Old But Still Good – Film Developing Tanks

As Ken found last week in his post about using an old pinhole body cap, some of the old items around here still work, and some look pretty cool too. I was looking through some of the used film developing items we have here at Beau and I came across several old film developing tanks. I love the retro design, and they way they work looks interesting, but I wondered if I could still actually use them. I decided to put a roll of film through my camera and find out.

Part of the fun (if you find these things fun) is figuring out how these old things work. The first tank I tried is a daylight loading tank, so you load your roll of film in it, put the lid on, wind the film onto the reel, then develop it. No dark bag required!

Kodak Day-Load Tank

Loading this tank was a challenge. Like all new things, I think it takes a bit of time to learn. I tested it with an old roll of film first to see how it winds onto the reel. To start, switch the lever to load. You need to have some leader sticking out to be able to load it so if you wind your film back all the way into the canister, you will have to use a film puller to get it out. I also found that cutting the narrow part of the leader a little longer made it easier to load. The roll of film goes into the small compartment and you pull the leader through the metal strip and stick it under the metal bar to lock it in place. The first couple of times it loaded badly and was all kinked, but I discovered that if I carefully curved the film with the emulsion in, it seemed to load quite nicely. This would be similar to loading a metal reel, where it starts in the middle and expands into place. After the leader is well in place, put the tank back together and wind the film on the reel. Once I got my actual roll in, it got stuck right at the start and the film broke. I took it out and tried it again. I think I didn’t have the top screwed in well enough, as the center lock knob also seems to release the reel so it can turn. It also hasn’t been used in a long time so it might just need some use to loosen everything. Once the film was loaded, I switched the lever to the develop position, cutting the film and making the tank light tight (hopefully). The top comes off the small compartment to remove the empty roll and this is now where you pour the chemicals in.

Once I got the film in, it was time to develop. The cap comes off the small compartment and this is where the chemicals are poured in and out. I realised after loading it that I hadn’t figured out how much liquid I’d need, so I guessed and mixed up some Flic Film Black White & Green developer. It turns out it uses about 400ml

I was excited to undo the lock and open the tank. What would this curious, cool looking daylight developing system give me? Well, I think I need more practice loading it as some of the film was touching and parts of it didn’t process properly. It also folded over one edge in a section. I did feel some difficulty at the start so I think the crinkles and uneven spots are the result of that. Like all new things, you don’t always get it right the first time. I see a slight light leak in one spot as well, but it’s hard to say if it’s from this tank since the film is expired Ilford HP5 and was loaded in a bulk loader (which is why the canister says Kodak Gold). The rest of it worked and look good so I know it’s possible to use it, I just need to figure out its secrets!

I will try it again to see if I can get it going properly, as well, I want to try the other daylight loading tank to see how it works. For now, they are here on consignment and could be yours to play with, or use as shelf decor as I think they are quite nice looking.

Used Kodak Day Load Tank -$30
https://www.beauphoto.com/product/used-kodak-day-load-tank/

Used Agfa Rodinax 35 U daylight developing tank – $30
https://www.beauphoto.com/product/used-agfa-rodinax-35-u/