The future of home film processing? Beta testing B’s film processor “TR” prototype

I am beta testing this prototype film processor for the community. This is a behind the scenes overview of the upgraded model.
I also experimented with processing Kodak Portra 400 in ECN-2 chemistry. Results and discussion inside. Thanks again to Rico Kinnard who gave me the idea with his work.
Rico's Instagram page (@RicoKinnard): / ricokinnard
A few of Rico's images cross-processed using ECN-2 film:
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[@JamieMPhoto]

The original was already great, but this one looks phenomenal. Love how compact it is, as well.

[@CertainExposures]

Yes, I agree. This one looks a lot cleaner.

[@randallstewart175]

From the video, it appears that the tank is partly rotated then reversed and back again in a manner which causes it to progressively advance around a full rotation of the tank over a period of a minute or so. This would mean that once "wetted" film would be agitated by tank rotation several times before the rotation advances sufficiently to pull the film up into the undunked top of the tank for ?? time until the tank has completed a full rotation again. If this is how it works, it looks to me like a receipe for uneven development, so maybe I misunderstood. In any event, this seems just a tank or drum rotation device like those common in the 1980-90s when color work at home was popular, except those tanks rotated the tank much faster and do at least one full rotation before reversing. Frankly, that seems less complicated, more reliable and cheaper to build. Since Paterson tanks tend to blow off their lids if the process builds up any internal pressure, perhaps a different brand of tank would be more appropriate. The squared off wheels on one side of the unit seem intended to give the tank a bump as they rotate. Not sure what that purpose would be

[@CertainExposures]

Hi, Randall. At 4:10 I show two 4x5 negatives that were evenly developed using this processor. The rotation amounts are independently adjustable in each direction and so is the speed. This unit has a max rpm of ~39 which is about 9x the original. I displayed it rotating in its midrange speed. The bumpy wheels are for additional agitation and I use them when developing large format. I used the bumpy wheels to develop the 4x5 negatives shown here. It is true that fresh C-41’s blix stage can blow the lid off of a Patterson container if you are not careful. I experienced that first hand with the previous B’s processor. I recommend slightly opening the top cover right after closing it to allow trapped air to escape. You’ll hear an audible “sigh,” and then the tank top will sink. There won’t be a problem after that. Jobo tanks are compatible with this unit as long as they fit the minimum tank length of 4.5 inches (117mm).

[@randallstewart175]

@@CertainExposures So, my experience (Unicolor 352 base) has been that if there is any weight imbalance in the tank (such as extra plastic for the top, internal funnel, etc.) or if the tank is tapered (Paterson ?), as it rotates, it tends to "walk" toward one end of the roller base until it falls off. seed of rotation, direction of same, are not going to effect that. Adding what I suspect is an unnecessary "bump" wheel in the rotation would tend to exacerbate that problem. What's your experience. (I say that the bump wheel seems unnecessary, as a "tank tap" is to loosen bubbles formed by inversion agiaton. With rotation agitation, you do not get such bubble formation.)

[@CertainExposures]

@@randallstewart175 Benoît solved this by using rubber bands around the tank. If you take a look at 1:51 you will see that I have two rubber bands around the top end of the tank just under the opening. So far, this has worked well. Even with the bumpy wheels at a speed of 6 or lower in my experience. As the tank walks, the bands push the tank back on track. I have not yet used the unit beyond speed 6. I could do a quick test of that in the future. Unfortunately, I cannot add much value to your comment about the necessity of the bumpy wheels because I have not tested multiple exposed sheets with them and without them on this particular unit. Some of Benoîts customers have mentioned issues with uneven development or streaks without the bumpy wheels on 4x5 film with the previous model. He introduced the bumpy wheels to solve that problem, and I believe he has examples of the improvement that he could share if you reach out to him.

[@alexiscuarezma]

"I also experimented with processing Kodak Portra 400 in ECN-2 chemistry. Results and discussion inside." sorry, I can't figure out what you mean by "Results and discussion inside". I looked on your site and couldn't find anything. Would love to see the Portra 400 in ECN-2 chem. Thanks for all the awesome videos.

[@CertainExposures]

Hi! The results and discussion I referred to is at 3:54 in this video. I show the negative inverted and talk about my observations. Thanks for watching

[@alexiscuarezma]

@@CertainExposures ahh got you. Thanks man

[@timverheijen2622]

Have you guys thought about making it waterproof? That way you can dump the whole lot in a heated water bath and keep the temperature consistent even in the tank

[@CertainExposures]

Hi, Tim. I am just a beta-tester! Benoît designed and created the unit himself. I will share your comment if he hasn't seen it already. The unit is splashproof on top. I do not believe that it is waterproof and I cannot comment on how possible that would or would not be.

[@RicoPhotography]

Awesome video and thanks for the shout out 🙌🏾🙌🏾 -Rico

[@CertainExposures]

Thanks, Rico. Keep it up 👍🏿

[@gerardodalchielelueiro6818]

iT LOOKS VERY GOOD CONGRATULATIONS FROM ARGENTINA

[@CertainExposures]

Thanks! I need to visit Argentina some day. I love all the footage I’ve seen of Patagonia.

[@eddie_g]

This is really cool. I’ll have to look more into it.

[@CertainExposures]

Check out the unboxing video on my website for a tour of the body's features. You can skip to 5:00 since you've seen this: www.certainexposures.com/blog-posts/bs-film-processor-tr

[@eddie_g]

@@CertainExposures will do

[@tasost2161]

The think is that we need a processor inside a hot water wille rotation to keep the temperature steady

[@CertainExposures]

Hi Tasos! That would be the “ultimate” solution for people who want absolute perfection. The trade offs in terms of footprint, price, and user friendliness compared to Benoit’s unit would not be appealing (that’s why I do not want a Jobo) and in my experience you can achieve acceptable results without heated submersion. I will share several examples of negatives and slides that may challenge your view. Unfortunately, that will not come any time soon because some of my production equipment did not survive 2020. Stay tuned!

[@TannerGarcia]

Hey all! First, I just subscribed! Second, I am BRAND NEW to film. 4 years shooting digital. I realized after my first two rolls that this is going to be expensive. So I bought a whole kit to process at home and I am fixing to buy a scanner. What I noticed was that my negatives were drying and seemed to have a film build-up. I am maintaining temperature, using CineStill CS41, 2 bath solution with distilled water, and a 3 solution for the final rinse with distilled. What I was hoping to ask is, how do you prevent that build-up? It seems that my 36 exposure is too long and possibly drying before it drips off? I read on Kodak's site that you can use 98% isopropyl and a lint-free cloth to give it a once over. I also rewashed after steaming my restroom with the shower and drying a second time. Luckily, this roll was nothing too important, and just giving this a go, though I would like some advice from anyone actually on how to get a cleaner final negative. Thank you in advance and I am going to go check out your page!

[@CertainExposures]

Hey, congrats on catching the film bug 🙂. I noticed this problem disappeared for me on days when the ambient temperature in my room increased. So, I bought a mini space heater. Your mileage may vary though. Give it a shot!

[@jimitav]

Hello, do you have anything new on the processor? Were you able to do a review?

[@CertainExposures]

Hello, yes please stay tuned! I completed a gallery of 35mm images. I’m still planning to finish more before sharing my thoughts. Progress is at a snail’s pace right now because I have a bigger juggling act to dedicate my time to than last year.

[@jimitav]

@@CertainExposures Hey sure, thanks. I have already ordered mine and waiting for it to arrive.

[@yennivallejo3381]

Dan, Where are You? I really miss you

[@CertainExposures]

I just saw this and I messaged you!

[@cloudsilver1]

This is so cool!!

[@CertainExposures]

It is! I will update everyone here when it is released to the public.

[@CertainExposures]

Franklin just FYI, I’ll answer your spot metering flash question this weekend with a large format B&W self portrait.

[@cloudsilver1]

Certain Exposures that’s great! I’ll be waiting for it.. thanks again 😊

[@CertainExposures]

Hey, I didn’t forget about you. I have an intro clip recorded but life happened. You’ll see something soon

[@cloudsilver1]

Certain Exposures no worries! thanks for letting me know.. but really, take your time, we will be here always 😊

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Talking for experience, this is going to leak like crazy, second of all, this will probably work with sheet film but it will cause development streaks on 35 and 120 films, almost guarenteed.

[@CertainExposures]

Hi B! At some point I’ll share more work that I developed with this unit. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results. Developing processes like c-41 and e6 that emit gas can require extra attention to detail when using a Patterson tank because of their poor lid design. However, that’s necessary even without using this processor. I may switch to a different tank design to fix that because Benoît’s processor can accommodate other designs.