Efke 50 roll films In Pyrocat Hd - Pink fog

RWSchueller · 2005-09-29T08:15:47+00:00

Ich bin ein großer Fan von efke-Filmen und Pyro-Entwicklung. Bisher habe ich ABC Pyro benutzt - die Filme wurden phantastisch - tolle Lichter, gute Schärfe,...

RWSchueller

I’m a big fan of Efke films and pyro development. Until now, I’ve been using ABC Pyro – the films turned out fantastic – great highlights, good sharpness, and that brown ‘stain’ – it washes out very well in VC prints. The downside is the high granularity and the sometimes inconsistent results. I’ve now switched to Pyrocat HD (based on pyrocatechin instead of pyrogallol). It should deliver finer grain, better sensitivity utilisation and reproducible results. I only use water for stopping and an alkaline fixer (MACO Fix-Neutral) – this is generally recommended for Pyro development to avoid damaging the ‘image stain’. FP4 (ORWO 125), Agfa APX (Tura) and Tri-X have turned out very nicely. The Efke 50, however, has a pinkish fog. It wouldn’t bother me if it were even – there are streaks and smears. The fog comes off when wet if you wipe it with your finger, but it doesn’t wash off in the washing and remains on the emulsion when drying. Does anyone have any ideas?

MirkoBoeddecker

Have you pre-washed it? Have you carried out a clarification time test for Fix Neutral? (Fix Neutral is actually only recommended for use with acid-based mordants). You might want to try using Adofix and see if it really breaks down the stain. Best regards, Mirko

Roman

I also worked with Pyrocat HD for a while (though not with Efke), and ‘normal’ fixers weren’t a problem at all; there was still some staining (the brownish tinge typical of PC-HD).

RWSchueller

Have you pre-soaked it? Have you carried out a settling time test for Fix Neutral? (Fix Neutral is actually only recommended for use with acidic stop baths). You might want to try Adofix once and see if the stain is actually removed. Regards, Mirko [right][post="4620"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right]

Thank you very much, Mirko. Yes, I pre-rinsed until the water ran clear. I have been using Fix Neutral for a long time for films with a classic grain structure (efke, Tri-X, APX, FP-4, Foma) in combination with ABC Pyro – and without an acidic stop bath. I want to try LP Fix Supra first. Are you familiar with a pinkish fog on efke films? It’s on the back of the base, comes off easily when wet, and sticks to your finger. It then dries and becomes firm. R. Schüller

Gast

Perhaps you could have a look at this one: here