This question is for the PMK users. I use a 4 reel tank to develop 2 reels of film in PMK, (500ml of PMK per reel for a total of 1000ml of PMK). When I use the FT-4 do I need to use 1000ml to fill the tanl or would 500ml, half full, which covers both reels do the trick. Thanks for any help...Gene

-- Gene Brown (genedonna@the-i.net), December 09, 2001

Answers

I don't know why you use a liter of developer when a half liter apparently is enough to cover. At any rate, I would use the half liter of fixer.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols1@mindspring.com), December 09, 2001.

I read somewhere on this forum to fill the tank from 15 ml to 20 ml from the top to prevent problems in development. I also read that it takes about 500 ml of PMK to develop a roll of 36 exposure film, sense I mix the working solution 10 ml A + 20 ml B + 1000 ml of water which makes approximately one liter, so I always develop 2 rolls at a time. So far I haven't had any problems at all, negatives come out perfect every time. I have been following the instructions for developing times usings different films found in Gordon Hutchings Book of Pyro and have had excellent results, but wasn't sure about the fixer in a 4 reel tank which I just started using. Thank you for the information....Gene

-- Gene Brown (genedonna@the-i.net), December 10, 2001.

According to Hutchings (from his book) 250ml will develop a roll of 35mm or a sheet of 8x10. Therefore, you could safely develop your two rolls in a 500ml tank.

I'm a bit conservative, so I usually develop 2-3 rolls in a 4 reel (one liter) tank. Using PMK I always fill the tank. If you fail to do so, the developer tends to oxidize too quickly and you will have difficulty getting consistent results.

As for fixing, enough fixer to cover the reels comfortably is enough. On the other hand, why bother trying to skimp? Use enough to fill the tank; you'll be emptying it back in the fixer jug anyway.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), December 10, 2001.