Trash or Treasure? Film developing equipment

[schrackman]

I inherited all this film developing equipment (came in a big box) over the summer and finally decided tonight to go through it all. I have no idea what I have here since I've never developed film. It looks a bit outdated and neglected IMO but I figured I throw it up here to let you film developing experts comment on what I've got. I also have a few measuring cups and trays and chemicals not pictured.

Ray

[schrackman]

A couple more pics...

[Axle]

Timer and focuser are excellent finds. A lot of people prefer the stainless steel tanks and reels and they seem in good condition.

Also looks like you got a bulk film loader also...another good find.

[Greg McCary]

Yeah the stainless tanks last forever but takes lots of practice to learn how to load. You could ebay the tanks and timer if it works. The power supply is to keep a constant voltage on the enlarger. Mainly for color film since it is so sensitive.
You can just mail me the Paterson tank and the focus scope.lol
You would need a lot of more equipment to go with this to have a darkroom.
I have been making prints for a couple of months and am having a ball doing it. But I was given almost everything I needed to get started short of fresh paper and contrast filters. I now have a Mamiya 7 and am going to start printing from 6x7 negatives.
This one is a scan of the last print I made.

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Along the River by Cosmonaut's, on Flickr

[Greg McCary]

Just to add. If you get serious and want to print you can get a ton of darkroom equipment off of Craigslist and most just want it gone and will almost give it to you. I have my enlarger and timer on a roll around cart. I can be set up in just a few minutes and it doesn't take up much space at all. If you have never done it you should try it. You will gain a greater respect for film and just what can be done with it.
The first picture makes me think the enlarger has been taken apart. It is a Beseler with built in contrast filters. A big plus. Do you have the enlarger?

[schrackman]

Thanks for the info guys! Greg, no I don't have the enlarger unfortunately. To tell you the truth I don't have much interest right now in developing film. Maybe in the future at some point but just not right now when I have so many other things going on.

Out of curiosity, why do you find the Paterson tank and focusing scope desirable? Why does Axle think the timer is a good find when a digital timer would seem to prove so much more useful and take up less space?

I'm thinking I just might put all this stuff up on CL just to make for more room in my den but then again I wouldn't even know how to price it all. Any ideas?

Ray

[Greg McCary]

Well the Patterson tank is pretty much what everyone uses. It's cost effective, the one you have should have two plastic reels. With this tank you can develop one MF roll or two 35mm. The timer is a good find as well. Again it's just cost effective. The numbers glow in the dark and it's very easy to use. You just plug the enlarger in an after it times out it turns it off. It has two plugs one enlarger and one for the darkroom light. The stainless reels are a good find because they tell me once you learn how to load them you will never go back to plastic. I don't develop as much as some and the plastic reels discolor and get hard to load with age. The stainless ones lasts forever. The film carriers are a good find as well. They are always needed. I just picked one up for 6x7 negatives. Depending on what you have and what enlarger they go to they could fetch a little money. I also think you could sell the contrast filter head in the first. Developing without contrast filters leaves picture flat.
You can always check eBay for current prices but that's where I would list them. I thiink probably more people would see it and you would get a better price. You can also check the classifieds and apug.org but I think you have to be a paying member to post.

[Axle]

Why does Axle think the timer is a good find when a digital timer would seem to prove so much more useful and take up less space?

because I like old analog things. :P That's all.

[SmartWombat]

I, too, think of time in analogue terms.
So I gauge time by the sweep of the hand.
A digital countdown just wouldn't be the same, and would be too bright, spilling too much light in the darkroom.
OK with red LEDs and a B&W film, even the old Ilford "panchromatic" films had an insensitivity in the red end of the spectrum.

[schrackman]

I'm starting to get the picture, now. That was a good explanation. And now I'm kinda thinking maybe I just might hold on to some of this stuff seeing how useful it could be if I ever get into developing b/w.

Well the Patterson tank is pretty much what everyone uses. It's cost effective, the one you have should have two plastic reels. With this tank you can develop one MF roll or two 35mm. The timer is a good find as well. Again it's just cost effective. The numbers glow in the dark and it's very easy to use. You just plug the enlarger in an after it times out it turns it off. It has two plugs one enlarger and one for the darkroom light. The stainless reels are a good find because they tell me once you learn how to load them you will never go back to plastic. I don't develop as much as some and the plastic reels discolor and get hard to load with age. The stainless ones lasts forever. The film carriers are a good find as well. They are always needed. I just picked one up for 6x7 negatives. Depending on what you have and what enlarger they go to they could fetch a little money. I also think you could sell the contrast filter head in the first. Developing without contrast filters leaves picture flat.
You can always check eBay for current prices but that's where I would list them. I thiink probably more people would see it and you would get a better price. You can also check the classifieds and apug.org but I think you have to be a paying member to post.

[schrackman]

because I like old analog things. :P That's all.

That's enough explanation for me! lol

By the way, the timer does work and the buzzer even goes off.

[megtyler]

because I like old analog things. :P That's all.

and you still use 'em or just collect 'em?

[Axle]

and you still use 'em or just collect 'em?

Oh I use them. I have a Rolleiflex from 1969, and a Leica IIIc from 1950 both see frequent use.

[khmerxbxbxboi]

wow I need to step up my game now !!! ;)

[Greg1215]

Man, I wish I could have an attic full of equipment somewhere. I'm actually in the market for an enlarger right now and some similar stuff like this. Hopefully I come across a find like this.

[yorknichols]

B/W picture of lake - wonderful. It's only lyrics.

These instruments are helpful, I'm sure I will buy their for myself.

[PWhite214]

Lots of nice equipment there.

The Beseler item is part of a 6 x 7 cm enlarger. The other is a motorized roller for the print drums in Photo 5

Photo 2

I used that model timer in school, I wish I had one now. The Bessler Is the stabilized power supply for the enlarger.

Photo 3

the Lamp housing for the enlarger

Photo 4

The tanks and reels look good, you need to find the tops and caps. The tops are light tight and baffled to pour chemicals in and out during processing. The little caps prevent the chemistry escaping when the tank is inverted for agitation.

The bulk loader is for loading 35mm film into the film cassettes. Bulk film is available in 50 and 100 ft lengths.

Photo 5

The clear cylinder is a film washer. There should be a hose with a slip on connection for a sink faucet.
The Cibachrome cylinders are print drums for processing prints in full light. Each drum should have a top.
The front left item is a magnifying focus aid for printing. Very nice.
The tank looks like a Patterson style film tank. There should be a plastic reel inside.

the last photo
A processing tank
some negative holders for the enlarger.

Hopefully you have the rest of the enlarger. The Beseler 67 is a popular enlarger.

I would be interested in a few things.

Phil

[Luv2bumit]

I still keep my stuff around!

[AmyHall1]

I work in an event agency, and we create different themed parties for everyone willing to have a great party. One of the themes we have is the filming of the movie. And depending on what kind of movie we pick and what time of history we take, we use different tools. And it’s all real and working because we do film stuff and create small videos for our customers. We even created a special page at our website where the company, which usually helps me to write my essay, also enabled us to describe all the tools we have and how cool there. And if the customers choose retro machines, they pay more. So it's definitely treasured!