Stearman Press SP-445 Compact 4 x 5″ Film Processing System for 4 Sheets

Introduction

Discover the convenience and ease of using this revolutionary system for processing 4×5 sheet film!

Experience the frustration no longer! With Stearman Press SP-445 Compact 4 x 5″ Film Processing System, you can easily and affordably process your own large format sheet film. Passionately developed through multiple prototypes and extensive experimentation, this system provides the most efficient and cost-effective solution for processing 4×5 film. Plus, it only requires 16 ounces of solution to process up to four sheets of film,designed for minimal chemical use.

Features:

• Process up to four sheets of 4×5 film at a time
• Uses only 16 oz (475ml) of solution
• Easy to load: just like a film holder
• Daylight safe
• Fills and drains quickly
• Inversion agitation for uniform development, stand development or anything in-between
• Built-in liquid level indicators
• Easy use of a thermometer during processing
• Rugged ABS plastic
• Industry standard O-ring seal

Directions:

Getting started checklist:

1. Make sure the O-ring seal is properly seated in the groove in the lid.
2. Check that the Rack is orientated with the slots for the film holders facing inside the tank.
3. Confirm that the baffles are in the correct slots (see diagram).
4. Check to make sure that the film holder’s fingers are free from any molding flash.
5. Make sure the notches in the hold-down lugs allow the lid to close with the film holders in place.
6. Wet the O-ring with water and seat the lid several times to make sure everything slides together easily. Use the alignment lugs to determine the orientation.
7. Verify that the caps have seals in them and that they fit correctly on the lid. Don’t over tighten.

Notes:

• Make sure you get the film holders into the correct slots! Do not cross-load the first one.
• Note that the level indicators are only correct with both film holders installed!
• We suggest that you practice loading the film holders in daylight with scrap film. You should also practice loading the film holder into the tank. Now do it with your eyes closed.

Loading the tank:

1. Remove the lid and both film holders. Make sure rack and baffles are correctly installed.
2. You probably need to do the next steps in complete darkness.
3. Holding the film holder in one hand, carefully slide a sheet of film into place, emulsion side up.
4. Repeat for the other side.
5. Slide the film holder into the tank. Be careful to get it in the corresponding slots.
6. Load the other film holder and slide it into the tank.
7. Use the locator nubs to align the lid with the tank.
8. Press the lid into place.
   Note: one port is marked Fill/Drain and the other is marked Vent.
   Always fill and empty the tank using the Fill/Drain port.

Filling the tank:

1. Remove both caps.
2. Quickly fill the tank (via the Fill/ Drain Port.)
3. Start your timer. (It is important to be consistent.)
4. Tap the tank firmly on the bench to dislodge any air bubbles
5. Install the vent cap.
6. While gently squeezing the tank, (you can see the liquid level in Fill/ Drain outlet rise a bit), install the Fill/ Drain cap.
7. Start agitation by inverting the tank, holding it inverted for 1 second, then turning it right side up for 1 second.

Agitation:

Everyone one has their own technique, so you’ll want to experiment. However, we’ve found that 4 inversion cycles every 30 seconds is a good place to start.

Emptying the tank:

Remove the “Vent” cap to allow air to enter the tank while pouring.

We like to hold the tank with the palm of our hand and wrap our thumb around the vent to ensure that the lid stays down while pouring.

Wash/rinse:

Our testing has shown that 7 to 10 minutes with slowly running water into the Fill/ Drain port (with both caps removed) provides sufficient wash.

However, everyone’s setup is unique, we recommend testing your wash procedure with a Residual Fixer Test kit.

Wetting Agents:

Fill the tank with a wetting agent (we suggest our SP-H2O Flow), reinstall the caps and agitate for 45-60 seconds.

You don’t need to get violent but we recommend continuous motion.

The film should now slide out of the holders with almost no resistance.

In The Box:

Stearman Press SP-445 Compact 4 x 5″ Film Processing System for 4 Sheets
Tank
Lid
Stearman Press 4 x 5″ Film Holders for SP-445 Tank (2-Pack) (New design, Rev 4)
Baffle Set
2 x Stearman Press Caps for SP-445 Tank Lid
Stearman Press O-Ring for SP-445 Tank Lid
Limited 90-Day Manufacturer Warranty