LF film processing woes

soupdragon

soupdragon

Messages
2,301
Name
Tony
Edit My Images
Yes
Having ruined 6 sheets of 4 X 5 Ektar I have finally realised what's going wrong.
I bought a brand new MOD54 film holder which did not come with instructions.
Only after some costly mistakes did I realise the film has to be fitted with the emulsion facing the centre of the tank.
Unless anyone knows different.

On the subject of processing 4 X 5, would anyone like to tell me, or better still, show me some pictures of their set up/system?
 
  • Sad
Reactions: Sky
Last edited:
For BnW I use the Stearman Press 445, they have also realeased a new 6 frame version which uses only 600mm of chemicals. So far so good - I will try it with colour at some point as I have the Cinestill overpriced sous vide thingy bob as well
 
I'd definitely recommend looking at StephenM's site - loads of helpful info there from a very generous photographer
 
Also depending on how much you shoot, you might be worth looking at a jobo system
 
I got mine from CatLabs in the US but they don't appear to have any now. I agree with Karl on the loading, and I particularly like that they are (were? :( ) available in all the LF sizes that I use.
 
Last edited:
https://www.facebook.com/20thcenturycamera/This Facebook page may be helpful

www.facebook.com

20th Century Camera

20th Century Camera. 1,419 likes. MANUFACTURER OF OF LARGE FORMAT FILM PROCESSING REELS AND GRAFLEX SLR ACCESSORIES
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com

Scroll down and you'll find some suppliers, not in the UK though. I haven't checked, but I think either (or possibly both of) Maco Direct and Fotoimpex sold them. I got some of mine from one of those and others from Catlabs.

Edit to add: I've now looked at both. Neither have them.
 
Last edited:
FishyFish said:
I had one on order from Bristol Cameras, but it was back ordered and I cancelled it after a few months because I was happy with the Steaman Press tank.
Click to expand...
I can only find used ones.
The MOD54 does work when you know the emulsion needs to face the centre of the tank.
 
soupdragon said:
I can only find used ones.
The MOD54 does work when you know the emulsion needs to face the centre of the tank.
Click to expand...
The MOD54 I had (probably still have somewhere) was a "seconds" and it tended to scratch the film. I can't remember which way the emulsion side was pointing, but if I got it wrong that might have contributed to the scratching.
 
I took delivery of a Jobo 2500 tank for my CPE2 so now I can try my 2509n. I hope it's easier to use than the recent video I posted of it.
 
soupdragon said:
I was looking at those but could not find a new one in the uk.
Click to expand...
It may be a while, His production facility, at his then girlfriends place, had a fire about 6 month ago, he then found out he was not insured, since split up with her and to top it all I think he has also been diagnosed with a serious medical condition.

All this about the same time as he set up his first UK supplier.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top