Usage:
It is recommended to try the film insertion procedure first, in the light and with a scrap film, and to try the tank with water to get the hang of it!
IN THE LIGHT
Prepare in the changing bag or darkroom:
- The tank
- The lid, separate but with the cap screwed on
- The three loose frames
IN TOTAL DARKNESS
Insert the films:
You can load them onto the frames in at least two ways, but ALWAYS by keeping the emulsion facing away from the frame:
- by sliding the film from the top and then sliding it under the bottom tab and pushing it under the top tab
- by bending the film to insert first one side edge, then the other, slide it under the bottom tab and push it under the top one
Each frame can hold two films; if you develop less than six, try to distribute them evenly among several frames
Each time you fill a frame, slide it into place in the tank.
I recommend keeping the tank horizontal and loading it starting from the bottom.
It may happen that you stick the second frame “sideways,” but you will notice it immediately by touch.
ALWAYS put ALL FRAMES IN THE TANK, even if they are empty. However small their volume affects the minimum volume of chemistry required, their absence could result in uneven film development.
Check everything by feel, slip the lid on the tank, pushing it in well, making sure you have left no films out.
You can remove everything from the changing bag or turn on the light.
IN THE LIGHT, AGAIN
Take the tank, open the latch latch by turning it upward and holding it in place slip the lace under the latch, pulling well but not too hard. Keep the lace taut as you lower the latch.
Now the tank is tight, just enough for flipping and movement during development.
CAUTION the tank is watertight but not completely sealed; if you wring it out or turn it upside down, a few drops will always come out. Operate on the sink or over a container.
Load development chemicals.
Consider 350cc of liquid the minimum needed (and the recommended value) to get to cover the entire film (about 4-5mm above the top edge). 380cc is the maximum the tank can hold, before you get to the lid and air vent.
It means that with Rodinal 1:50 there are 7cc of Rodinal and water up to 350.
Liquids can be poured easily into the wide part of the cap opening (7), being careful not to pour them into the air duct (8) or occlude it. A funnel is generally not necessary but you can screw on the included one!
Keep the development lid on for shutdown flushing, filling and emptying the tank with clean water.
Emptying the tank
Empty the tank in a smooth, firm motion, always keeping it straight and not turning it flat.
The air line opens inside the tank lid on the opposite side from the cap, and it should be held up.
With a minimum of practice outlet will allow you to pour with a fast, continuous and regular flow, to recover development or fixing without even having to use a funnel.
Washing the film
Replace the lid with the red washing lid (BYDET) (6), no need to stop it with the lace. For thorough washing, place the tank in the sink and let a moderate, steady flow of water into the funnel-shaped mouthpiece (8). After passing through the front grid system and washing the film, it will drain out by overflowing through the appropriate openings (10).
https://www.lucavascon.net/blog/ddtanika45/
Credits: Remarcle font on the tank is by Tup Wanders.
Thanks to Marc Anthony Cherubin for the first inspiration and encouragement in this project. To Samuele Piccoli for believing in it, to Alice Martignon for the support, Jeff Starley for all the checks. To all the beta-testers for their time (you know who you are! 😉