think of the 120 module as a weston bulk 35 mm film loader, it works the same way!, the module first adds the film into a 'chamber', locks it light tight, so you can access the taped end (not used in the camera, only an end piece); asseble the leader onto the reel's 'fishing line', then shut up shop, open the chamber, transfer onto the developing tank reel, then the process follows the 35 mm workflow.

Seems like a fun product - but personally I don't mind using a dark bag and a Paterson tank, for me it's not a hassle. I get the impression, that all those little clips, cogs, and snap-together parts may fail, which would render the entire system useless. But anyway guys, a really informative video so - THANKS!

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Ya I’ve actually just been using my Patterson and unloading/loading in the bathroom since it has no light. Plus I can do more than 1 roll. Dark bags are a bit annoying but once you get the hang of them I’m sure it’s not to bad. Thanks for sharing!

Film photography youtubers have it difficult. You guys deserve more subscribers. Great vid 👍

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

Moxxaa much appreciated!

one tip, the term INVERSION is what you are doing (turning the tank upside down), another term/tecnique is used in developing, called Agitation, this is the rotation of a spool type canister to displace air, and to cause the chemistry to "flow" over the emulsion's surface.

Only down side of Lab Box compared to Patterson is that you can only develop 1 roll at a time instead of 2. I got the lab box, just in case of an Armageddon. But, I'll still send my film to a lab. Scanning myself is already a huge task which takes a load of time. [i.e- need a portable scanner solution..more than a portable developer]

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

eladbari agreed. Recently started dslr scanning my own negatives and it is intensive process. Makes me think even more before taking a shot.

Just picked up a Agfa U35 tank, it's pretty much the same for the 35mm only. Would be interested in seeing them side by side to compare

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

From my research they are basically the same minus some esthetic features so I think development would be about the same. Like I said it just comes down to ones brand new and one is 40-50 years old. I agree I would be curious about seeing side by side as well

It is a copy of the Agfa Rondinax. Patented by Agfa in the 1930's.

@graham_white

3 жыл бұрын

Correct.

stop, you DON'T need scissors!- there is a lever inside the 135 module, hidden inside the cutout, pulling up on this lever cuts the film (the blade protrudes between the two metal rollers in the top of the 135 module), HINT: you can use the cutter for the 'leader' to, not just at the end (to jetison the film from the spool inside the canister).

Next time if you don't want to use the leader catching devise to pull the leader out of the cassette. All you need to do in not rewind the film all the way back into the cassette when you're done shooting. Rewind the film until you hear it disengage from the take up spool and stop. Open the back of the camera and you will see the leader of the film still out of the cassette.

Do they ship those chemicals in the us? I’m having trouble finding it on there website

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

Yes they do. What site were you checking? I’m sure if you google it you will get a few options

I have been using the LAB-BOX for about 2 months now, I like it a lot, but I ruined two 120 rolls (salvaged only 5 photos in total) because the film just won't go on the spool as it should. Yes, I followed instruction to the T, it is a no-brainer, but alas, 2 out of 2 is a no-go-no-more for me. No way I can ever be sure the 120 goes in correctly. 35mm spool is flawless, easy. Not that grabbing the Paterson is a real setback, but I can sure do without the changing bag. Perhaps you guys know what I could possibly be doing wrong with 120?

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

SJOOT ME hmm interesting. Maybe we got lucky but ours loaded properly. You say it’s not loading into the spool properly but you separated the paper and loaded into the dark bay fine without exposing it to light correct? How did it load onto the spool? Crinkles up or just no separation between layers? If it’s a development issue and not an light exposure issue via the camera or the light safe compartment in the 120 attachment I would pull a little bit more out when attaching to the reel. Remember you have a little bit of space before the 1st exposure. Also could do a dry run and find a dead roll or sacrifice a cheap roll to do it with the lid off and see if all the pieces are working properly. Might not be your fault! Could be a defective spool or something so I would check all the components. Maybe it’s not secured properly and has to much space so the 120 isn’t snagging in both sides. Let me know

@sjootme8496

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white no separation, it rolled 100% on the top of the spool. The second time I pulled it out as much as I could, then also turning the knob very slowly. Yeah, you're right, I need to try again with a dummy. Thanks for the quick response, appreciate it, I like your futuristic-analog style, going all Minority Report with your intros :). Cheers.

@sjootme8496

4 жыл бұрын

Wow, that second sentence didn't come out right...wait, I mean, oh never mind ;p

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

SJOOT ME haha. No problem. Few free to send me pictures/video of it via Instagram and maybe I can trouble shoot. Much appreciated 🙏🏻 more to come but this dang futuristic stuff takes time. Let me know if you have anymore questions!

@ofeykalakar1

4 жыл бұрын

I ruined two rolls of 35 mm B&W film. The take-up spool is poorly designed- I had to go back to the Arista-P (AP) spool and dark bag method and Paterson style tank. 100% reliable. The AP spool is what the lab box needs. The spool and clip system they have now is hit and miss. More miss than hit!

Nice to see another face on the channel!

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

Im always down for adding faces.

@Nidave-ck4jz

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white Btw also nice to see a new video on you channel 😍.

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

@@Nidave-ck4jz more coming very soon

What did you do wrong with the 120?

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

I have to check but I'm almost positive we under developed it and just looked at the wrong timing.

I I want to see the case of "color" negative film....

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

I'll see what I can do

In all honesty this is just a trap for a beginner/amateur who is too intimidated by loading film in the dark. The loading procedures for this product are complex enough that if you are capable of performing them, you can load film in the dark no problem after a try or two using conventional supplies. And at 10 bucks for a paterson tank off of ebay, and a 5 buck brand new dark changing bag, 200 bucks for this system that is only really useful to the extremely uninitiated for their first couple of rolls is an utter joke. Solution looking for a problem if I ever saw one.

@graham_white

3 жыл бұрын

Can’t really argue with you. I haven’t used this since actually. Patterson tank is just more compact and offers multiple rolls. And I just load in a blacked out bathroom so don’t even need the bag. The price is what really turned me off. Loading prices is slightly quicker if you’re not used to a dark bag. But if your only doing 1 roll at a time your literally paying extra to develop twice as slow. 🤷‍♂️I think they would have been better off making a 2-4 wheel tank. That I would take a second look at.

Tom Cruise at 0.58

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

haha

Hi guys. Anyone have maybe a problem with a left scratch on the whole length of the film (135)? I found some people with same issue. I have asked Ars-Imago, but they don't know what is going on. Thx.

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

hmm. my guess is the tolerances were off somewhere along manufacturing. or there is a tab or something projecting off the housing where it shouldn't. Any way the film wasn't set properly in the tank? or tension was low causing it to sag and rub. I would use a dummy roll and load with the canister open to diagnose.

@prj2266

4 жыл бұрын

​@@graham_white Hi Graham. I did this. I tested several rolls from a different companies. Even I opened a tank and did this careful. I am pretty sure that grey loader is doing this somehow. The line is overlapping with him. As well I I sanded lightly this loader from the bottom, because I found some sharply elements. Still same situation. I contacted with Ars-Image and we are having now a conversation via Facebook, but they are still mention that this is not possible... I want to send this tank to them. We will see. I am tired now. I bought a new product and doesn't work as should be... Cheers, Pawel.

@prj2266

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white I am sure that I load film correctly. Eh...

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

@@prj2266 hmm that is very odd. my last thought would be if you used the same camera for all these rolls then is it possible there is something in the back that is creating that scratch on each roll? if you have used multiple cameras and had same result that would debunk that though. Let me know what the results are I am very curious, will have to look at it again and see if I can figure something out.

@prj2266

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white Strange... Yes - I used 3 different cameras (included Pinhole). This was my first thought - camera is doing this. But no. No lines after using camera. I found also some comment by David Bekaert about this here: www.japancamerahunter.com/2019/06/photography-ars-imago-lab-box-monobath-review/ - seems like he has same problem.

Hello, i'm sorry, where i can buy the lab box?

@graham_white

3 жыл бұрын

There are a lot of options, just Google it you can take your pick. cinestillfilm.com/collections/newest-products/products/labbox-daylight-developing-tank?variant=28877542653986&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjcCK6ZWM7QIVmonICh3Hcwf0EAAYASAAEgJ5IvD_BwE

I have to admit I'm confused by this product. It seems a bit like a solution in search of a problem.

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

I kind of agree. I Can't see any film photographer desperate to develop film while traveling and hauling all gear/chemicals unless its just some weekend road trip with friends and you're that impatient. I like the all in one compact setup but not sure it's substantial enough to switch from a less expensive alternative like a Patterson and a dark bag. Still can't decide. But on the bright side I think its brought more people into the scene by making it seem less intimidating and helping gratify that "instantaneous satisfaction" that might keep people away.

@mattmaber

4 жыл бұрын

Have to totally disagree, I have tried patterson with a friend and utterly hated the experience. I really enjoy lab box though and have so far done 4 I think 35mm and 1 120. I look forward to using it. My plan is to use it a couple of times a month if possible. If youre deving loads of rolls and enjoy it then sure, patterson is great, but for the likes of me this is a great option.

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

@@mattmaber If you're only developing a single roll every now and then and want a compact setup then yes the Lab box is a quicker. What I don't see is anyone using it as a "travel" setup bringing along chemicals etc in addition to this box and whatever film gear you bring. Once you get the hang of a Patterson and loading film in a dark bag it's not enjoyable but it does get quicker and I would think the agitation is better as well given the more drastic movement. and if your shooting more than a single roll every now and then the Patterson is definitely a time saver developing multiple rolls. But I do agree with you that the lab box is a better option for the average enthusiast shooting a couple rolls now and then and I won't argue with you that it is definitely more enjoyable to use.

@mattmaber

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white Is it being marketed as a "travel" developer? I cant say I've seen anything along those lines. Also, good luck taking chems through airports!

@eladbari

4 жыл бұрын

@@mattmaber Only down side of Lab Box compared to Patterson is that you can only develop 1 roll at a time instead of 2. I got the lab box, just in case of an Armageddon. But, I'll still send my film to a lab. Scanning myself is already a huge task which takes a load of time. [i.e- need a portable scanner solution..more than a portable developer]

it looks like Rondinax 60

@graham_white

3 жыл бұрын

Basically is

does c41 chem work on this?

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

Anneliese Long yes it does

@annelieselong7448

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white How did it turn out? Im nervous how to temp it when its inside.

@graham_white

4 жыл бұрын

@@annelieselong7448 I haven't tried it with the lab box. what do you normally develop with? I'm back to using a Patterson tank for the time being until I decide to invest in the lab box. but it works the same way as a Patterson in the sense that you bring your water/chemicals to the temperature before adding it to the tank. there is no way to check temp while processing but if your intentionally on getting It correct before adding it won't significantly during the development time more than any other method.

@annelieselong7448

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white I use C41 to develop. I've been having problems w the reel so I thought this be easier. I can do it anytime. Thanks for the vice!

@annelieselong7448

4 жыл бұрын

@@graham_white Is it still developer @102 F and Blix @10 degrees?