Are there any variations in processing film in a 5-reel Paterson plastic tank vs. a 2-reel tank, e.g., in time, agitation, etc.? Also, any differences in processing 1 roll vs. 2 rolls in a 2-reel tank?

-- Allan Silberglait (allanrs@att.net), November 29, 2001

Answers

For reasons not clear to me, I get a very significant increase in contrast in the 5 roll tank over the one roll tank, if that is of any help. So much so that I have discontinued the 5-roll rig because I had to go below 5' and I don't like to do that. My 'normal' is 6' for TX.

-- Richard Trochllil (trochlilbb@neumedia.net), November 30, 2001.

Be careful with the larger tank due to the added agitation. You will either get mottling, and or added contrast due to the developer swirling around the added reels. My suggestion is to stick with the larger tank and just add extra empty reels when processing smaller batches. This way you get used to the idio's of the tank and adjust accordingly.

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), November 30, 2001.

Whatever you do, test, take notes, then do it consistently. I don't see differences between tank sizes. But then I use the "twirler", four gentle back and forth twists in 5 sec every 30 sec. I've always gotten even development this way.

-- Tim Brown (brownt@flash.net), November 30, 2001.