I need to do a few 30x40 prints and would like some advice.

I need to get trays to process and wash. And will also need to dry then as flat as possible. I will be using Illford roll paper (42"x30 meters) I am only setup to do 16x20 at this time.

Has anyone here done prints this size by hand.

I was thinking of making my own tubes to develop in.

Does anyone here have any suggestions?

-- Robert Szabo (wetplate@cwreenactors.com), February 26, 2001

Answers

Robert, I guess I can say a little bit about this, but before I go on, let me ask you if you're using RC mural paper or fiber? What enlarger and format size? I assume since you say you need them as flat as possible, that you're talking fiber. The last time I made any real large prints was using a paper processor, so I can't really comment on the tube idea, but years ago we used to do murals in-house here, so if nobody comes forth with advice, let me know.

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.dcr.state.nc.us), February 26, 2001.

Robert, I just checked out your website and think I pretty much answered my questions about what you were doing. We used to make fiber based mural prints in-house (in our old darkroom) that were much bigger than what you're talking about. I've been here almost ten years, and we were getting out of this when I started, but my supervisor has been here for a pretty long time, so feel free to email me if you need any info.

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.dcr.state.nc.us), February 26, 2001.

The way to do this economically is to roll the paper through a 30" wide trough or tray. You'll be developing to finality, so you need to get the grade and exposure dead right to start with.
A ready source of suitable containers is to use plastic planter troughs, as sold in garden supply stores or garden centres.
You can either roll the paper backwards and forwards through the trough by hand, wearing rubber gloves, or you can rig up a spindle and winder system. How sophisticated you make it depends on how many prints you have to do, I suppose.
Put plenty of polythene sheeting down under your working area, things can get messy!

The other method often advocated is even messier. You lay the print face up on a sheet of polythene, and use a sponge to apply the chemicals - I've tried this too, and I don't recommend it.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), February 27, 2001.

There is a photograper here in Austin by the name of Matthew Fuller who makes 40x40 prints. He made his own tube processor from PVC pipe and a holder that has casters for the tube to turn on. There is a handle on the end of the tube that he can grasp to rotate the tube assembly. I believe he uses a full gallon of chemistry. I spoke with him a couple of months ago--he says it takes him the better part of a day to produce two prints. But they are gorgeous, and he is making sales. He can be reached at fullerphoto@501studios.com.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edb@unblinkingeye.com), March 01, 2001.