AP spirals in Paterson System 4 tanks

[auntiemaryscanary]

I'm looking at buying a brand new Paterson Multi Reel 3 tank (System 4) so I can dev 2 x 120 at the same time. I have a an AP tank with 2 AP reels/spirals.

Will the AP reels fit on the the centre column of the Paterson Multi 3? I don't really want to buy specific Paterson reels.

 

[Nod]

Not sure I'd risk it TBH. IIRC, the Paterson reels rely on a good fit to the central column for rotational agitation (but that is a memory from many years ago!)

Just had a look at Bristol Cameras site and it looks like a universal tank with 2 reels is cheaper than 2 reels - and would give you an option to develop a single roll of 120 as well as 2 135 (should you wish to go for the smaller format as well!)

Paterson Universal Tank With Two Reels (PTP115) - Bristol Cameras

The Paterson Super System is simple to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank. It has a large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly. The Universal tank (PTP115) takes two 35mm...

www.bristolcameras.co.uk

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Not sure I'd risk it TBH. IIRC, the Paterson reels rely on a good fit to the central column for rotational agitation (but that is a memory from many years ago!)

I always used inversion with my Paterson tanks. Three inversions per minute worked well for me.

The only way to check for the fit of the AP reels would be to try one on a Paterson core

You could also ask https://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/ap-developing-tank-compact-universal/p823

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

Not sure I'd risk it TBH. IIRC, the Paterson reels rely on a good fit to the central column for rotational agitation (but that is a memory from many years ago!)

Just had a look at Bristol Cameras site and it looks like a universal tank with 2 reels is cheaper than 2 reels - and would give you an option to develop a single roll of 120 as well as 2 135 (should you wish to go for the smaller format as well!)

Paterson Universal Tank With Two Reels (PTP115) - Bristol Cameras

The Paterson Super System is simple to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank. It has a large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly. The Universal tank (PTP115) takes two 35mm...

www.bristolcameras.co.uk

Thanks @Nod . It's a 3 reel tank I'm after so I can do 2x120 in one go. The AP tank & reels covers 2x35mm or 1 x120.

Edit- I'm going to the community darkroom on Wednesday and they have loads of Paterson tanks so I'll take an AP spiral with me and try the fit then. I use inversion and not rotation so a bit of play won't matter too much.

 

[FishyFish]

I've got a Paterson System 4 2 reel tank and have an AP reel as well as two Paterson reels. The AP reel fits fine. The Paterson reels are perhaps a slightly snugger fit, but the AP reel isn't loose and doesn't slide up and down or anything.

 

[Asha]

I've got a Paterson System 4 2 reel tank and have an AP reel as well as two Paterson reels. The AP reel fits fine. The Paterson reels are perhaps a slightly snugger fit, but the AP reel isn't loose and doesn't slide up and down or anything.

To ensure there’s no sliding , the usual method is to fill the tank with additional empty reeks or do what I did yesterday and slip an elastic bands onto the column to ensure the spiral cant ride up .

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

AP do some nice stuff at a reasonable prices. Their 2 reel tank has a sturdy clip to hold the spiral(s) in position on the central column. The spirals are really good too. They don't do anything larger than a 2 reel tank unfortunately.

If I was just starting out I'd be all over this:

AP Labokit APP324100 Kit for Black & White and Colour Processing (Film & Paper) | eBay

AP Labokit - Laboratory Kit for developing B&W and Colour Negative Films and Processing Paper Prints. Develop B&W or Colour film using the AP developing kit. 1x developing tank. 2x multi format spiral film reels (for 35mm or 120 film).

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

I confirmed at the community darkroom today that AP Spirals fit a Paterson centre column perfectly! A Paterson 3 reel tank will be ordered.

 

[Deleted member 95430]

Love the AP reels, 120 and the paterson reels and I did not get on

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

Love the AP reels, 120 and the paterson reels and I did not get on

I've never tried modern Paterson reels. I've finally got used to/proficient at loading the AP spirals in both 35mm and 120 so I'm happy to stick with them. Currently I can't see me deving more than 2 reels at a time but it will be good to have the option 2 x 120 adding in the reel-less Paterson multi 3 without having to purchase their spirals.