[Review&QnA] Paterson Universal tank and 2 reels-#115
Electronics > Camera & Photo > Accessories > Darkroom Supplies > Film Processing Equipment
[Review&QnA] Paterson Universal tank and 2 reels-#115
About this item
- Exclusive Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
- Paterson Universal Tank takes two 35mm film, or a single 120/220 film
Reviews
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
and it just seems like it wouldn't be light tight
First time using anything other than the old school stainless steel reel. Lots of pieces to keep track of in a darkroom, and it just seems like it wouldn't be light tight, but developed 3 rolls in the time it would have taken me to do 1 with the stainless reel. Super easy to load, being able to do 2 35mm rolls at the same time is great, and I plan on putting some 120 film though it soon as I just purchased my first medium format camera. Volume markings on the bottom seemed dead on for the amount of liquid required to cover the film.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
Definitely the best system out there!
Paterson tanks are without a doubt, THE tanks to use and have been for a long time now. It is made of highly durable plastic, and is coated so that it won't retain any of the chemicals used (can destroy your processing!)
PROS
- Light-proofing system is recognized as the best on the market
- Film loading ball-bearing system is beyond easy (I practiced twice before a real roll, and got it in one!)
- Comes with agitating rod for multiple styles of agitation during processing
- Adjustable reel for 35mm, 120mm and three other film sizes. Easily snaps into place.
- Will not lock if seal is not proper, forget leaks they won't happen with this tank!
- Maybe it was just luck, but I received two reels with my order?
CONS
- Sealing lid is a little tough to press down when you are using time-sensitive chemicals
So this set-up cost more than my stainless steel 35mm and 120mm tanks combined, however in my opinion it is totally worth it! The ease of use makes it a pleasure to use even in the dark, and I have never had negatives stick together (unlike my stainless teel tanks...ugh).
ADJUSTING THE REEL
Once you know how, this is VERY easy. I didn't have instructions with my purchase (an oversight I was assured) and there really aren't any resources on the web. To adjust the reel for 120 film etc, hold both sides of the reel and turn clockwise with force. You will hear a squeak and a click, at which point you can pull the halves apart to adjust. Once you have it at the desired width, turn the opposite way to lock, again waiting for the squeak and click! And you're done!
If you're still developing film in 2012 (good for you), join me in using this excellent set-up for great results every time.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
Great for Beginners (Like me)
I was extremely nervous when using this developing kit. It was my first time developing my own roll of 35mm film and I had very special photos on these rolls that I did not want to lose. This kit made loading my film quite easy. The first roll I rolled into the reel took me nearly 10 minutes just because I am inexperienced and could not see anything in the dark. However, the second roll of 35 only took me 2 minutes to load in the dark. This contain is a great value, I highly recommend it.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
No Leaks!
Finally! No more leaks when developing film! I had been using tanks made by Omega for quite a while and they have always leaked everywhere. I find this Patterson tank and reels to be far superior. The only thing I would advise is to be very careful when dumping liquids because the funnel will come flying out along with your film spools right into the sink with a hard upside down shake. Don't ask me how I know this. So just keep a finger over the lip when you shake out the final drops of developer and it will be fine.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #114 | Verified Purchase
WOW!!! WHAT A SUPRISE!!!
The last two real tank I got from Amazon was dirty, had a missing part and smelled! This was absolutely clean with the items assembled perfectly! The item also arrived four days early! If you must buy a tank I suggest this one as I will definitely order this one again! 100% satisfied and beyond!!!
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
Pretty much the standard when it comes to home developing ...
Pretty much the standard when it comes to home developing film. The reels are very easy to use, even in the dark. I suggest if it is your first time developing at home to practice with some dud film in the light before developing your first roll of film. The lid click in nicely and the agitator is nice. If you want to develop film at home go ahead and buy this kit. Works with two rolls of 35mm or one roll of 120.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
... only a few months ago and it was a great purchase. Everything fits together perfectly and you can ...
I started developing on this tank only a few months ago and it was a great purchase. Everything fits together perfectly and you can easily handle the whole assembly in a changing bag. The reels work quite well for rolling up film, the biggest hurdles have been user error.
The cost savings alone in developing your own chemicals with the convenience of a daylight tank are well worth it.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
Forget Steel Rollers
The patterson system is unique in that you can swivel to agitate instead of getting chemicals all over your body. This is great for me as I develop film naked and now I don't get any chemicals on me. Simple design once you lock n load you are as they say ready to roll.... Oh man, I took a muscle relaxer earlier and it's just now kicking in.... anyway get this to roll film with.
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
Want to Develop Your Own Film?
Perfect tank for someone just starting to develop their own film (such as myself). The agitation rod works perfectly, the reels are easy to load, (at least for 35mm film, I have yet to test my roll of 120 film which is coming in soon) and the tank it self is light tight after loading it. I highly suggest you buy this if you want to start developing your own film!
★★★★★
Size: Tank #115 | Verified Purchase
great product.
Developed my first roll of Tri-X 400 in it the other day. Works as advertised, I didn't have any trouble with leaks. The ratcheting action for spooling up the film works extremely well, just make sure you get the film started on the right way. I had to do a lot of feeling around in the dark to get it right. A little more practice and it should be much easier. I guess that means I need to shoot more film. Short story, great product.
Question & Answer
Question :
Can you recommend the chemical I need to buy to use with this? Thanks!
Answer :
If you are doing B&W film, I used CineStill DF96 monobath. It is simply one chemical that does it all. Super easy for a beginner like me.
Question :
How much liquid is needed to cover fill the tank 2 reels ?
Answer :
around 500ml, which depending on your developer and fixer (Power or Concentrate) it does a pretty effective job. For one reel I find that the recommended 290ml feels close to me. I go for 350ml for a single reel. When you get the tank and reels, pour water with the full tank with no film, and measure how much is needed to submerge everything along with some extra in case some of the liquid gets caught anywhere in the tank or is spilled during pouring. Highly recommend this product and good luck developing!
Question :
shouldn't there be some sort of gasket between the funnel and tank? When I put the funnel on it wiggles around.. Doesn't seem light tight .
Answer :
In the previous models there was a gasket and it was needed because there was not a light tight seal, in these new designs, there is no chance of a light leak. When I first used mine, I was very impressed by the design, it seems too loose to be effective yet no light can get to your film.
Question :
De qué material es el tanque y los carretes?
Answer :
Plastic
Question :
During inversions mine leaks like hell. Is this normal?
Answer :
Yes. These tanks are notorious for leaking. Their hard plastic construction allows them to crack if dropped on a hard floor. They mix excessive volumes of air into your developer during processing. Overall, they are the worst tanks on the market today.
Question :
does it come with a squeegee?
Answer :
No, there is no need for a squeegee, after the film has been revealed you should hang it to dry and hand it over with a rubber glove, it is enough to remove excess water.
Question :
Can it take 127mm film? Thanks!
Answer :
Clearly too late, but the answer is yes. It accepts 135, 120, 220, 126, and 127 film.
Question :
Does this tank come with an agitation stick?
Answer :
Mines did not. This is basically the tank and the lid. No spools, spool holders, or agitation stick.
Question :
What does this come with!?
Answer :
This purchase arrives with several components: the entire TANK, including outer casing, double lid, inner spool and mechanism to TURN the spool (ie agitate the tank)...HOWEVER, the REELS are not included, so you need to order those separately, which I recommend doing through B&H
Question :
Can I develop 1 roll in a 2 roll tank?
Answer :
Yes. The two roll tank will handle 2 rolls of 35mm, 1 roll of 35mm, or 1roll of 120. The reels are adjustable for the film width, and the bottom of the tank lists the minimum developer volume needed to cover the film.
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