4x5 processing drums might be the BZTS system of Phil Davis (Beyond the Zone System author) They've got a website.
It is also easy to make them out of 2" ABS pipe. I made a set but don't use them. I had problems with even development which I think is totally my fault. As I'm way to stupid to ever beable to figure out the Zone system I like to process in batches. I prefer to use the JOBO 4x5 2500 series drums with the reels that hold 6 sheets of film. To make the drums roll on the bottom of your dark room sink buy some black ABS pipe wrap (What's the big hardware store I used to go to all the time in Montreal??? They'll have it in the plumbing department. It's used to wrap black gas pipe for use underground.) Wrap the bottom end of the tank to match the diameter of the lid. This way it doesn't roll in an annoying arc. You can also build a roller proccessor with the same ABS pipe. Take two lengths longer than your longest processing drum. drill the center of four caps and then assmeble the two rollers so that a length of 1/2" All Thread (threaded rod) runs down the length. Attach this to two sides of a plexi tank or any bracket and then you can roll the tanks in place--a lot easier than chasing them along the bottom of the sink. I've gone further and atached a reversing 28 rpm gear motor from WW GRainger with a $100 controller that periodically reverses the direction of the motor. This is attached at one end to a bracket with the other end of the motor assembly attached to a lawn mower wheel that rests on the two roller drums. Works great. As you are starting out. Start simple. STart with the tanks. The ABS is so cheap you can make the rollers (JOBOs own rollers are too small and fragile so don't go anywhere near them--they are a waste of time) For the bracket use plywood until it starts to rot. If you're still processing film replace them with plexiglas. additl 2 cents: The JOBO ProDrums (I think 3600 series) are really the best. They cost about $250-$350 each but the development is so even that they really are worth the expense. They are like series of the BZTS tubes arranged like the bullets in a revolver. The processing is very very even. With the reels especially if the film sticks together you can have problems. Make sure if you buy the JOBO 2500 reels for 4x5 you get the clips that attach to the sides after you load the film. these will elliminate film sticking together. I've got two reels that use them, two that don't and only two sets of the clips. I always use the clips on the reel that is at the bottom of the tank. The film on this reel is subject to the greatest water pressure and agitation-while draining. Also looking at Ron Baker's processing set-up www.ronbakerphotography.com it appears that he really has come up with a well designed and elegant solution. Bon Chance. W ---William Nettles [EMAIL PROTECTED] Nettles Photo / Imaging Site http://www.wgn.net/~nettles > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 12:07:19 -0700 > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Cameramakers digest, Vol 1 #296 - 7 msgs > > I know that someone a while back talk about some instruction to do so in a > book or an article. Can somebody send me a copy of this? > > Thank you! > > Robert > Mtl, Quebec _______________________________________________ Cameramakers mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://rmp.opusis.com/mailman/listinfo/cameramakers
