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Mod 54 holder
- Thread starter Nebular89
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There's a general discussion about the merits of different processing methods for LF, including the Mod 54 tanks, here - https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/lf-film-processing-woes.752629/#post-9377496
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They are ok if you know how to use them.
I ruined 4 sheets of Ektar by loading the film the wrong way round. The emulsion should be towards the centre of the tank, not the outside.
I also found that tank inversions should be done very slowly to avoid popping the film out of the holder.
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How about a Stearman Press tank? They've just released a 6-sheet version.
I use the 4-sheet tank and it's brilliant.
SP-645 Max 4x5 Film Processing System
The SP-645 film processing system is an "inflated" version of our famous SP-445. Process up to six sheets of 4x5 film at a time. Uses only 20 oz (575ml) of solution Daylight safe Fills and drains quickly Inversion agitation, Stand development or anything in-between Built-in liquid level...
shop.stearmanpress.com
I use the 4-sheet tank and it's brilliant.
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I struggled loading the Mod 54 and ended up just using it for four films rather than the maximum of six. I've used a Stearman which is pretty good and easy to load but my favorite is the Paterson Orbital, not available new unfortunately.
www.rogerandfrances.com
Processing Sheet Film In A Paterson Orbital | Roger and Frances
Processing sheet film is a perennial problem, especially for the beginner. The Paterson Orbital tank, designed for processing colour prints, is extremely useful for formats up to 8x10 inches.
www.rogerandfrances.com
I like the idea but it’s a bit priceyHow about a Stearman Press tank? They've just released a 6-sheet version.
SP-645 Max 4x5 Film Processing System
The SP-645 film processing system is an "inflated" version of our famous SP-445. Process up to six sheets of 4x5 film at a time. Uses only 20 oz (575ml) of solution Daylight safe Fills and drains quickly Inversion agitation, Stand development or anything in-between Built-in liquid level...shop.stearmanpress.com
I use the 4-sheet tank and it's brilliant.
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Do you do anything to hold the lid on?How about a Stearman Press tank? They've just released a 6-sheet version.
SP-645 Max 4x5 Film Processing System
The SP-645 film processing system is an "inflated" version of our famous SP-445. Process up to six sheets of 4x5 film at a time. Uses only 20 oz (575ml) of solution Daylight safe Fills and drains quickly Inversion agitation, Stand development or anything in-between Built-in liquid level...shop.stearmanpress.com
I use the 4-sheet tank and it's brilliant.
I know it says squeeze the tank and do up both of the caps and I assume this is to cause a partial vacuum in the tank.
I have seen videos of people using elastic bands or duck tape.
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The lid has a rubber gasket, so it fits pretty snuggly. I attach a bit of masking tape over the top just to add a bit of a failsafe, but it would probably be ok without.
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Have you processed colour slide film in the orbital?I struggled loading the Mod 54 and ended up just using it for four films rather than the maximum of six. I've used a Stearman which is pretty good and easy to load but my favorite is the Paterson Orbital, not available new unfortunately.
Processing Sheet Film In A Paterson Orbital | Roger and Frances
Processing sheet film is a perennial problem, especially for the beginner. The Paterson Orbital tank, designed for processing colour prints, is extremely useful for formats up to 8x10 inches.
I was looking at these second hand but wondered how I'd keep the chemistry at temperature.
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Unless you happen to knock the Stearman tank off a table, causing the lid to fly off and expose the film within to light, as I have done in my last two attempts at developing. To be fair I had put vaseline on the gasket to help the lid go on, as I otherwise found it to be difficult to push the lid down completely. I suggest that the best compromise is to use vaseline AND put tape across the top.
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I think I'll go with the elastic band option.