Paterson Super System 4 tank: should you use the agitator rod or invert the tank?
Asked 3/21/2021
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Paterson’s instructions seem inconsistent. Some materials say agitation can be done either by inversion with the watertight cap or by using the agitator rod, while another guide says to twist the agitator a few times after pouring in the first solution, then cap the tank and invert at the end of each minute. For normal film developing in a Paterson Super System 4 tank, is the rotary agitator a true alternative to inversion, or is it mainly for the initial agitation before switching to inversion?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
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Either is ok.
Agitation should be done according to the instructions for the developer (and other chemicals) because different developers vary in chemical process and so do films and the photographer’s intent.
The Paterson instructions are a place to start. When the lid is on properly, the tank won’t leak when inverted and inversion is usually an acceptable method of agitation irrespective of developer used, the film stock, and photographer’s intent.
But because developing film is often an art, a good analogy for a Paterson tank is a kitchen appliance: the instructions for a slow cooker describe how to plug it in, turn it on, and the importance of using the lid, but a recipe will have more detail and might include additional steps such as overnight marinading in the crock prior to cooking, occasional stirring, or even cooking without the lid.
Learning to develop your own film means you will make mistakes and learn from them. Some of the mistakes will be big and the roll will be lost. Some will be small and you will try to do it better next time. The only way to learn is to do it and mess up sometimes.
Originally by user95237. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user95237
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Either method can work. The more important rule is to follow the agitation instructions for the specific developer (and other chemistry) you’re using, since developers, films, and desired results can vary.
For a Paterson tank, the manufacturer’s instructions are a general starting point: use the tank correctly, make sure the lid is properly sealed, and then agitate as your chemistry recommends. Inversion is widely accepted and, with the cap fitted properly, the tank should not leak.
So in practice:
- The agitator rod can be used for agitation.
- Inversion is also a valid agitation method.
- If your developer’s instructions specify a method or schedule, follow that over the tank’s generic instructions.
Think of the tank instructions as how to operate the container, while the developer instructions are the “recipe” that determines the actual process.
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