mini speed graphic - processing the film

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I recently purchased a miniature speed graphic. I have located a supplier who I can get 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 sheet film. My question is, what is the best way to process this film? Do I process it in a pan or is there some sort of can I can get to process it like I do 35mm film? If I process the film in a pan, can I use a safe light? Any help with this procedure would be greatly appreciated.

-- Kevin B. Finigan (kfinigan@swbell.net), February 10, 1999

Answers

Response to mini speed graphic

I too have a 2x3 speed graphic, and use Ilford 2x3 film, Tri-x sometimes is available in 2x3 still too.

I have two ways I can develop my 2x3 sheets (if you can call them that!). One is a large (5" diameter) stainless steel can with an adjustable height sheet holder inside. It can hold 2x3 or 3x4 or even 4x5 sheets, but I only use it for 2x3. I don't know who made it or even if it's still being made. You load it in the dark, put the lid on, then process just like you're doing roll film.

The second way, is to use 2x3 film hangers, yes they were made, and can still be found. I've seen some on ebay (http://www.ebay.com/) recently, but most of mine I picked up at photo stores, antique malls, or garage sales.

Hope this helps, Andy.

-- Andy Hughes (andy@darkroomsource.com), February 10, 1999.


Response to mini speed graphic

If it's standard panchromatic film, you MUST process in TOTAL darkness!

The easiest way is to do it is in a tray. Get at least a half-inch of developer in an 8x10 tray to the right temperature, turn out the light, pop 'em in, and set your timer. You can probably do up to about six sheets at a time in a setup like this. Gently, so as not to scratch the film, using your hands, keep the sheets moving. You can pull them from the bottom of the tray to the top, swirl them around a little, whatever.

I would suggest putting them in emulsion-side up, so they don't scratch when down on the bottom. The key thing is to not let them sit too long or get stuck together, but also not to agitate TOO much, because that leads to overdevelopment and increased grain. And be VERY careful with them - hold them only gingerly from the edges, and be as gentle as you can.

We used to develop lots of this size film in DK-50, in a deep tank meant for 4x5 and 8x10 sheet film. We used the hangers dentists used to use for developing their little X-ray films: made of steel, with a curved hook on top to hang over the side of the tank, and about ten o little clips on each side. We could do about six or eight sheets at once on one of these hangers.

Hope this helps...

-- Michael Goldfarb (mgoldfar@mobius-inc.com), February 10, 1999.


Response to mini speed graphic

When I processed 21/4 x31/4 film, I had a plastic adjustable roll film tank (Yankee) that handled 35mm and 120. I could set the reel at an intermediate setting and then push maybe 1/2 dozen pieces of film on to the reel and them develop as usual. Tray processing is doable, but there is a great danger of scratches handling wet film. Only if you are using orthochromic film can you develop under a red safelight. I doubt you can find that!!

There are 4x5 processing tubes on the market that should work for smaller cut film.

Perhaps the easiest thing to do is get a roll back and shoot 120 film.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@emji.net), February 13, 1999.


Response to mini speed graphic

I process 2 3 cut film in a yankee adjustable tank for sheet film. It adjusts for 2x3 3x4 or 4x5. Loading is done in the dark , put on the top and turn on the lights. A word of caution: I found it necessary to reduce development time 15% when tray developing in D 76 to keep the contrast normal. Could you tell me where you get your 2 X 3 film? A possible source for the kind of tank I use is Photophenilla on Medium & Large Format site, also Terrys darkroom some times carries older tanks. They may still be in production I am not sure,

-- Frank Bowing (frabow@onslowonline.net), February 13, 1999.

Response to mini speed graphic

Jobo makes a sheet film reel for 2x3 film (their 4x5 reel works with European 6x9 film, which is slightly larger)

-- John Lehman (ffjal@uaf.edu), March 23, 1999.


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