Rotate or inversion?

West_ray · 5th February 2004

i've came across a few method of agitatings. But which one is the better way (if there's an ans). my tank is those rotating kind, but all along i've been using inversions. Just a qns, how many rotates equals to 1 inversions? E.g, if a method is to agitate by doing 4 inversions, then how many times must i rotate?

thanks ...
hope it dun sounds confusing.

greg · 6th February 2004

Originally Posted by West_ray

i've came across a few method of agitatings. But which one is the better way (if there's an ans). my tank is those rotating kind, but all along i've been using inversions. Just a qns, how many rotates equals to 1 inversions? E.g, if a method is to agitate by doing 4 inversions, then how many times must i rotate?

thanks ...
hope it dun sounds confusing.

..that's a good question, whether I invert or rotate, I do it for 10sec as a guide. Easier?

sriram · 6th February 2004

When I started darkroom work, I used to rotate the dev tank, but sometimes found streaks or flow patterns, probably because I didn't rotate randomly (could be my inexperience - most likely). I switched to inversion - this gives the developer inside the tank a more random flow path and you're also sure that the entire neg is wet.

fairprice · 6th February 2004

My decision to rotate or invert depends on the tank type. Theoretically, tanks should not leak when inverted, however, some do leak chemicals. For leaky tanks, I rotate. For non-leaky ones, I prefer to invert for better chemical circulation. Whichever way one chooses to do it, trial and error is unavoidable for the first few attempts. Subsequently, stick to the method that gives the best result.

There are many variables: 1) No. of seconds for initial agitation time - some do it 30s some 60s, 2) Subsequent agitation 30s apart, sometimes 60s, and 3) No of turns or inversions.

As to the equivalent number of turns to one inversion, maybe there's no lab or scientific documents on it. What I normally do is, make 5 rotations followed by shaking the tank from side to side to dislodge air bubbles. That to me, is equivalent to 2 inversions.

Just sharing...

ratboy · 6th February 2004

If you do inversions, you must ? make sure that you fill the tank with sufficent chemical to cover all the film. But if you do rotate, only need very minimal chemical as the filme is constantly going round and round, just have to ensure that chemical has enough "action" to develop
the film.

As to number of inversion etc, you have to do some test to get the
correct time/inversions for your normal exposure.

Try this site
http://www.darkroompro.com/noframes/.../lightfaq.html
usual disclaimer, not that i read it or am affiliated in any way : )

West_ray · 6th February 2004

hmm ... thanks for all the replies ... i should know wat to do now ...

5th February 2004	#1
West_ray Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,149	Rotate or inversion? i've came across a few method of agitatings. But which one is the better way (if there's an ans). my tank is those rotating kind, but all along i've been using inversions. Just a qns, how many rotates equals to 1 inversions? E.g, if a method is to agitate by doing 4 inversions, then how many times must i rotate? thanks ... hope it dun sounds confusing.

6th February 2004	#3
sriram Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,274	When I started darkroom work, I used to rotate the dev tank, but sometimes found streaks or flow patterns, probably because I didn't rotate randomly (could be my inexperience - most likely). I switched to inversion - this gives the developer inside the tank a more random flow path and you're also sure that the entire neg is wet.

6th February 2004	#4
fairprice Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 141	My decision to rotate or invert depends on the tank type. Theoretically, tanks should not leak when inverted, however, some do leak chemicals. For leaky tanks, I rotate. For non-leaky ones, I prefer to invert for better chemical circulation. Whichever way one chooses to do it, trial and error is unavoidable for the first few attempts. Subsequently, stick to the method that gives the best result. There are many variables: 1) No. of seconds for initial agitation time - some do it 30s some 60s, 2) Subsequent agitation 30s apart, sometimes 60s, and 3) No of turns or inversions. As to the equivalent number of turns to one inversion, maybe there's no lab or scientific documents on it. What I normally do is, make 5 rotations followed by shaking the tank from side to side to dislodge air bubbles. That to me, is equivalent to 2 inversions. Just sharing...

6th February 2004	#5
ratboy Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 702	If you do inversions, you must ? make sure that you fill the tank with sufficent chemical to cover all the film. But if you do rotate, only need very minimal chemical as the filme is constantly going round and round, just have to ensure that chemical has enough "action" to develop the film. As to number of inversion etc, you have to do some test to get the correct time/inversions for your normal exposure. Try this site http://www.darkroompro.com/noframes/.../lightfaq.html usual disclaimer, not that i read it or am affiliated in any way : )