Sometimes you just have to laugh.
I’ve been putting together a small 5×4 setup for keeping in Portugal. A spare Sinar camera is on the way, and along with my recent purchase of a Stearman SP-445 processing tank I thought I’d keep it simple.
There’s no darkroom yet in Portugal, so I figured a changing bag with 5×4 film and the process tank would be a good way to go. Bring the processed film home to the UK and print them here.
I thought I’d put a few sheets of expired FOMA 100 through the camera and tanks to refresh myself as it’s been a while.
Loading the sheet film proved a bit tricky as it was a bit cramped in my standard changing bag. (Maybe buy a bigger one). Eventually I thought, that will have to do, I think it’s loaded OK. On removal from the bag all looked good.
Processed in HC110 Solution B, acid stop bath and Hypam fixer.
There was no leakage from the tank, as I’d read in some reviews, so I am very happy with the Stearman system.
This is where I find I’m a bit of an idiot. The 5×4 FOMA sheet film had fallen out of the tank holders and for a very good reason… it’s 9×12 cm! Always best to check on the box.
I don’t even remember buying 9×12 cm sheet film.
Somehow the sheets processed fine despite my mistake. Doh.
I’m sure I have some 5×4 film here somewhere.
Either way I’m happy with a Sinar with a shorter rail, changing bag and processing tank. I just need a couple of cheap shuttered lenses to leave with it all in Portugal. I’ll source a decent tripod when I get there.