16mm Multi-Reel Film Developing Tank

thingiverse

This developing tank allows for developing up to 120 feet of 16mm in one batch using minimal chemistry (estimated 750ml with a full batch). It can be printed on a 185mmX185mm print bed. I've made the pour/drain holes large enough for quick filling. The carryover left in the tank and the light baffles should be ~50ml, or about 5%. The reel is relatively easy to load if you set it on the lower tank and slowly crank the film on, but I recommend practicing in daylight and then in dark with a test role a few times to get the feel of it and recognize when it isn't loading correctly. if using 1R film (single perf), I recommend putting the not perf side into the spiral, even with super 16. I haven't experiences any uneven development where the film is in the groves, and it is less likely to bind or tear when loading without the perfs. If you are loading an entire 30-odd feet, you can tape the end of the film onto the side to make sure it doesn't come unwound during development. When developing, I recommend turning the crank counter-clockwise to help prevent the film from unwinding. Constant slow agitation seems to work well. About one rotation every 3 to 4 seconds. This design has shown to load easier than my larger reel design, which means less opportunity for a mistake and error in development. Don't print the "cutaway", which is an assembled model shown as a reference. You will need to print 2 of each washer, and 4 latches. Everything else only needs one print.