FilmLab B&W 16/35mm processor sucessfully completes first run

Gareth Blackstock · May 2

So after 3 and a half years my FilmLab B&W processor has successfully completed its first 16mm film run since being recommissioned.

Over the years I have learnt much about the machine, replacing pumps, re-doing much of the plumbing, cleaning the vats, sourcing filters, even little ceramic fuses, building jigs for raising the roller racks, attempting to power up the 3 phase motors, finally buying a 3 phase generator, replacing rollers, and once the processor got running, working on the electrics to circumvent obsolete components, creating work arounds, and talking to local enthusiasts, who helped me with electrical issues, chemistry sources, and good tips on the dark art of getting roller tensions correct. All of this before buying chemistry!

In February I was all lined up for a processing run, chemistry was made up, all good to go…. And then the DC motor controller board blew… so I bought another and refurbished the electric drive motor…. And got the processor running again… full steam ahead!

After the successful run, I have many notes to go over, looking for areas I screwed up in, areas for improvement, components I may need to replace or alter, servicing the generator, and prep for another processing run…. I do after all have 90 litres of developer and fixer to use before they become exhausted.

The cost of components over the years is nearing $3000, the chemistry alone was around $650. The hours spent are quite a few hundred. I am very happy that the processor refurb has been a success.

The original post I created is linked below:

https://cinematography.com/index.php?/forums/topic/95380-a-processing-machine-up-for-auction/#comments

I have uploaded some short videos of the joyous event: https://youtube.com/shorts/qAmtPR4MBHY?feature=share

I have also updated my blog, there are a few short videos of different processes:

https://aussiecine.wordpress.com/filmlab-engineering-bw-processor-blog/