rlfsoso
Hi everyone,
I’m thinking of switching my tilt-and-turn development process (currently Tri-X 400 in HCD-S + HCD-2 1:24 at various ISO settings, 120 and 135 film) to a rotary system (using a different developer, probably HC110). I have Jobo cans (1500 series); can I make my own roller base? But:
I’m having a bit of trouble with the (rough) conversion of the tilting motion to rotation: 1) how fast? 2) when to change the direction of rotation? It’s clear that I’ll have to experiment with my materials, but I’d like to avoid the worst blunders to start with.
I’m not so much asking for specific development times for rotation as for the basic practical approach. Oh, and a Jobo machine isn’t an option, so please don’t suggest one. Thanks!
Regards, Rolf
SCKStef
Hi Rolf,
I had a word with Jobo:
*Jobo specifications
Rotation speed: 75 rpm
Direction of rotation changes: approx. every 2 revolutions
In the meantime, I’ve bought a Durst motor mount on eBay, and it doesn’t change direction of rotation – that works fine too.
Best regards,
Stéphane
Urnes
With HC-110, though, you need a decent throughput. You need far less developer for the rotation process. And HC-110 tends to dry out easily. With a standard dilution, one litre will yield 31 litres of solution.
Regards, Sven.
MiJa
Hello,
I’ve been using rotors for (almost) decades, first with the CPE2 and now, for quite some time, with the CPA2. I can certainly confirm what Stephane said – I’ve just tested it myself!
€
Best regards,
Michael
HenningH
My HC-110 bottle is nearly six years old and just as fluid as it was on the first day...
Wolf_XL
... on the one hand, I’d be interested to know what you hope to achieve with that – and on the other hand, I think manually rotating it is pretty pointless...
rlfsoso
Hi Wolf,
Generally speaking, I’m quite happy with my HCD New combo and still have a good supply. But I’ve now started using 4x5 film, which I’m currently developing in the Mod54/Paterson combo – so six films at a time. For TMX I use HC-110 Dil. H. Even so, that’s a litre going through the process every time. I’ve read from advocates of the rotary process about the simple and consistent development and the low chemical consumption. So: there’s a bit of a sense of adventure involved too (though I can’t afford a yacht?).
Thanks for the replies
R.
Urnes
Have a look on the large-format forum or check out the DIY section there. One or two people there have built a roll holder using simple materials from the DIY store. It’s not that difficult. Unfortunately, there aren’t any pictures of it left since the last crash.
@Henning: So, my HC110 has become increasingly viscous in the second half of the bottle. It still worked, but it became increasingly difficult to dissolve it completely. But for sheet film with tilt development, it’s very economical.
Regards, Sven.
Urnes
Wolf_XL
...with large-format film, agitation is more or less essential – at least if you’re using standard development tanks like the Jobo 2500 and similar models. This is partly because of the smaller volume of chemicals and partly to ensure even development. However, you can’t achieve this without the right equipment – in other words, you should at least have a roller stand. On the other hand, if you’re patient, you can find a motorised one cheaply on eBay. For example, I used a Durst Comot for years...
