question on uniroller with film tanks

[raytoei@gmail.com]

hi,

a fb/rff friend piqued my interest on a uniroller motor base for my film development.

i have an issue on what development tank to go with the uniroller. I currently use a 2-reel and 5-reel 35mm paterson tank (system 4). I doubt if i can use the 2-reel tank (too small) or the 5-reel tank (too leaky).

Here are my questions:

* I read that the JOBO 1500 series (1530 and 1540) may be suitable. Is the 2500 series comparable ? What I have read is that the diameter is larger than the 1500, so will there be enough coverage from the uniroller ?

* Can I use the honeywell nikor metal reel and tank with the uniroller ?

Lastly, how much chemical shoud i use ? I would have thought that I should use it like a normal System IV paterson tank, ie. 300ml per 35mm and 500ml for 120 format. Is this correct or should i cater for less chemicals since the placement is horizontal ?

thanks much for your replies

raytoei
(currently roll 277 this year).

 

[Nokton48]

I recently have picked up the 2500 JOBO system, although I have not had time to use it yet. I purchased JOBO reels for 120/220 and the 2509n reels for 6x9cm & 9x12 sheet film. I have a Multitank2, Multitank5 and Multitank 6 to use on my Uniroller. I don't think the Nikor tank will work on the Uniroller.

I would suggest you google JOBO. There are lots of threads you can get all the details.

 

[Tom A]

I use a Uni Roller for most of my processing (fix in particular). Pateson tanks - the 5 reel fits fine, though wilt 1500 ml of liquid in it - the Roller groans a bit. The 3 reel tank works, but you have to watch it as it tends to "wander" off the roller. As you say, the two reel tank is simply to short and doesn't work.
The solution is to go to your local plumbing supplier and get some PVC pipe - inside diameter the same as the outside diameter of the tank (you can use gaffer tape to add girth to the tank if needed. Just have it cut the same length as your 5 reel tanl. It also works on the 3 reel tank and stops it from wondering off.
The Honeywell/Nikkor tanks are to small diameter - though again, add some "Padding" to make it fit.
As for volume - I use full taks as most of my developers are fairly dilute and needs it. It does stress the Roller - but I have found that they are quite sturdy and so far I have only "burned out" one in the last 15 years.
I plug mine into the Gralab timer with the buzzer engaged - after what ever time you set the Gralab to - when it comes to the end of the run - it "screams" loud enough to wake you up!
I suspect that the JOBO would work, but friends tried it and the full tank would slip and slide a bit too much. I also have about 100 Paterson reels and 1/2 dozen tanks (5 reel) and there is no way I am going to switch system now.

 

[Nokton48]

Here is what I will be using. To catch leaks (there are always leaks!) I use two Paterson 5x7" plastic developing trays to catch spillage. The Unicolor Film Drum was a particular leaker at both ends. Not sure about JOBO but this catches all. The plastic tub is a dishwashing tub I bought at the dollar store. Twenty five years ago I used Paterson five reel tanks for 35mm on the Uniroller. Never had any problems but it does leak. The trays solve that problem. No reason why this wouldn't work with Paterson five reel tanks. I did that for years. Now I'm doing 6x9 and 9x12 sheet film which is a whole different process.

Shown is the JOBO Multitank6 on the Uniroller.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

thanks Nokton48 and Tom for the replies. I think I will try with the existing Paterson tank first.

 

[venchka]

Jobo 3010 and a Jobo 25something that holds reels for 35mm, 120/220 or 2 4x5 6 sheet reels. I use between 500 & 750 ml of chemicals. Both tanks ride on a Uniroller or Beseler base. No leaks. No development problems with Xtol 1:3 or Rodinol 1:100.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

 

[venchka]

My big Jobo multi format tank is a 2553 MultiTank 5.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

Just an update:

I received my Unicolor Uniroller last week and got a chance to use it.

The Nikor tank with 4 metal reels is too thin to fit into the Uniroller. 🙁 Just as well, as my 3 attempts of using metal reels has been dismal with film sticking together.

I then tried using my 5 reel AP tank with the roller. I taped around the lid area to prevent leakage. I am glad to report that the 5 reel ap tank did not sway around the rollers, and i managed to get 3 rolls developed without any leakage.

In terms of timing, my thought process was this:


Previously, I used 50ml of xtol + 250ml of water, stand developed for 25mins @ 30c and i probably developed 60 - 90 rolls this way at iso 400 to 800 without issues.

According to Massive chart,

1+1 Kentmere 400 (150ml xtol) = 9mins @ 20c
1+3 Kentmere 400 (75ml xtol) approximately 18mins @ 20c
since i develop at 30c, the timing should be halved.

So with 50ml of XTOL and Uniroller, i did 10mins since 50ml of XTOL is similar to 1+3 dilution.

The results were a little undeveloped. In terms of solution, i used 300ml per roll resulting in 900ml for the tank, so solution-wise it was fine. I think the issue is the timing.

Am I correct that roller timer should be the same as handheld agitation timing ?
Perhaps I should develop it longer, say 15mins the next time i develop this weekend.

raytoei

 

[rjbuzzclick]

A Beseler motor base might work better as the print drums are smaller so the wheels are closer together.

 

[Nokton48]

The results were a little undeveloped.
Perhaps I should develop it longeri

Yes of course. Why not try 20-25% more and see what happens?
Then stick with it.

You might be overthinking this ^^ Just do it and continue with whatever works.

 

[pschauss]

I put my developing tank (1 or 2 reel Nikor) into a print drum. So far I have only been using it for fixing as I have not had time to experiment with developing times.