Tag Archives: Ultra Large Format

A Protective case for my 8×20 camera

My Korona 8×20 camera is heavy but it is still possible to hand carry it by the leather handle for short walking distance. Carrying it bare will expose it to scratches and knocks as it is easy to bump this big camera into walls and such.

So I went to buy a $5 foam camping mat, some Velcro straps with tape and went off to work on a DIY protective case. As seen in the video, I have the map trimmed to the required size including the corners  and then add in the Velcro straps at the places where the different ends meet.  The Velcro straps came with tape where I  simply taped it to the foam. It may not last so I have sew a few of them in place instead. The foam is not to the best material to sew but I will monitor and see how well they stand up to the frequent opening and closing.

While this is for a ULF camera, it can be easily modified for a smaller camera.

 

 

DIY Rotary Film Processor

This Rotary Film Processor project has been on the back on my mind for ages but it became a priority after I got a 8×20 camera.  I managed to get a paper drum that can take up to 16×20. Usually I process one sheet (which for now is actually 2 pieces of 8×10 joined at the shorter side) at a time. Handrolling the tank for 15 mins for every single 8×20 shot is no joke.

Rotary Film Processor
Rotary Film Processor (less the connection to the Arduino box)

In terms of design, I have been looking at the various DIY designs that are found online. Of all, this youtube video looks the most interesting. However I decided to modify the design not to use a water tank for a few reasons.

  1. I do not need a water bath to regulate the temperature. I am quite happy with developing at room temperature. Even when I develop at 20C, I am fine that the chemicals go up by a degree or two.
  2. Saving of water since I do not need a  water tank.
  3. The buoyancy of the water aids the rotation of the tank but I can replace it with a roller base.
  4. A more compact design and easier to store away.

I have been doing DIY projects for a while so I have collected quite a number of parts so I am able to start the project using mostly of what I already have. Therefore pardon me for the non standardization of lengths and measurements.

Roller base

Rigid Wheels
Rigid Wheels

This is similar to the Jobo roller base.  To make this, mount 4 pcs of 1″ Rigid wheels  on 2 pieces of plywood.  The length of the plywood will depend on the length of your drum. Using my wood scraps, I have a 24″ and a 17″ pieces. Space out the wheels so that the drum will be well supported. Of course you may add more wheels if you intend to process drums of different sizes.

Roller Base
Roller Base

I connected the 2 pieces of plywood using 2 brass rails (they were from a forsaken camera project). They are locked down using 1/4″ bolts and nuts.   This will allow me to adjust the distance between the 2 rolls of wheels for catering to drums of different diameters. At this point the drum should rotate smoothly and evenly by hand.

Roller Base Rails
Roller Base Rails

Motor Arm

Motor and Shaft Coupler
Motor and Shaft Coupler (Motor cables are no connected)

For now I am using a 12V 30 rpm motor.  To mount the 3/8″ threaded rod (again another piece I have sitting around) , I use a flexible shaft coupler which has a one 6mm hole what will fit the motor shaft while the other end is a 10mm hole that fit the 3/8″ rod.

The 3″ wheels were purchased new as the old inline skate wheels I salvaged from my old skates have a bearing hole of 7mm. The hole diameter need to be 10mm for the 3/8″ rod to go through. They were then tighten with nuts on both sides. I placed a drop of Locktite so that the nuts won’t get loose from the turning . However as we do not want the wheels to be free spinning as the rod rotates,  I have to jam the ball bearings. In this way, the wheel will turn with the rod and then in turn causes the drum to rotate.

Wheels
Wheels with 2 nuts locking it down on both sides.

Automation

I have an Arduino Uno that was for my Kallitype printing which I modified it for this rotary film processor project. Basically with a motor shield and LCD shield, the sketch will go through the following cycles where the timings are customised for FOMA PAN 200 film using HC110 Dilution D.

  1. Prewash 3 mins
  2. Developing 7mins
  3. StopBath 1min
  4. Fixer 4 mins
Arduino Interface
Arduino Interface

At the end of each cycle the alarm will sound off signalling the need for me to change the chemical and go to the next cycle by pressing the Red push button. Check out this post for the sketch (code)

Update

I have made a version 2 of this rotary processor.  Here is a video to explain on the parts

Conclusion

I hope this article give a good picture on how to construct a rotary film processing on your own. There are still quite a few improvements to be made  for mine. You will need to customize it to your own needs and also the ability to source your parts at your side.