4 by 5 Film Development
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How to develop 4 by5 film
We were shown how to develop 4 by 5 film using trays and chemicals.. the similar to the way you would enlarge a photo in the darkroom, except in complete darkness.
I came across a YouTube video on developing large format prints using 3 different methods. One is using the SP-445 developing tank. I wanted to buy one, but these run a cost of about $129 per tank, with a long delivery time.
A week after I looked into this, one showed up in our class! So I think I will try this method instead of developing 4 by 5 film the old fashioned way, in complete darkness and chemicals in trays.
I looked more closely at the SP 445 developing tank, and came across this instruction sheet from Spearman Press. It is a beneficial guideline to using the tank.
Here are some key checklist items to look at prior to developing:
Make sure the 'O-rings' are wet and seal the tank before developing
Practice loading undeveloped film first, so it is easier in complete darkness and to ensure it all works smoothly
Next, the process is very similar to developing 35mm or 120 mm film. The following are the main things that are a little different from developing 35mm or 120mm, and to consider carefully when developing 4 by 5 film.
1
Leak Proof Seal
when filling the tank, first
tighten the vent lid. Then, while gently squeezing the
tank (you can see the liquid level in fill/drain outlet
rise a bit), tighten the fill/drain lid.
Tap the tank firmly on the bench to dislodge any air
bubbles and then agitate by inverting the tank,
holding it inverted for 1 second, then turning it right
side up for 1 second.
2
Emptying the Tank
remove the “Vent” cap to
allow air to enter the tank while pouring.
Hold on to both the tank and the lid to ensure
that it stays together while pouring.
3
Wash/Rinse
Spearman Press testing has shown that 5 to
10 minutes with slowly running water into the
Inlet/Outlet (with both caps removed) provides
sufficient wash.
All other developing is similar to the developing tank used for smaller films. It will be fun to try a new technique!
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