Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4)
The Paterson Super System 4 Universal Tank is constructed from high-impact polystyrene that stands up to high volume use. This tank has no hidden parts, and is always easy to keep clean.
The Super System 4 Tanks are durable, easy to use, and provide consistent, even film development.
They feature a unique snap-in light trapping funnel for quick filling and emptying, to ensure even development and precise processing times.
Super System 4 Tanks offer a choice of agitation methods; use inversion agitation, rotary agitation with the removable agitator rod supplied, or a combination of both.
The Paterson Universal tank takes up to two rolls of 35mm film. Comes with one multiformat reel for 35mm, 126, 127, 120, or 220 rolls. Accepts a second reel when using 35mm or 126 film.
- The thoughtful design of Super System 4 includes a funnel which locks in place to keep reels secure. And as an extra safety feature, the cap cannot be locked if the funnel is improperly seated.
- Chemicals pour without splash, and solution quantities are permanently indicated on the bottom of every tank.
- All parts are interchangeable.
- The Super System 4 is simpler to load, faster to fill and easier to clean than any other tank.
- A large diameter one piece lid and funnel which clips into place positively and securely, enabling the tank to be filled and emptied quickly.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 46 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easily cleaned (29)
- Consistent reactions (19)
- Compact (16)
- Easy to use (9)
- Durable (6)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (6)
- Poor quality (3)
Best Uses
- Developing (32)
- Photography (11)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (20), Pro photographer (8), Semi-pro photographer (7), Casual photographer (6), Enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (31)
Most Liked Positive Review
Very Affordable, Easy To Use Tank
I'll admit, the main reason I went with this tank was the price and secondly that I could develop both 35mm and 120 film with it. That being said I find it to be ...Read complete review
I'll admit, the main reason I went with this tank was the price and secondly that I could develop both 35mm and 120 film with it. That being said I find it to be quite nice though I haven't used any other tanks so take that for what it's worth. Feeding 35mm film onto the spool is a piece of cake while 120 is just slightly more challenging (I probably just need more practice.) If there is any real downside to this tank it is that it takes a bit of time to put the lid on and make certain it is sealed, not much mind you but longer I imagine than other tanks which just have a cap, and if you don't get it sealed all the way around it will obviously leak. Also, it is fairly large so if you are going to use this with a changing bag I'd recommend it be a larger one.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good for the money
The cap is hard to install. Good value for the money. The included agitator is very handy.
The cap is hard to install. Good value for the money. The included agitator is very handy.
Reviewed by 46 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I've put 3 rolls of film through it so far and have had no problems with the product! It works great. I was really pleased to see that it came with TWO reels so you can do 2 rolls of 35mm at a time. The lid is a little bit harder to get on when you put the chemicals in than the little black cap on the stainless steel tanks, but for the price, I can deal with it. Great little product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Super system compatible
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I would not hesitate to buy this system if you're getting into developing your own film. Very simple to use, and it's great that the system pieces are interchangeable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Product works like it is supposed to and is easy to use.. comes with 2 reels
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Product is good. Just put the lid on tight when agitating or else water does leak out. It's simple to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I use this product with the Jobo C-41 colour processing kit and it worked great! The reel is easy to load and adjust for different film sizes! The only drawback it the lid isnt always completely tight and some chemicals do leak when agitatin or shaking the tank.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Use it in school because the reels there are awful. It's affordable an makes loading much much easier. I'm just hoping the plastic holds up for the use I'll give it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Black white developing
- Film developing
- Portraits
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
These reels are so easy to use, especially compared to the metal clip kind. It makes my life so much easier to get through film development!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Flimsy Construction
- Spool not properly sized
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Underwater
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Got this tank to develop B&W 120 film, i expanded the spool to the larger size to fit 120 film, turned the lights off to start rapping the film and the spool was too small. It bent my film and ruined a roll.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Just what I needed for class. You can put an extra reel in and develop two at a time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
nice durable materials. super easy to use and easy to clean. film loads quickly by turning just one side of the reel. easy to put together in the dark and seal tight. cleans quick and is super compact to store.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Consistent Reactions
- Easily Cleaned
Cons
- Poor Construction
Best Uses
- Developing
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
This tank is very good. It's light tight, easy to use, and easy to assemble in the dark. I only have two issues with it. First, the tank leaks badly. I use 100ml extra developer and fixer than called for just to make sure the leaks don't cause uneven development. Secondly, the plastic reel that came with the tank has ball bearings that are rusting and snagging the film making it very difficult to load 120 film onto the reel. For an inexpensive tank, it's very simple to use and works.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durability
- Easily Cleaned
- Multiple applications
- Reliability
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- BW Development
- C41 development
- Developing
- E6 development
- Photography
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I use the Paterson universal tank and reel for developing b&w and colour negative/positive film. The system is easy to use and is consistent with the Paterson name of reliability and strong build.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Consistent Reactions
- Easily Cleaned
Cons
Best Uses
- Developing
- Photography
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Bought it, it showed up (came with two reels!), cleaned it out, popped in some film, and the rest is history. Perfect piece of equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
This is a well designed developing tank that is sturdy and gives reproducible results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Dual format 35 and 120
- Easily Cleaned
- Easy to load reel
- Tight lid
Cons
- Not so compact
Best Uses
- Developing
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I bought this to develop my own Black and white 120 and 35mm negative film. After reading some reviews on it I decided to go ahead and buy it. Turns out this tank is great the reel is easy to load even for a novice in film processing like myself. Just practice few times in light with a spent roll of film and you will have no trouble at all. The tank lid closes tight and there were no spills, very easy to assemble in the dark. If you are a beginner looking for a developing tank look no further than Patterson. The one thing I noticed is that the reel needs to be super dry when loading film.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Consistent Reactions
- Easily Cleaned
Cons
Best Uses
- Developing
- Photography
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
This tank is easy to use and easy to clean, but I find that during inversions, it leaks quite a bit.
Otherwise, it seems to do very well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Cheap
- Easily Cleaned
- No Leaks
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Developing
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
Great tank. Holds up well, DOES NOT LEAK! Bought a second reel so I can do two 35's at once as well as the Paterson power washer hose. Just plug it in and turn on the water for 10 minutes to really nicely wash the film.
Still love my steel tank, but this is great because I haven't had it leak once on me. Only downside is waiting for all the parts to dry is a bit of a pain.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Cleaned
Cons
Best Uses
- Developing
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
It has been five years since I last used this product as an undergrad student photography art major. just like riding a bike simple to use. Roll film on reel, put reel on the stick, top it off with the funnel, add chemistry, and put the top on and shake.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Reactions
- Easily Cleaned
Cons
Best Uses
- Developing
- Photography
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I stuff a lot of film into this, and it's always worked. I prefer the plastic reels to metal ones because I find them easier to load. I know real pros like the metal reels, but I've used these for 20 years without issue.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Reactions
- Easily Cleaned
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Developing
Comments about Paterson Universal Tank with Reel (Super System 4):
I like that it's easy to load and it can fit 2-35mm spools or 1-120.
What I think could be improved is the lid. It can be tough to get on and I'm never confident that's it's secure. Even though I've never had a big spill, it does leak a little bit, but nothing major. It's also bulky and can be cumbersome when trying to agitate the tank.
The capacity of the tank is about 20oz. If you are starting out with this tank, buy an extra spool for 35mm to keep the spool from sliding around and 4-cup measuring cups to make mixing chemicals a lot easier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Darkroom Accessories
- Price: $7.99
- GBP 5.05
What's in the Box
- Light tight funnel and lid
- one multiformat reel
- Agitator rod
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