Is there any company that manufactures "Dip & Dunk" film processors? Or where you can buy such a fully functioning machine? What do you recommend?
Thank you in advance,
DF
You should think carefully about your needs and volume of film processed per week. The dip and dunk processors I have commissioned are based on relatively large volume tanks (50+ litres) and require a large amount of dedicated space, including Nitrogen burst agitation. These machines will always be replenished systems which will cause headaches for less than optimum film volume. What sizes of film, quantity and which process (C41, E6, B&W) will dictate your choice of processor
The biggest problem is keeping the chemicals in good condition and should include monitoring on a daily or shift basis (Macbeth/ Gretag or X-Rite Densitometer). On a replenished system you should be aiming to replace the developer volume once per 7-10 days maximum.
This means that you need the volume of film at the recommended replenishment rate (usually quoted in M2 terms) to completely replace the tank i.e. on a 50 litre developer tank processor and assuming that the rec. developer replenishment rate 50 ml per 35mm 24 exp film (or equivalent area) you ideally are looking at processing the best part of 1000 films per week to keep the system stable. Smaller and certainly larger volume machines were/are available but the same volume rules apply. I would imagine it difficult to find new machines so you may have to look used.
For smaller film volumes perhaps have a look for something like Nova tanks these can be configured to accept the number of baths needed by the process and hold low volume typically 1 litre or so, but again I think you will be looking used.