How can I develop and dry 4x5 black-and-white sheet film while camping from a car?
Asked 2/28/2017
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2 answers
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I’m planning extended camping road trips with a 4x5 camera and would like to develop black-and-white sheet film on the road, using my SUV but no buildings. I expect ambient temperatures around 40–50°F, and I’d likely use a daylight sheet-film tank after loading it in a changing tent.
My main concerns are:
- keeping developer and wash water at workable temperatures despite changing weather
- drying negatives without dust, sand, wind, or insects damaging them
Has anyone found a practical setup for car-based sheet-film developing and drying while camping?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
9
I don't have a complete solution, mostly because I don't think you need one. I also don't think your biggest issue is going to be either of the two you've mentioned.
To control chem temps, get a instant read thermometer and large thermos. Fill it most of the way with cold water and then add warm water off your stove until you hit your temps.
Since you're shooting 4x5 frames, they'll be rather small, not the rolls you usually have when developing 120 or 135 film. For drying, get a tiny light tent, cut out the sides and replace them with mesh. Get a glue gun to glue a few clips to the top for holding. That should keep dust and bugs out, and if you go too big with the mesh holes and stuff starts getting through, just toss another piece of mesh on them when drying.
I'd say your biggest issue is probably going to be finding enough warm enough water to wash your sheets. Cold (40-50F) water will not wash your fixer out properly, and making enough 75F water to wash it properly (multiple washings) will probably be difficult. The ground water you often get at camp sites also tends to be extremely hard, consider a washing agent.
Originally by user3050. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3050
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—this is workable with a compact field setup. For loading 4x5 sheets, use a light-tight changing tent or changing box, then process in a daylight 4x5 tank.
For temperature control, bring an instant-read thermometer and use stored water as a tempering bath. A thermos or car fridge can keep water cool; mix in heated water from a stove or your vehicle until you reach the target temperature. If needed, adjust development time to match the chemistry temperature.
For drying, the main goal is a protected enclosure rather than open air. A small drying box or modified light tent with mesh-filtered openings can shield film from dust, sand, bugs, and wind. Add clips inside to hang sheets, and a small 12V fan with a filtered intake/exhaust can gently move air through the enclosure.
Also plan for clean water: distilled water is a good idea if local water hardness or pH is uncertain.
In short: changing tent + daylight sheet-film tank + thermometer/tempering water setup + enclosed filtered drying box is the practical camping solution.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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