markusheinisch
Hello everyone,
I developed a batch of negatives using Rodinal (1:25 and 1:50), processed them with Adostop and Adofix (1:9, approx. 6–10 mins) and then rinsed them. The result is that the negatives (Ilford and ADOX) have a slight purple-grey haze. As I have developed very few films myself, I’m unsure whether I’m doing something wrong during the development process.
Can anyone give me some advice on what I should bear in mind when fixing or washing? Fixing and washing times?
Films from the lab have a colourless grey haze.
Many thanks and best regards, Markus
MirkoBoeddecker
Hi Markus,
This question is slowly becoming a hot topic on the forum ;-)
Films are coated on the reverse side with what is known as an anti-halation layer. This consists of colorants (red, pink, violet, blue and others) dissolved in gelatin. During the development process, this colorant layer is dissolved and washed out to varying degrees, depending on the developer, fixer, temperature and time.
If residues of the anti-halation layer remain on the film, this does not mean that the development was faulty (nor does it mean that everything was fine – it simply means nothing).
If the emulsion is a nuisance, or if you think it is causing shifts in the filtration of contrast-reversal papers, simply place the film in the sun. The colours will fade temporarily.
I advise against excessive post-fixing in an attempt to combat the antihalation. This could cause the negative to be over-fixed (= corroded). Anyone who is sure they have fixed the film properly should not be unsettled by the colour.
Best regards,
Mirko
Wolf_XL
...I’ve had very good results with the Ilford rinsing method when it comes to antihalation. By the final rinse at the very latest, the water was clear of any colour and the antihalation problem was a thing of the past – even with tricky film types such as Fuji Acros 100 or Kodak T-Max...
markusheinisch
Thank you very much for your tips!
Yesterday I developed an HP5 (KB) and made the following changes:
1.) I prepared the developer and fixer using deionised water (I’ve learnt that tap water is softened using salts)
2.) Fixed for approx. 10 mins (still too long?)
3.) Rinsed for approx. 10 minutes using a Cascade and then rinsed again using the Ilford rinsing method
Result: Significantly less discolouration, just a very faint purple fog.
Regards, Markus
