MD PRO3 Deep Tank Microfilm Processor
In short: The MD PRO3 is an automated deep-tank processor for 16 mm and 35 mm silver-halide microfilm. Film travels vertically through temperature-controlled developer, fixer and wash tanks with automatic replenishment, then through a dryer — the conditions needed for the complete fixing and washing that ISO 18917 archival permanence requires. It is the processor behind archive writers and planetary cameras in national and corporate archives.
Designed and built by Micrographics Data in Singapore; runs in our own bureau and in national archive laboratories. For higher volumes and lower water use, see the Smart MD PRO5.
Why deep tanks matter for archival film
Archival permanence depends on complete development, complete fixing and thorough washing so that residual thiosulphate falls below ISO 18917 limits. Deep vertical tanks hold large, stable chemistry volumes with controlled temperature and replenishment, so every metre of film sees the same conditions.
Shallow-tray and minilab processors cannot guarantee that. The PRO3 automates transport, replenishment and drying, and its output is verified by densitometry and the methylene blue test — records we train operators to keep.
Load
Exposed roll from the AW3 or camera is threaded in darkroom or with a daylight loader.
Develop and fix
Vertical deep tanks at controlled temperature; automatic replenishment keeps chemistry constant.
Wash and dry
Extended wash brings residual thiosulphate below ISO 18917 limits; heated drying.
Test
Density, resolution and methylene blue results logged per roll.
MD PRO3 at a glance
Configuration is specified per installation. Ask for the current datasheet with your quotation.
PRO3, PRO5 and the writer they serve
Both processors meet ISO 18917; they differ in speed, footprint and consumption.
If you expose only occasional rolls, we can process and test them for you — microfilming as a service.
Government buyers procure through GeBIZ, where Micrographics Data is a registered supplier.
What is a deep-tank microfilm processor?
A processor in which film runs vertically through deep tanks of developer, fixer and wash at controlled temperature with automatic replenishment. Large, stable chemistry volumes give the complete fixing and washing required for archival permanence, unlike shallow-tray or minilab processors.
What does ISO 18917 require?
Limits on residual thiosulphate and other chemicals left in processed film, verified by the methylene blue test. Film above the limit yellows and fades over decades. The PRO3 is designed and operated to meet the limit; we train operators to test and record it.
MD PRO3 or Smart MD PRO5?
PRO3 is the established automated processor for steady archive volumes. PRO5 is compact, faster and uses less water and chemistry — the choice for high-volume labs or when replacing FP-505-class machines.
What chemistry does it use and who supplies it?
Standard silver-halide microfilm developer, fixer and replenisher, supplied by Micrographics Data on standing order with mixing and disposal guidance.
What services does it need?
Mains water, a drain for effluent and power. We advise on effluent handling to meet local discharge requirements.
Can it process film from other cameras or writers?
Yes — any 16 mm or 35 mm silver-halide microfilm, including film exposed on Kodak or Zeutschel archive writers and planetary cameras.
Who makes and supports it?
Micrographics Data designs and builds the PRO3 in Singapore and maintains it with our own engineers. It runs in our bureau and in national archive installations.
Do we need our own processor?
Only if you expose film regularly. For occasional rolls, our bureau processes and tests them with full documentation. We quote both.
Tell us rolls per month and whether you process today
We specify PRO3 or PRO5, chemistry and test equipment, and quote against bureau processing.