Paterson Super System 4 Universal Developing Tank

There's something pretty special about developing your own film. And the Paterson Super System 4 Universal Developing Tank is a great place to start.

A familiar sight in darkrooms for decades, the Paterson tank is a straightforward, dependable way to process film at home. Whether you're developing your first roll of black and white or putting together a more complete darkroom setup, it's one of those pieces of equipment you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

The Universal Tank is designed to hold two rolls of 35mm film or one roll of 120 film at a time. Its adjustable reels also accommodate other formats, including 126 and 127, making it a useful option if you shoot with a few different cameras.

Once your film is loaded onto the reels in complete darkness and the tank is secured, the rest of the developing process can take place in normal room light. Add your chemistry, follow your developing times, agitate as required and you're on your way.

It's a simple, practical piece of equipment that takes some of the mystery out of developing your own photographs.

And there's a certain satisfaction in pulling your freshly developed negatives from the reel and seeing what you've captured.

Best for

Anyone getting started with home film developing, photographers looking to process their own 35mm or medium format film, and more experienced shooters putting together a reliable darkroom setup.

What to expect

The Paterson Universal Tank is designed to make the developing process manageable without needing a permanent darkroom.

You'll still need to load your film in complete darkness, either in a darkroom or using a changing bag. Once the film is inside and the tank is properly closed, you can work in normal light.

The adjustable reels make it easy to switch between supported film formats, while the tank's light-tight design lets you pour chemicals in and out without exposing your film.

The tank itself doesn't develop your photographs automatically. You'll need the appropriate developer, stop bath where required, fixer and other chemistry suited to the film you're processing, along with a thermometer and measuring equipment.

Please check the supplied photographs and confirmed package contents before purchasing.

Developing

This product is used to develop photographic film.

It can be used for black and white and compatible colour film processes when the correct chemistry, temperatures, timings and agitation methods are followed.

For colour processes such as C-41 and E-6, accurate temperature control is particularly important.

The tank is reusable and can be cleaned between developing sessions.