New tank

[steveo_mcg]

I think my developing tank has had it, or rather the centre column has. The spiral slips up every time now having never did it for any of the previous two dozen films. The previous two have got strips of under developed film, the last one was saved by my getting heavy handed and putting about 700 mls of stock.

My current tank is a jessops one I think, is it worth trying to "fix" this one or just buy a new tank. I had an elastic band on this time and it still slipped.

 

[freecom2]

With the elastic band attached, try and physically push the reels up. Do they move easily? If so, you just need to use more elastic bands/have them round the centre column tighter.

Seriously.

I always check mine like this before starting, just to minimise the possibility of failure.

 

[Asha]

Cut the bottom off a 35mm canister ...the resulting "tube" trimmed down the correct length and place over the spindle will stop the spiral moving up....will rattle a bit when agitating but won't cause any damage.

 

[steveo_mcg]

Will the canister trick work with a spiral set for 35mm? I suppose I could put two spirals in even if one was empty. Cheers guys I'll try these before reaching for the credit card.

 

[freecom2]

Two spirals is fine, although I always prefer a rubber band because it means you don't have to clean two reels (with the associated build up of gunk that always gets into reels) for developing one roll of film.

A thick rubber band will do the job just fine.

 

[Asha]

Will the canister trick work with a spiral set for 35mm? I suppose I could put two spirals in even if one was empty. Cheers guys I'll try these before reaching for the credit card.

Two spirals is fine, although I always prefer a rubber band because it means you don't have to clean two reels (with the associated build up of gunk that always gets into reels) for developing one roll of film.

A thick rubber band will do the job just fine.

I've noticed in your original thread that you're using a Jessops tank....In a Patterson Super System 4 tank the canister will work with a spiral set to 35mm...only needs approx 3/16" taking off the length of the canister iirc.
If it is the same with your tank, I don't know but I'm sure the same idea could be used.


The rubber band is something I've personally not tried but sounds like probably the easiest route to take.

Failing that then two spirals will work just fine ...just means a little more rinsing and drying of gear.