For my b+w large-format developing I use a Doran 4x5 tank, and am having problems with uneven development. As a firm believer in intermittent agitation who is satisfied with the results (in medium format) from my stainless steel rollfilm tanks, it has been tough for me to figure out how I should be agitating my 4x5 tank properly. The tank, when closed, leaks out of the top lid considerably (and has no sealable pouring hole) so inversion is definitely out. Following a minute of pre-soaking the negs, I agitate for a full minute then do a sort of gentle figure-eight pattern with the tank held vertically for my normal 10 seconds on-the-minute agitation technique. Unfortunately, I often end up with areas of lighter development along the vertical edge of the negatives in several instances (not all).

It would seem that this is caused by the developer flowing between the sheets of film in a pattern stemming from not agitating randomly enough, but I'd like opinions/suggestions on the matter. Thanks in advance for your help.

-- Dan Lohmann (dlohmann@irem.org), May 17, 2002

Answers

I tried using a Doran tank for a while and found that there is no good way to agitate it, but it will really agitate you!!! The best thing to do is throw it away.

-- Ken Burns (kenburns@twave.net), May 17, 2002.

Ken:

I too have problems with the Doran-mainly scratches due to loading, but also slopping while agitating.

What did you replace it with?

Thanks

-- richardjx@hotmail.com (richardjx@hotmail.com), May 19, 2002.