Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Actually, Francesco, a person could do E-6 processing with about $50 of secondhand darkroom gear! Main diff between such a basic setup and a pricier one including Jobo processor is consistency--a real diligent person with an old Nikor tank might be able to achieve top results, but for lazy ones like me, $500 worth of Jobo processor makes it almost automatic. I have thus far used the Jobo only for b&w processing, and even here, am very pleased with the consistency of results. What I enjoy: You fire it up, walk away for an hour, and can be assured that everything's up to proper temperature, save for those hot summer days. Chemical useage is minimized, as is exposure to them via direct contact or fumes. When using diluted Xtol developer, however, processing capacity is kind of small--best you could do running the CPE-2 Plus at full capacity would be just 3x rolls of 35mm film in a 1:1 solution or ONE at 1:3. I think you could do 5x rolls of E6 at a time, fortunately. I love the versatility of Jobo's 1500-series reels (35mm, 2x120, 220) but don't like waiting for them to dry between reloads. I'll probably buy extras, so that one set can be drying as another is in use. Can't match the versatility with SS reels! I'd heartily recommend a Jobo #1520 processing tank + extra reel--works great by itself, and won't be readily outgrown if you buy a processor later. I thought to do my b&w print processing with Jobo drums (even a set of 8x10 trays makes my workspace very crowded, to say nothing of the fumes) but found they are really best with RC paper, and in any event, also need to be dried between runs. I anticipate moving to a Nova slot processor, which sounds like a dream: 3-4x vertical trays occupying the space of one conventional tray. I'd like to replace my old GraLab timer with a chemical-proof digital unit with metronome for precise repeatability (some print exposure tests involve repeated 3-second exposures). For processing, I also use a Radio Shack digital timer, but find it easily toppled, and worry about handling it with wet fingers, but it's a heck of a deal, and I haven't broken it yet. In a pinch, I've used soda bottles for my chemicals, and these have the advantage of being very readily available, and are made of food grade HDPE. Even the 1- and 2- liter sizes are perfect. Now if only Ting (a wonderful Jamaican grapefruit soda, not to be mistaken for Tang, which is food only in the looser sense of the word) came in 5-liter bottles, to accomodate Xtol! I have one of those fancy changing bags which has an internal frame to keep the bag's fabric off your work. I use a Photoflex, which folds into a smallish disk, which makes for easy storage. Highly recommended, if you don't have a truly dark darkroom. I may eventually get a fancy LED safelight, but for now, I use the LED lightbar used for automotive brake lights, and it doesn't seem to fog my multigrade paper, even though red's not supposed to be the color to use. Sorry if I've rambled some, but for me, the missing link in my photography seemed to be a really firm grasp of the basic nature of the materials, and the Jobo and other darkoom goodies have caused me to stop dreading the darkroom--no small matter! As for the printing side of things, I don't think you need to spend thousands to do your Leica justice: I'm beginning to think that nothing can overcome the need for skill. I am laboring over The Zone System in an attempt to learn at an early age what some old-timers know by the seat of their pants. Hate wasting materials in any event: I've seen clearcut forests in British Columbia, and they are not pretty! Jeff - -----Original Message----- From: Francesco Sanfilippo <fls@san.rr.com> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Date: Tuesday, October 20, 1998 6:45 PM Subject: Re: [Leica] B&W again.... >So with ONLY the stuff you listed below, I can develop my >own B&W film? Is this list for films like TMax, or for T400CN? >IS this something I can manage in a small light-tight bathroom? >How long does it take to do the entire process on a roll of film? > >Thanks a bunch for your help! >Francesco > > > > > >At 08:13 PM 10/20/98 -0300, you wrote: >>Francesco: >> >>Here is a quick list: >> >>Jobo 1520 tank (will work on their processors if you decide to get one later) >> >>Extra reel for 1520 so that you can do two films at once >> >>Thermometer >> >>Kodak Xtol developer >> >>Kodak indicator stop bath or equivalent >> >>Kodak Rapid fixer or equivalent >> >>Kodak photoflo or equivalent >> >>An expired film to practice loading the tank. The dealer should give you a >>few of these if you buy all of the above. >> >>At home you will need: >> >>A dark closet to load the film. A towel at the bottom of the door should >>stop any light leak there, or hang a blanket accross the door to catch any >>stray light. >> >>A pair of scissors to cut off the leader. >> >>A bottle opener to open the cartridge. >> >>A clock or watch to time the process. >> >>Clothes pins to hang the film to dry. >> >>Water and sink. >> >>The tank and chemicals should come in under $100. When the film is dry, >>scan it with your polaroid and make prints with your inkjet. Find a print >>you like and get a pro lab to make it. >> >>Regards, >> >>Robert >> >> >> >> >>At 03:35 PM 10/20/98 -0700, you wrote: >>>OK......T400CHN and Ilford XP2 Super are the C-41 films >>>to start with, and TMax 100, 400, and 3200 are the regular >>>B&W films to start with. Good so far? >>> >>>What is the bare minimum of equipment one would need to >>>develop B&W negatives in the bathroom sink? >>>Could someone give me a detailed list of items I could take >>>to the local pro photo shop and have no problem acquiring? >>>Just the basics please, no fancy equipment of expensive >>>items......yet. Hopefully I can at least practice processing >>>my own negs for under $200. >>> >>>I am sure printing is another story altogether, and that the >>>proper gear, that would do Leica negs justice, would cost >>>thousands. Am I in the ballpark? >>> >>>Francesco >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >