Patterson tanks are a popular choice for developing film, but they can be a bit tricky to use if you’re not familiar with them. One of the most common challenges is learning how to take off the reels from the tank. If you’re not careful, you can easily damage the film or the reels themselves. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to take off reels from a Patterson tank safely and easily.
First, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need a pair of film developing reels, a Patterson tank, and a reel remover. If you don’t have a reel remover, you can use a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, but be careful not to damage the reels. Once you have your supplies, you’re ready to begin.
To take off the reels from a Patterson tank, start by removing the lid of the tank. Then, carefully lift the reels out of the tank. Be sure to keep the film flat as you’re doing this. Once the reels are out of the tank, you can use the reel remover to remove the film from the reels. To do this, simply insert the reel remover into the slot on the reel and twist. The film will then come off easily.
Preparation and Materials
Step 1: Gather Necessary Materials
To flawlessly remove reels from a Patterson tank, it’s vital to gather the following essential materials:
- Patterson Tank: This specialized tank is specifically designed for developing film rolls.
- Reel Grabber: A dedicated tool designed to securely grip the reel’s central core, enabling you to extract it from the tank.
- Film Reels: The spools onto which the film is wound for processing.
- Gloves: Rubber or nitrile gloves are recommended to protect your hands from chemicals and avoid fingerprints on the film.
- Film Squeegee: A specialized tool for effectively removing excess water droplets from the film.
- Drying Clips: Clips specifically designed to hang the film securely for drying.
- Film Cleaner: A solution or spray used to remove dust or debris from the film’s surface.
- Scissors: For cutting the film into individual negatives.
li>Clean, Dry Workspace: Ensure a tidy and moisture-free area for handling the film and materials to prevent contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the Workspace
Before handling the film or materials, ensure a clean and dry workspace. This will minimize the risk of contaminating the film and ensure a successful development process.
Loading the Reels onto the Tank
2. Inserting the Reels into the Tank
Now, it’s time to insert the reels into the tank. Take the bottom reel and place it into the bottom of the tank. Make sure the reel is seated properly and that the film is wound onto it correctly. Next, take the top reel and place it onto the top of the bottom reel. Again, ensure that the reel is seated properly and that the film is wound onto it correctly.
Once both reels are in place, it’s time to secure them with the reel clamps. The reel clamps are located on the sides of the tank. To secure the reels, simply tighten the reel clamps until they are snug. Be careful not to overtighten the reel clamps, as this can damage the reels or the film.
To make sure the reels are properly loaded, rotate them a few times to check that they turn smoothly. If the reels are not turning smoothly, it’s possible that they are not seated properly or that the film is not wound onto them correctly. If you encounter any resistance, stop and check to make sure everything is loaded correctly.
| Reel Type | Loading Position |
|---|---|
| Bottom Reel | Bottom of the tank |
| Top Reel | Top of the bottom reel |
Filling the Tank with Solution
To fill the Patterson tank with solution, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the solution
Mix the developing solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use distilled water to ensure optimal results.
2. Fill the tank
Pour the prepared solution into the tank, filling it to the indicated line. Avoid overfilling, as this can lead to solution leaks.
3. Agitation
After filling the tank, agitate the solution to ensure even distribution of chemicals. This can be done by manually rocking the tank or using an agitator rod. Here’s a table with recommended agitation times for different film types:
| Film Type | Agitation Time | |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 100-200 | 2 minutes | |
| ISO 400-800 | 1 minute | |
| ISO 1600+ | 30 seconds |
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Inversion | Simple and effective, provides consistent agitation. | Can be tiring, especially for large tanks. |
| Rotation | Gentle and effective, less tiring than inversion. | Requires a special tank or agitation device. |
| Continuous agitation | Provides the most even and consistent agitation. | Requires specialized equipment and can be expensive. |
The choice of agitation method depends on the size of the tank, the number of reels, and the developer being used. For small tanks with a few reels, inversion is usually the simplest and most effective method. For larger tanks or tanks with a large number of reels, rotation or continuous agitation may be more efficient.
Here are some additional tips for agitating the reels:
- Agitate the reels gently to avoid damaging the film.
- Agitate the reels regularly throughout the development process.
- Increase the agitation frequency towards the end of the development process to ensure even development.
Monitoring the Development Process
Once you’ve loaded your reels into the tank and added the developer solution, it’s time to start monitoring the development process. Here’s how:
1. Agitation
Agitate the reels regularly by gently rocking the tank back and forth. This helps ensure even development and prevents unevenness.
2. Timing
Development times vary depending on the film, developer, and temperature. Use a timer to track the development time accurately.
3. Temperature Control
Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the development process. Most films require a temperature of 20°C (68°F).
4. Inspecting Negatives
Once the development time is complete, remove the reels from the tank and visually inspect the negatives. Look for any unevenness or streaks, which may indicate development issues.
5. Final Steps
After inspecting the negatives, proceed with the following steps to complete the development process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Stop Bath | Neutralizes the developing solution. |
| Fixer | Makes the developed image permanent. |
| Wash | Removes any residual chemicals. |
| Dry | Prevents water spots and allows for storage. |
Stopping the Development and Washing the Reels
Once the development time has elapsed, it’s time to stop the process. To do this, you’ll need to do the following:
- Pour the stop bath into the tank and agitate gently for 30 seconds.
- Pour out the stop bath and rinse the reels thoroughly with water.
The stop bath will neutralize the developer and prevent it from continuing to develop the film. Rinsing the reels thoroughly will remove any residual developer or stop bath.
Once the reels have been rinsed, you can wash them in running water for 5-10 minutes. This will remove any remaining chemicals from the film.
After washing the reels, you can remove the film from the reels and hang them up to dry. Be sure to hang the film in a dust-free environment to prevent any damage.
Additional Tips for Washing Reels
- Use a film cleaner to remove any stubborn dirt or debris from the reels.
- Inspect the reels for any damage or scratches before using them again.
- Store the reels in a dry, cool place when not in use.
| Development Times for Different Films | |
|---|---|
| Film Type | Development Time |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | 10 minutes |
| Ilford HP5 Plus 400 | 11 minutes |
| Fuji Acros 100 | 7 minutes |
Stopping the Fixing Process
To stop the fixing process, pour the fixer solution back into its original container. Rinse the reels thoroughly with water for at least 5 minutes to remove any residual fixer. Failure to rinse the reels properly can result in the formation of brown stains on the negatives.
Washing the Reels
After rinsing the reels, wash them with a mild dish soap solution to remove any dirt or debris. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the reels, taking care not to damage the film. Rinse the reels thoroughly with water again to remove any soap residue.
To ensure the reels are completely clean and free of any residual chemicals, you can soak them in a photographic rinse aid solution for a few minutes. Rinse the reels thoroughly with water one last time to remove any rinse aid residue.
Once the reels are clean, dry them with a lint-free cloth or air dry them. Store the reels in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them again.
Drying the Reels
Once the reels are washed, they need to be dried thoroughly to prevent water spots and rust. Here’s a detailed guide on how to dry reels from a Patterson tank:
1. Drain the Tank
After washing, pour out the water from the tank by inverting it over a sink. Make sure all the water is drained.
2. Remove the Lid and Reel Rod
Remove the lid and lift out the reel rod. This will allow for better air circulation.
3. Separate the Reels
Separate the reels from each other and place them on a clean towel or drying rack.
4. Wipe Down the Reels
Use a clean, soft cloth or paper towels to gently wipe down the reels, removing any excess water droplets.
5. Dry in a Warm, Ventilated Area
Place the reels in a warm, well-ventilated area to dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can damage the film.
6. Fan Assist
If possible, use a small fan to circulate air around the reels, speeding up the drying process.
7. Inspect for Water Spots
Periodically check the reels for water spots. If you notice any, gently wipe them off with a clean, soft cloth.
8. Dry the Reels Thoroughly
Allow the reels to dry completely before using them again. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. To ensure complete dryness, consider using a film dryer or placing the reels in a sealed container with silica gel packets.
9. Store Dry Reels
Once the reels are dry, store them in a cool, dry place to prevent future moisture buildup and corrosion.
Inspecting and Storing the Reels
Once you’ve removed the reels from the tank, it’s important to inspect them for any damage. Look for cracks, bends, or other signs of wear. If you find any damage, it’s best to replace the reel before using it again.
After inspecting the reels, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can damage the plastic over time.
Cleaning the Reels
If the reels are dirty, you can clean them with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before storing them.
Storing the Reels in a Reel Canister
If you’re not going to be using the reels for a while, it’s a good idea to store them in a reel canister. This will help to protect them from dust and damage.
| Reel Size | Canister Size |
|---|---|
| 35mm | 250-foot |
| 120mm | 300-foot |
| 220mm | 500-foot |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Reel not coming off easily
If the reel is not coming off easily, you can try the following:
- Make sure the reels are properly aligned with the catches.
- If necessary, gently tap the reel with a small hammer or rubber mallet to loosen it.
- Do not use excessive force, as this could damage the reel or tank.
2. Film being scratched or torn when removing from reel
Here are some tips to avoid scratching or tearing film:
- Ensure the film is wound tightly on the reel to prevent it from slipping.
- Handle the film with care, especially when removing it from the tank.
- Use a film holder or gloves to protect the film during processing.
3. Film sticking to the reel
If the film is sticking to the reel, you can do the following:
- Submerge the reel in water for a few minutes to soften the adhesive.
- Gently pry the film away from the reel using a toothpick or other sharp object.
- If necessary, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the adhesive to loosen it.
4. Reel breaking or malfunctioning
If the reel breaks or malfunctions, here are some steps to take:
- Inspect the reel for any damage or defects.
- If possible, repair the reel using the appropriate tools.
- If the reel cannot be repaired, dispose of it properly.
5. Other issues
If you encounter any other issues while removing reels from a Patterson tank, you can try the following:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Reel is jammed | Gently tap the reel on a hard surface to loosen it. |
| Film is wrapped around the central shaft | Carefully unwind the film from the shaft using tweezers or a razor blade. |
| Reel is stuck in the tank | Invert the tank and gently shake it to loosen the reel. |
How To Take Off Reels From Patterson Tank
Patterson tanks are a type of film developing tank that is used to develop film negatives. The reels are what hold the negatives in place while they are being developed, and they must be removed from the tank in order to access the negatives.
To remove the reels from a Patterson tank, first remove the lid of the tank. Then, grasp the reel by the top and bottom and pull it straight up. Be careful not to touch the negatives while you are removing the reels, as this could damage them.
Once the reels have been removed from the tank, they can be placed in a film dryer or hung to dry. The negatives will be dry and ready to be viewed or scanned once they are completely dry.
People Also Ask About How To Take Off Reels From Patterson Tank
How do I know when the negatives are dry?
The negatives are dry when they are no longer sticky to the touch. You can also hold the negatives up to a light source to see if there is any moisture on them.
How long does it take for negatives to dry?
The drying time for negatives will vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In general, negatives will dry within a few hours if they are hung in a well-ventilated area.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry negatives?
No, you should not use a hair dryer to dry negatives. The heat from the hair dryer can damage the negatives.
