a couple drops but only of the fixer for some reason. Maybe the fixer has smaller molecules!

I did some occasional stand developing of long-expired mystery film and some old C-22 color stuff. I found "regular" stand development led to uneven development (this is on 127 format), so at the halfway point I invert the tank and let it sit upside down on its cap! So far no leaks...

 

[John Shriver]

Long time since the original post, but here's a useful note. There was a Nikor Q18 tank, which reliably holds two Hewes 35mm reels with room to spare. The results with Q15 tanks are hit or miss, probably depending on production tolerances.

The Q18 tank was most often sold with the "cut film rack".

It's also a better fit for the 116/616 reel (70mm wide film).

 

[relistan]

Here's another tip to add to this thread: I carefully, tightly duck/duct tape all the way around my stainless lids once the film is in. This prevents any leaking except through the cap (which doesn't really leak much), also means I can't accidentally have the tank open on me. Takes very little tape, and the tape is easy to remove afterward. If you have any trouble with leaking this will solve it 🙂

 

[Doug A]

Kindermann made a tank filter-funnel that speeds up filling a lot. I should probably buy one of the PVC tanks to see if it works with them too. The funnels turn up occasionally on eBay. (Both of mine came from ebay.uk)

 

[titrisol]

Nikor tanks were highly regarded, and used by the millions.
I always had trouble loading the reels, and I prefer the plastic since it is easier for me.

Use a sacrificial roll of film to learn how to load the reels.
Practice in darkness a few times and you'll get good results

 

[Hari]

The stainless steel ones are fitted when new.
My 35mm single reel tank is fine.
The 120 (or 2 35s) one leaked.
I replaced it with a 'new in the box' Nikor tank and reel with instructions.
The problem with most ss tanks on eBay or whatever
is you never know.