How Does a Film Developing Tank Work?
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Parts of the Tank
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A film developing tank is made up of several parts: the tank itself, its cover and a hollow tube. The hollow tube is placed in the center base of the tank. The top of the canister is similar to a funnel. It allows the developing liquids to be neatly poured into the canister. Once the cap is screwed on tightly, most outside light will be blocked out. The tank will also include a cover, which should be placed over the tank as often as possible. This ensures that no light comes into the tank, and that liquid does not spill from the tank during the developing process.
How the Tank Works
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A film developing tank works by keeping light out. Film is made up of extremely light-sensitive crystals, and any contact with light will ruin the film. So it is the job of the film developing tank to protect the film inside from any light as it is being processed. In setting up the tank, the film is taken out of its canister and wound onto plastic or metal reels in a pitch-black room. These reels keep the film from sticking together and allow the film-developing fluid to hit the film strips cleanly. The reels, which have a doughnut-like hole in the center, are then placed around the hollow tube, which secures the reels in place. Depending on their size, film developing tanks can hold anywhere from a single reel to five or seven reels.
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Working With the Tank
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After you have secured the reels, you must make sure the lid is screwed on tightly. Some film developing tanks instead have snap-on lids. Regardless of the kind of lid the tank has, feel around on all sides to make sure it is on securely, as you will be agitating and pouring water from it frequently. Once the lid is screwed or snapped into place, seal the tank and develop the film as usual, agitating as instructed on the back of the film box. The funnel allows the fluid to flow through the hollow tube and into the tank. After you have finished the processing, pour out the liquid and clean the tank for its next use.
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