Re: Dumb question re: processing 4x5

"Robert Chin" <bchin_us@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:ffd9re018fc@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I'm sorry if this has been answered before.  This is a legit question so

> please bear with me.
>
> My set up is not optimum.  I do not have a dedicated darkroom (for now
at 
> least).  I've done many many rolls of film over the years.  I throw 
> everyting into a changing bag, load up a reel and no problem.
>
> I'm getting ready to process 4x5 sheet film for the first time.  It 
> requires a bit more space to handle the sheet film than rolls.  Since I
do 
> not have a dedicated darkroom, I can't fill the tanks with the necessary

> chemicals, leave them on a tabletop, and just lift the film holder from 
> tank to tank in the dark.
>
> So my question(s) is/are simple:  I've heard that because the processing

> tanks for 4x5 film take so long to fill, uneven development could
result. 
> Is this a real problem, or is it the opinion of someone really
obsessive? 
> Would I be better off making a light tight space to do this?
>
> Advice welcome from all.
>
> Thanks.

Look for a used 8x10 Unicolor Unidrum drum or like printing drum that
allows 
4x5 prints.  EBay is one source.  Something like 150 ml of solution each 
step needed to process 4 sheets of 4x5.  Very even development and table 
space required is minimal - about 1' x 2' will be ample...enough to
manually 
roll the loaded drum from side to side if not using a mechanical roller 
device.  You can load the drum in a change bag, attach the cover/lid, and
do 
all the processing in room light.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/unicolor/

The BTZS tubes are an alternative, though each tube takes only one sheet
of 
film rather than the up-to-four that the Unidrum does.

http://www.viewcamerastore.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_74&products_id=36

And as Phil Davis pointed out in his book *Beyond the Zone System*, you
can 
make your own BTZS type tubes.  I've done that and they work well except
for 
the slight leakage as they are rolled on the counter surface.  I never
could 
get that leakage problem resolved.  Maybe if I could have located some
large 
enough o-rings?   I finally tired of that leakage and got myself some BTZS

tubes off EBay for the one or two sheet processing.  At some 50ml of 
solution each step, they work very well.