Question on Developing Tanks and Chemicals

[pegasus21]

I'm currently thinking of getting a tank and the idea of getting a 1 roll (135mm) tank which is 8oz to save water and chemicals sounds appealing to me. However I've noticed that some developer specification sheets state a minimum amount of developer stock in ml to use per roll of film. For D76, the specification states 8oz or about 236ml minimum per roll but if you decease the amount to about half, you have to add about 10% developing time (at least something to that effect).

Herein lies the problem. The single roll tank is so small that even according to the more diluted form of 4oz and a 1+1 ratio, I would have filled up the 8oz tank. Is it possible to have 1+3 which has lesser developer in a 8oz tank and lengthen the developing time?

Another thing is, does anyone know where to get a fully or partial stainless steel tank in 8 and 16oz in Singapore? Also is the Hewes 135mm reel which catches on to the perforated holes available in Singapore? Any idea on pricing?

 

[pikapig]

For d76, just go full strength. Firstly de solution is cheap. If u really wan to save on developer, Instead of dilution, reuse it..

 

[pegasus21]

Wouldn't full strength affect the grain, sharpness and contrast? I was thinking along the lines of use once and throw.

 

[Yoricko]

If you want cheap, go HC110, and some syringes; The shelf life for HC110 is absolutely ridiculous, and you will only need a few mls of developer solution to make a working one.

Best not to re-use developer, so it'll be much easier to get consistent results. If you're not too serious on film development, you can re-use the developer and just add about half a minute or a minute more to development. Do take note that oxidation affects your developer strength, so do not use the old bottle you made last week.

Developers at different dilutions have slightly different characteristics. Most of the time, there is not much visible difference, unless observed carefully at a large magnification under controlled testing.

I would suggest a 2-reel tank for medium-format capability and the ability to process more than one rolls if required. You need not use the full capacity to process only one roll (although it is recommended for consistency with 2-reel timings).

If you want to save water, cut down on your wasteful daily activities such as leaving the tap on while you brush your teeth.

I keep water used that is relatively 'clean' in a bucket to be used for cleaning the toilet/etc.


Do take note that timings by the manufacturer, web, and etc, are all JUST STARTING POINTS. You will find your own way of getting the results you want that you are pleased with.

 

[pegasus21]

LOL. Ok noted. I'll check out the HC110 and get a 2 roll tank then.

Luckily you never say take 1 bath a week and you'll save a lot of water

Thanks for the insight.

 

[Scandiacus]

I'm a new user with a stainless steel tank/reel and a HC-110 set up. Just developed my first roll yesterday, results were pretty good

But I read up a bit and found that HC-110 requires at least 6ml of the syrup to develop a roll of 135 properly...regardless of the dilution. Is it true?

 

[pegasus21]

Yep I read that too. 6ml per roll. Rodinal is around 5ml.

 

[Scandiacus]

Yep I read that too. 6ml per roll. Rodinal is around 5ml.

What if I put less than that...? Will it mess up my developing timing? Was planning to do some developing at Dil. H and not wanting to fill up the whole tank with water just to get pass the 6ml mark :think:

 

[pegasus21]

It could increase the development time. In the worst case scenario, it could result in incomplete development of the film... Best to put in the recommended amount. Apparently for T max films, the developer will exhaust faster same goes for film with more highlights.

 

[Yoricko]

What if I put less than that...? Will it mess up my developing timing? Was planning to do some developing at Dil. H and not wanting to fill up the whole tank with water just to get pass the 6ml mark :think:

It could increase the development time. In the worst case scenario, it could result in incomplete development of the film... Best to put in the recommended amount. Apparently for T max films, the developer will exhaust faster same goes for film with more highlights.

Further dilutions can be compensated by raised temperature or increase duration of development, results will remain the same. There if a limit on the temperature. Also, be sure there is sufficient developer 'energy' in the working solution (the one you make before development).