The Paterson Super System 4 Developing Tanks are simple to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank. It has a large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly. The Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank takes three 35mm films or two 120/220 films. The tank comes without any auto-load reels, these are available separately. The Super System 4 Developing Tanks are designed for the developing of films through agitation of the processing solutions by inversion of the tank using the flexible water tight cap provided, or by rotary agitation using the agitation rod also provided. 300ml of solution is required to develop a single 35mm film and 500ml to develop a single 120/220 film. As a result, developing three 35mm films requires 900ml of solution or 1000ml when developing two 120/220 films. It is essential that in use, the auto-load film reels are always used fixed onto the centre column that also comes with the tank. This ensures that the tank remains light tight during the processing cycle. The reels are designed to grip the centre column and any number from one reel up to tank maximum can be used. Care should be taken when inverse agitation is used with less than a full load of film and chemistry, as it can leas over vigorous agitation of the chemistry.
The Paterson Super System 4 Developing Tanks are simple to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank. It has a large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly. The Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank takes three 35mm films or two 120/220 films. The tank comes without any auto-load reels, these are available separately. The Super System 4 Developing Tanks are designed for the developing of films through agitation of the processing solutions by inversion of the tank using the flexible water tight cap provided, or by rotary agitation using the agitation rod also provided. 300ml of solution is required to develop a single 35mm film and 500ml to develop a single 120/220 film. As a result, developing three 35mm films requires 900ml of solution or 1000ml when developing two 120/220 films. It is essential that in use, the auto-load film reels are always used fixed onto the centre column that also comes with the tank. This ensures that the tank remains light tight during the processing cycle. The reels are designed to grip the centre column and any number from one reel up to tank maximum can be used. Care should be taken when inverse agitation is used with less than a full load of film and chemistry, as it can leas over vigorous agitation of the chemistry.
The Paterson Super System 4 Developing Tanks are simple to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank. It has a large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly. The Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank takes three 35mm films or two 120/220 films. The tank comes without any auto-load reels, these are available separately. The Super System 4 Developing Tanks are designed for the developing of films through agitation of the processing solutions by inversion of the tank using the flexible water tight cap provided, or by rotary agitation using the agitation rod also provided. 300ml of solution is required to develop a single 35mm film and 500ml to develop a single 120/220 film. As a result, developing three 35mm films requires 900ml of solution or 1000ml when developing two 120/220 films. It is essential that in use, the auto-load film reels are always used fixed onto the centre column that also comes with the tank. This ensures that the tank remains light tight during the processing cycle. The reels are designed to grip the centre column and any number from one reel up to tank maximum can be used. Care should be taken when inverse agitation is used with less than a full load of film and chemistry, as it can leas over vigorous agitation of the chemistry.
The Paterson Super System 4 Developing Tanks are simple to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank. It has a large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly. The Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank takes three 35mm films or two 120/220 films. The tank comes without any auto-load reels, these are available separately. The Super System 4 Developing Tanks are designed for the developing of films through agitation of the processing solutions by inversion of the tank using the flexible water tight cap provided, or by rotary agitation using the agitation rod also provided. 300ml of solution is required to develop a single 35mm film and 500ml to develop a single 120/220 film. As a result, developing three 35mm films requires 900ml of solution or 1000ml when developing two 120/220 films. It is essential that in use, the auto-load film reels are always used fixed onto the centre column that also comes with the tank. This ensures that the tank remains light tight during the processing cycle. The reels are designed to grip the centre column and any number from one reel up to tank maximum can be used. Care should be taken when inverse agitation is used with less than a full load of film and chemistry, as it can leas over vigorous agitation of the chemistry.
Last updated at 06/21/2026 10:40:16
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Tank #116
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Paterson Multi-reel 3 Developing Tank (super System 4) (no Reels)
Delivery $5
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Paterson 3 Reel Developing Tank
Delivery $10
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Paterson Multi-reel 3 Developing Tank
Delivery $9.95
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank
Delivery $9.95
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank
Delivery $10
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank
Delivery $9.95
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank PTP116
Delivery between Wed – Fri $15
Paterson Multi-Reel Tank 3
Delivery $35.66
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I tried 4x5 tray development which works but everything has to be done in pitch dark. Also you need to be very cautious to avoid scratches when having several negatives in one development tray. The Paterson 4x5 development tank with the MOD54 reel is a decent option to develop up to 6 negatives at once under regular light. Before starting, I highly recommend watching the video from the manufacturer how to load the MOD54 and how to use the tank with it - I made some critical mistakes by not watching it first. Loading the MOD54 takes some experience. Best to try it a few times in the dark or eyes closed with 6 used (or new spare) film negatives. Avoid stacking negatives by accident which can happen easily when not placing the negative in its designated holder ... MoreI tried 4x5 tray development which works but everything has to be done in pitch dark. Also you need to be very cautious to avoid scratches when having several negatives in one development tray. The Paterson 4x5 development tank with the MOD54 reel is a decent option to develop up to 6 negatives at once under regular light. Before starting, I highly recommend watching the video from the manufacturer how to load the MOD54 and how to use the tank with it - I made some critical mistakes by not watching it first. Loading the MOD54 takes some experience. Best to try it a few times in the dark or eyes closed with 6 used (or new spare) film negatives. Avoid stacking negatives by accident which can happen easily when not placing the negative in its designated holder openings. Next trick is to use the right amount of fluid - use 1000 ml! This ensures the negatives are all covered in the solution. Important: do not agitate as severely as you might do with 35 mm film reels! By doing it too severely, the 4x5 negatives can fall off from the reel and stick together or on the inner tank wall - these negatives will be lost. Best is to use the agitator which comes with the set and slowly rotate the reel back and forward to agitate. This way the negatives will stay in place and won't fall off the reel. Plus: this big tank can be also used to stack three Paterson reels for 35 mm film development. The MOD54 consists of 4 separate parts which can be stacked together - make sure you have the right one on top to avoid snagging of inserted negatives (watch the video!)
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Not a fan of this tank / reel setup for 4x5. I get uneven development on the long edges of my negatives where the curl in, as well as uneven development across the short edge of the negatives. Best I can tell is that the developer isnt spreading evenly; Ive tried more agitation, different agitation, more frequent agitation, but at the end of it, you just cant polish a you-know-what. This tank does seem to do well with my 120 film, so I may keep it for that purpose, but for 4x5, Im looking for other options. Ive had too many negatives from special trips come back just-bad-enough (especially in uniform highlight areas) that I wont be using this anymore. Sample image is attached for reference with a 1.5 - 2 stop burn applied in the sky.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Seems to be no quality control done to ensure the plastic components (where the red portion meets the black) near the top of the tank are properly sealed and fused. This leads to constant leaking.
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.6 x 5.7 x 5.7" |
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Tank #116
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Paterson Multi-reel 3 Developing Tank (super System 4) (no Reels)
Delivery $5
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Paterson 3 Reel Developing Tank
Delivery $10
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Paterson Multi-reel 3 Developing Tank
Delivery $9.95
Paterson Multi-Reel 3 Developing Tank
Delivery $9.95
I tried 4x5 tray development which works but everything has to be done in pitch dark. Also you need to be very cautious to avoid scratches when having several negatives in one development tray. The Paterson 4x5 development tank with the MOD54 reel is a decent option to develop up to 6 negatives at once under regular light. Before starting, I highly recommend watching the video from the manufacturer how to load the MOD54 and how to use the tank with it - I made some critical mistakes by not watching it first. Loading the MOD54 takes some experience. Best to try it a few times in the dark or eyes closed with 6 used (or new spare) film negatives. Avoid stacking negatives by accident which can happen easily when not placing the negative in its designated holder ... MoreI tried 4x5 tray development which works but everything has to be done in pitch dark. Also you need to be very cautious to avoid scratches when having several negatives in one development tray. The Paterson 4x5 development tank with the MOD54 reel is a decent option to develop up to 6 negatives at once under regular light. Before starting, I highly recommend watching the video from the manufacturer how to load the MOD54 and how to use the tank with it - I made some critical mistakes by not watching it first. Loading the MOD54 takes some experience. Best to try it a few times in the dark or eyes closed with 6 used (or new spare) film negatives. Avoid stacking negatives by accident which can happen easily when not placing the negative in its designated holder openings. Next trick is to use the right amount of fluid - use 1000 ml! This ensures the negatives are all covered in the solution. Important: do not agitate as severely as you might do with 35 mm film reels! By doing it too severely, the 4x5 negatives can fall off from the reel and stick together or on the inner tank wall - these negatives will be lost. Best is to use the agitator which comes with the set and slowly rotate the reel back and forward to agitate. This way the negatives will stay in place and won't fall off the reel. Plus: this big tank can be also used to stack three Paterson reels for 35 mm film development. The MOD54 consists of 4 separate parts which can be stacked together - make sure you have the right one on top to avoid snagging of inserted negatives (watch the video!)
Not a fan of this tank / reel setup for 4x5. I get uneven development on the long edges of my negatives where the curl in, as well as uneven development across the short edge of the negatives. Best I can tell is that the developer isnt spreading evenly; Ive tried more agitation, different agitation, more frequent agitation, but at the end of it, you just cant polish a you-know-what. This tank does seem to do well with my 120 film, so I may keep it for that purpose, but for 4x5, Im looking for other options. Ive had too many negatives from special trips come back just-bad-enough (especially in uniform highlight areas) that I wont be using this anymore. Sample image is attached for reference with a 1.5 - 2 stop burn applied in the sky.
Seems to be no quality control done to ensure the plastic components (where the red portion meets the black) near the top of the tank are properly sealed and fused. This leads to constant leaking.
Now I expect a lot of you will give me a hard time about using the taco method for developing my 4x5 negs, but I used that method out of necessity for over a year. I had used a vintage Price Monotank and hangers for some time, but wasn't able to get proper agitation without some sloshing. Enter the MOD54. A whole system enclosed within your standard Patterson system. It holds and loads 6 negatives, I found, easily in a dark bag on my first try. Just a quick double check that the sheets all had spacing in between and I was good to go. The fingers are deep enough, and with the help of the curl, easily hold the sheets securely. I didn't see any scratching like others have noticed, but I guess I'm a little more delicate then most.
There is a definite learning curve to the MOD54. Watch the videos on his site and practice repeatedly! I have been using this for months and am slowly getting the hang of it. The sheets easily pop out of the slots which can lead to problems. You also need to agitate more aggressively than you do with 35mm or 120 in a Paterson tank, too. But when it works you get lovely results.
One reason: The speed of pouring the chemistry is unrivaled. Instead of 30 seconds it takes six. I've been developing film for over fifty years. I always used stainless tanks, since my Dad gave me his. I'm a wiz at loading reels. Never a mishap. I'd already bought the smaller version for two 35mm rolls but this allows me to process two 120 films. BTW-I also bought the Paterson Force Film Washer. Excellent pairing.
While I can understand why some people might find loading the mod54 challenging, I have run across people who have wound film on metal spools to be challenging. I can't imagine using this kit is more difficult than shuffling sheet trays for agitation in absolute darkness. Yes, there is a learning curve and yes like anything worth learning like shooting and developing 4x5 film it is an acquired skill through discipline. Honestly though, this seems achievable by my first impression.I am going to find my development time by the rotation method instead of inversion. First min of full rotation "twiddle" stick action then 15sec every min. The most important critical aspect of any chemistry is the first full minute of agitation. This is where your highlights peak, as ... MoreWhile I can understand why some people might find loading the mod54 challenging, I have run across people who have wound film on metal spools to be challenging. I can't imagine using this kit is more difficult than shuffling sheet trays for agitation in absolute darkness. Yes, there is a learning curve and yes like anything worth learning like shooting and developing 4x5 film it is an acquired skill through discipline. Honestly though, this seems achievable by my first impression.I am going to find my development time by the rotation method instead of inversion. First min of full rotation "twiddle" stick action then 15sec every min. The most important critical aspect of any chemistry is the first full minute of agitation. This is where your highlights peak, as well as most of the mid-tones. The last 80% of dev time is in shadow detail as well as contrast ratio.This combo kit is absolutely worth the price. Kudos to B&H for offering in it in kit form.
The tank is great, seals well and doesn't drip, but the Paterson reels are pretty terrible. They have a minimal lip to lay your negative when you spool the film onto the reel, very difficult to feel in the dark. The Omega Universal reels are far better.
Overall no leakage. Easy to do inversion. However it is quick finicky to put on the film sheets onto the reel. The reel actually SCRATCHES your film on the side. So please keep that in mind. It also consumes double the developer solution needed compared to a stearman press.
Instructions for the 4x5 insert read to gently agitate during development. Out of the box the insert is too loose to be turned using the vertical tube. It just slid around without turning the insert. I drilled both and added a stainless steel screw which solved the problem. Works great now.
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.6 x 5.7 x 5.7" |
