The Zebra Daylight Developing Tanks a Almost Here
From Kickstarter Success to Full Release
Not long ago, the Zebra Daylight Developing Tank existed only as an idea.
A simple but ambitious goal: to create a system that would make large format film and plate processing easier, more flexible, and accessible without the need for a traditional darkroom setup.
When we launched the project on Kickstarter, we didn’t fully know what to expect.
What followed exceeded everything we imagined.
The campaign quickly gained momentum, reaching its goal and continuing far beyond it. What mattered even more than the numbers, though, was the response from the community. Photographers, alternative process enthusiasts, and large format users from all over the world saw the potential of the system and decided to be part of building it.
That early support made this project possible.
Turning an idea into a working system
After the campaign, the real work began.
Designing, refining, testing, and preparing the system for production at a level that meets real-world expectations. Not just as a concept, but as a tool that needs to perform reliably, consistently, and repeatedly in different workflows and environments.
Over the past months, thousands of components have passed through the workshop. Each tank assembled, checked, and prepared before making its way to backers.
And while this phase has been intense, it has also been incredibly valuable.
Because something important happened along the way.
Built with real feedback
As soon as the first tanks reached users, feedback started coming in.
Not just impressions, but real results. Observations from actual use. Suggestions based on different techniques, materials, and workflows.
This is where the system truly began to evolve.
Small refinements were introduced during production. Adjustments that improve stability, handling, and consistency. The updated 8×10 adapter is one example, improving film retention during rotation while allowing better chemistry flow across the surface.
These changes may seem subtle, but they add up to something much bigger.
A system shaped not just in the workshop, but in real use.
Expanding beyond a single product
One of the biggest developments during this process has been the expansion of the system itself.
What started as a tank has grown into a modular ecosystem.
Adapters for all standard film and plate sizes are now available, allowing photographers to work across multiple formats using a single setup. Beyond that, custom adapters can now be made for unique or less common formats.
This opens up a completely new level of flexibility.
Instead of being limited by your equipment, the system adapts to your needs.
Whether you work with sheet film, dry plates, tintypes, or experimental formats, everything can now be processed within one consistent workflow.
🔧 Find your format
Explore all available adapters or request something built specifically for your setup.
👉 [Browse Adapters & Custom Options]
A conscious focus on quality
One thing became clear early in production.
Rushing would mean compromising on details that matter in long-term use.
So we made a decision to prioritise quality over speed.
This meant that fulfilment took longer than initially expected. But it also allowed us to refine components, improve tolerances, and ensure that every tank performs the way it should.
Looking back, this decision shaped the final result in a very positive way.
Moving toward full availability
We are now approaching the end of the fulfilment phase.
With the final orders being completed, the Zebra Daylight Developing Tank is ready to move into its next stage.
In June, the system will become fully available through our store.
This marks an important shift.
For the first time, the tank will be in stock and ready to ship, without the limited availability and waiting periods of the initial campaign.
🛒 Be ready when it goes live
Be among the first to get the system once it becomes available.
All the pieces coming together
Looking at where we are now, it’s clear that this is more than just the release of a single product.
It’s the result of many small pieces coming together.
The original idea.
The support from the community.
The feedback from early users.
The refinements made during production.
The expansion into a complete system.
Each step built on the previous one.
And together, they shaped what the Zebra Daylight Developing Tank is today.
📘 Learn before you start
Want to dive deeper into workflows, tips, and best practices?
This is just the beginning
With the system now moving into full availability, the focus shifts again.
More refinements -> More possibilities.
And most importantly, more real-world use.
Because that’s where the system continues to grow.
✨ Ready when you are
Starting in June, the Zebra Daylight Developing Tank will be available directly through our store, ready to ship and ready to use.
If you’ve been following from the beginning, this is the moment where everything becomes accessible.
And if you’re just discovering the system now, this is the perfect time to step in.
One system. Any format. Your workflow.
We’re excited to see where you take it next ✨