Here at Vintage Visual, we've been cooking up something exciting. About two and a half years after the successful crowdfunding campaign for our first AGO Film Processor, we're getting ready to introduce something new.
As a company, we took a step back and asked what the next logical move should be. The answer wasn't far away. We've already created the world's most compact film processor, at a fraction of the cost of the competition. At the core of this is our time compensation system.
That got us thinking. Where else could this system be applied? And how far could we push it?
Motion picture film at home
The most immediate opportunity lies in home development for motion picture film. We already offer REEL – Super 8, which works with the AGO Film Processor and allows users to develop 8mm motion picture film. However, there are also filmmakers shooting on formats like 16mm with Bolex and Krasnogorsk cameras, as well as those working with Double 8 film.
The market for these kinds of tools is surprisingly limited. The most widely known option is the Lomo tank, but it is no longer in production, and finding one in good condition isn't always easy. There are also a few 3D-printed alternatives, mostly copies of the original Lomo design, as well as the Filmomat tank, which follows a similar concept but comes with a significantly higher price tag.
Concept
Our current idea is to take the smaller double-spiral reel from the Lomo tank (2 × 15 m) and position it vertically inside the tank. By adding a motor and a temperature sensor, the system becomes a time-compensated, semi-automatic film processor. Similar in principle to AGO.
One of the strengths of the Lomo reel is its adjustable spiral spacing, allowing it to accommodate either 8mm or 16mm film. This means you can process two rolls of 8mm film or a single roll of 16mm.
The only drawback with 16mm is that the film needs to be split in the middle, which results in the loss of one or two frames, as 16mm film is typically supplied in 30 m rolls.
By placing the reel vertically, we aim to achieve two key improvements.
First, reduced chemical consumption combined with consistent agitation. Since only half of the reel is submerged in chemistry at any given time, the total volume of chemicals required is lower. Our current goal is to keep the half-filled tank volume under 1 liter, as most C-41 and ECN-2 kits are sold in this quantity.
One of our initial concerns with continuous agitation was that the linear speed of the film between the inner and outer sections of the reel might differ enough to affect development consistency. This was one of the first things we tested with an early prototype, and the results were encouraging. Density remained effectively uniform, with only a negligible variation of around log 0.01 to 0.02.
Second, improved fluid handling. Using a traditional Lomo tank can be quite cumbersome, as filling and emptying it still requires lifting, tilting, and careful handling. Our concept introduces a funnel at the top of the tank along with a simple valve system on the bottom. This allows for quick, controlled chemical exchange without the need to move the tank.
Our first prototype
Next steps
We are currently working on two main areas.
First, we want to refine the design. To achieve this, we've brought in an industrial designer to review the shape of our initial prototype and develop a more modern form. One that is not only practical to use, but also visually appealing and something people would genuinely want to own.
Second, we like the idea of keeping the system compatible with the Lomo spiral, as this makes it more accessible for those who already have one. At the same time, we recognize that many users won't have a Lomo reel available. For them, we plan to develop our own reel design, with a focus on easier loading.
One of the key challenges we want to address is the usability of stacked reels. In a two-level configuration, loading the bottom reel can be difficult, as you can't easily guide the film while the top reel is in place. Improving this experience will be a central part of our design process.
What's next
Frank is still in development, but the direction is clear. Our goal is to make motion picture film development more accessible, more efficient, and easier to work with.
We're continuing to test, refine, and question our assumptions as we go. As always, the real measure will be how it performs in practice, not just in theory.
We'll share more as the project evolves.
About the name
The machine is called Fränk. In writing, we simply call it Frank. The “ä” in Fränk is pronounced almost exactly like the “a” in the English word “Frank,” so if you’ve been reading it that way, you’ve had it right all along. The Ä lives on the logo and the machine itself—not in the text. Call it Frank.
The name is inspired by Victor Frankenstein. As creators, it’s a reminder to be mindful of what we bring into the world. Every product takes on a life beyond us, shaped by how people use it. In that sense, it’s a bit like a child—you guide it into the world, but you don’t fully control what it becomes. For us, the name Fränk is a quiet reminder of the responsibility behind the things we make.