It is recommended to press the front and back together before screwing the second cap tight. This way the top gets "sucked" down, and won't come off. For me it works.
I have one and just used it for the first time the other night. It was, just as you say, very easy to load and once the lid was on the rest of the process was a breeze. Like you I do sort of worry about the lid but when I went to remove it the lid was not all that easy to remove. Love it and a 6 sheet model would be just great and I would definitely get one.
I have the up combi-plan system which is older but similar, and no longer made. Bought several off eBay over time before the prices got so crazy. It will do 6 at a time, but does use significantly more chemistry. After some practice I find it very easy to load. And you are so right, there's nothing quite like processing your own film for consistency. Nice review.
Thanks for sharing Robert, I wish the Stearman press did a couple more sheets at a time but I guess you can’t have everything Lol I might have to pick up another tank and use two at a time on those rare days I get a lot of film exposed.
Hello Wayne, the only brand of film holders I’ve had experience with is the Lisco 4x5 sheet film holders, I purchased them new may years ago, I have no complaints using these film holders. Sorry I’m not going to be able to give you a recommendation, I just don’t have enough experience with other brands but if you are buying new from a reputable manufacturer I would imagine they should work just fine, film holders are a pretty basic device. If you go with used ones, I’d make sure you test them out, probably with some cheap film before you use them making a photo you care about. Wish I could be more help.
Yes that helps, I haven't developed 4x5 for awhile but the lid never came off or gave me a problem, it just felt a bit weird but I really like the tank a lot and would highly recommend it, good luck with your film development!
makes me glad I bought one of these! You talk about trying to do 5 or 6 sheets in this tank. Would that not need more developer? I thought that 500ml (more or less) was enough for 4 sheets 4x5, one roll 120mm etc etcso assume that a 6 sheet tank would need 750ml or thereabouts?
I really like the tank, I just wish it was a little bit bigger, what I’d love to happen, is the company come out with a tank that could do 6 sheets of film, I’m sure it would need more developer but that would be worth it to me. Even if they did come out with a bigger model I’d still buy the small tank as well, I can see where having both sizes would be useful. What I should probably do is buy another 4 sheet tank and when I need more capacity just use both at the same time, what could go wrong, Lol I used to run a couple tanks of 35mm film all the time many years ago without any problems. Thanks for leaving a comment Chris, have a great day!
Yes I've done as few as a single sheet, I think the film displaces so little volume that it should work the same, there seems to be plenty of coverage, I've never experienced a problem developing less than 4 sheets
Hi David! Timothy Klein (SP owner) sells this product and a 6-sheet version on eBay. It costs $30 more than the 4-sheet version you feature here. Thanks!
Yes , great product. When I started thinking about dragging out my Goal and 4x5, how was I to deal with film development. I investigated the ''taco'' method, but it saw a video on this product and got one. Since , I have processed 4 sheets and it worked absolutely, perfect. Four sheets is fine for me, as I plan 4 subjects , on a 4x5 project. You know, 1 shot 1 kill . KB
As a professional photographer I do prefer the Combiplan T 5x7 tank. In which 12 sheetf of 4 x 5 film cab be developed. It is made in Germany and does not leak at all.
I like the tank but I often don't get the film under the tabs correctly. Those tabs are pretty small and disconnected until the solid slot in filmholders. The burping of the lid is very important. But, one of the most practical tanks on the market.
I agree Erich, the little tabs on the film holder can be a little awkward, if I get the top tabs lined up correctly then the sheet of film tends to slide in effortlessly, if I feel resistance then I back out the film and feel for the top tabs and try again.
@@DavidPattonPhotography Thanks for the advice. I'll follow it rather than my usual keep trying at bottom until it feels like it is in. That can get pretty frustrating. Your approach might lead to better hand coordination. Thanks!
The SP-445 works with C-41 too! What I found to be essential is to avoid *too much* liquid, it tends to leak if there's not enough air left. It took me some time to figure this out.
For sure Christian, you can do color processing as well and I’ve also over filled the tank a couple times, I find the little level tab in the fill hole to be hard to see when pouring in the chemistry, well hard to see with these old eyes :)
As a professional photographer I do prefer the Combiplan T 5x7 tank. In which 12 sheetf of 4 x 5 film cab be developed. It is made in Germany and does not leak at all.
@@jacovanlith5082 Only available used, as it is no longer produced (sadly). And I'm not fully convinced that an old cap will keep tight with the C-41 blix bath (the one that always leaks for me, even with an otherwise perfekt Jobo 1540 tank); with blix it seems to be a combination of building gas pressure (more than due to the 39° C temperature) and lack of surface tension. No problem with the SP 8x10 daylight tray, but there I get development streaks, no matter how I agitate the tray (at least with Tetenal chemistry, much less with CineStill Cs41). And being a non-pro it looks a bit large for my use.
@@DavidPattonPhotography I have now tested for the amount of liquid actually needed (450 ml for pre-soak, a bit less or the same amount afterwards, since a small amount of liquid remains in the tank). I marked the amounts on my measuring jugs. Doesn't help with C-41 blix though, it still leaks (with my Jobo tank for 35 mm and 120 too).
It is recommended to press the front and back together before screwing the second cap tight. This way the top gets "sucked" down, and won't come off. For me it works.
Enjoyed the video and info on the developing tank David. Especially liked the short music tease with guitar at the end. More please!
Thanks Bill, it’s hard to sit in a room full of guitars and not play one :)
I have one and just used it for the first time the other night. It was, just as you say, very easy to load and once the lid was on the rest of the process was a breeze. Like you I do sort of worry about the lid but when I went to remove it the lid was not all that easy to remove. Love it and a 6 sheet model would be just great and I would definitely get one.
Great to hear your first run with the Stearman was a success Sophie, it’s definitely a great little developing tank!
I have the up combi-plan system which is older but similar, and no longer made. Bought several off eBay over time before the prices got so crazy. It will do 6 at a time, but does use significantly more chemistry. After some practice I find it very easy to load. And you are so right, there's nothing quite like processing your own film for consistency. Nice review.
Didn't catch the typo, hp combi-plan. Auto-correct is not my friend!
Thanks for sharing Robert, I wish the Stearman press did a couple more sheets at a time but I guess you can’t have everything Lol I might have to pick up another tank and use two at a time on those rare days I get a lot of film exposed.
Do you recommend any particular 4x5 film holder - looking to do 4x5 pin hole. Thanks
Hello Wayne, the only brand of film holders I’ve had experience with is the Lisco 4x5 sheet film holders, I purchased them new may years ago, I have no complaints using these film holders. Sorry I’m not going to be able to give you a recommendation, I just don’t have enough experience with other brands but if you are buying new from a reputable manufacturer I would imagine they should work just fine, film holders are a pretty basic device. If you go with used ones, I’d make sure you test them out, probably with some cheap film before you use them making a photo you care about. Wish I could be more help.
Does the lid go on more easily if you loosen the vent cap? I await mine.
Yes that helps, I haven't developed 4x5 for awhile but the lid never came off or gave me a problem, it just felt a bit weird but I really like the tank a lot and would highly recommend it, good luck with your film development!
Thanks for the video. You can also use two tanks to develop more film. Everyone's happy!
makes me glad I bought one of these! You talk about trying to do 5 or 6 sheets in this tank. Would that not need more developer? I thought that 500ml (more or less) was enough for 4 sheets 4x5, one roll 120mm etc etcso assume that a 6 sheet tank would need 750ml or thereabouts?
I really like the tank, I just wish it was a little bit bigger, what I’d love to happen, is the company come out with a tank that could do 6 sheets of film, I’m sure it would need more developer but that would be worth it to me. Even if they did come out with a bigger model I’d still buy the small tank as well, I can see where having both sizes would be useful. What I should probably do is buy another 4 sheet tank and when I need more capacity just use both at the same time, what could go wrong, Lol I used to run a couple tanks of 35mm film all the time many years ago without any problems. Thanks for leaving a comment Chris, have a great day!
Can you develop just 3 sheets? or would i have to adjust the chemical amounts? Thanks in advance.
Yes I've done as few as a single sheet, I think the film displaces so little volume that it should work the same, there seems to be plenty of coverage, I've never experienced a problem developing less than 4 sheets
@@DavidPattonPhotography OUTSTANDING, Thank You. My kit arrives tomorrow with everything i need and I have 3 sheets to develop, thanks a million.
That’s awesome!
Hi David! Timothy Klein (SP owner) sells this product and a 6-sheet version on eBay. It costs $30 more than the 4-sheet version you feature here. Thanks!
Thanks for the information
The Stearman Press 4x5 is a joy. One needs to burp the lid (push in as you tighten the caps creates a vacuum). Rotating head over heels is preferred.
Cool little 4x5 film developer, nice and compact, looks easy to use and saves on chemical supplies.
For sure Agnetha, it’s a great little 4x5 developing tank, I highly recommend it if you are ever in need of developing 4x5 film.
Yes , great product. When I started thinking about dragging out my Goal and 4x5, how was I to deal with film development. I investigated the ''taco'' method, but it saw a video on this product and got one. Since , I have processed 4 sheets and it worked absolutely, perfect. Four sheets is fine for me, as I plan 4 subjects , on a 4x5 project. You know, 1 shot 1 kill . KB
Yep Ken, 1 shot is all it takes, Lol good to hear it worked well for you.
As a professional photographer I do prefer the Combiplan T 5x7 tank.
In which 12 sheetf of 4 x 5 film cab be developed.
It is made in Germany and does not leak at all.
You must not have been the only one to want a 6-shooter. Since this video, they've brought out the SP-645.
The music is fire wow
I have had one for years. It has the old film holders and works great. I will buy the new one so I can do 8 sheets quicker. :)
The tank works well, but the 0-ring doesn't last. It cracks after about a year.
I like the tank but I often don't get the film under the tabs correctly. Those tabs are pretty small and disconnected until the solid slot in filmholders. The burping of the lid is very important. But, one of the most practical tanks on the market.
I agree Erich, the little tabs on the film holder can be a little awkward, if I get the top tabs lined up correctly then the sheet of film tends to slide in effortlessly, if I feel resistance then I back out the film and feel for the top tabs and try again.
@@DavidPattonPhotography Thanks for the advice. I'll follow it rather than my usual keep trying at bottom until it feels like it is in. That can get pretty frustrating. Your approach might lead to better hand coordination. Thanks!
I use a little plumber's grease on the o-ring, the lid goes on and off easily and almost never leaks.
Sounds like a good option Philip, I imagine it wouldn’t take much to get enough lubrication.
Just a thin coat works, I used petroleum jelly the first time and it seemed to get gummy.
Thanks for the tip Philip!
Yes, they make it for 6 now. $127, 20 oz.
The SP-445 works with C-41 too! What I found to be essential is to avoid *too much* liquid, it tends to leak if there's not enough air left. It took me some time to figure this out.
For sure Christian, you can do color processing as well and I’ve also over filled the tank a couple times, I find the little level tab in the fill hole to be hard to see when pouring in the chemistry, well hard to see with these old eyes :)
As a professional photographer I do prefer the Combiplan T 5x7 tank.
In which 12 sheetf of 4 x 5 film cab be developed.
It is made in Germany and does not leak at all.
@@jacovanlith5082 Only available used, as it is no longer produced (sadly). And I'm not fully convinced that an old cap will keep tight with the C-41 blix bath (the one that always leaks for me, even with an otherwise perfekt Jobo 1540 tank); with blix it seems to be a combination of building gas pressure (more than due to the 39° C temperature) and lack of surface tension. No problem with the SP 8x10 daylight tray, but there I get development streaks, no matter how I agitate the tray (at least with Tetenal chemistry, much less with CineStill Cs41). And being a non-pro it looks a bit large for my use.
@@DavidPattonPhotography I have now tested for the amount of liquid actually needed (450 ml for pre-soak, a bit less or the same amount afterwards, since a small amount of liquid remains in the tank). I marked the amounts on my measuring jugs. Doesn't help with C-41 blix though, it still leaks (with my Jobo tank for 35 mm and 120 too).