imush
Well-known
I am about to try the slow films from Efke (KB25,50,100). The official instructions call for a hardening fixer. How important is it? I typically use no stop baths or clearing agent, just Rodinal, water and TF-4.
Should I process as usual, or get hardening fixer (and clearing agent wash)?
Should I process as usual, or get hardening fixer (and clearing agent wash)?
kaiyen
local man of mystery
process as usual is fine, though the emulsion is very soft when wet. I wouldn't use a squeegee, for instance. But be gentle and you'll be fine.
imush
Well-known
So after the film is dry it is no longer a concern?
tmfabian
I met a man once...
shouldn't be, but efke is a delicate emulsion, but a very beautiful delicate emulsion...very thick...great for compensating development.
Chris101
summicronia
Once film is dry, it's hardened. But if the manufacturer calls specifically for a specific hardener, then I would use that and not assume I knew better than the maker of the film! (I use Kodak Rapid fixer, without the hardener, so who am I to talk!)
P. Lynn Miller
Well-known
I just started using Efke 25 and 50 and have just yesterday developed my first rolls. I did not bother with hardener, but used my standard Ilford Rapid Fixer, which I think by the way has some hardener in it. I had no trouble with the film but I did not do my usual squeegee routine either.
Have not printed anything yet, but the negatives are gorgeous. I been using Tetenal Neofin Blau for 10:30mins at 20°C.
Have not printed anything yet, but the negatives are gorgeous. I been using Tetenal Neofin Blau for 10:30mins at 20°C.
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titrisol
Bottom Feeder
As long as you do not squegee, sponge, dry with your fingers you'll be fine.
I used several bulk rolls of EFKE 100 and a few bricks of 25 when J&C was still in business and had no trouble at all.
To dry film quicker I used Distilled water rinse, an Edwal LFN/photoflo rinse, and a salad spinner to centrifuge most of the water out.
I used several bulk rolls of EFKE 100 and a few bricks of 25 when J&C was still in business and had no trouble at all.
To dry film quicker I used Distilled water rinse, an Edwal LFN/photoflo rinse, and a salad spinner to centrifuge most of the water out.
venchka
Veteran
In preparation for shooting 120 Efke 25, I mixed a new batch of Kodak Rapid Fixer with half of the bottle of hardener. A compromise of sorts.
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kaiyen
local man of mystery
Ilford Rapid fix does not have hardener in it. no problems for me ever in 35 and 120 formats. just fwiw.
P. Lynn Miller
Well-known
Well, there you go... I am not using any hardener then, and have had no problems whatsoever. Just developed another 3 rolls last night.
vieri
Leica Ambassador
I use Efke 25 & 50 with Kodak fixer - the regular one, powder, not the rapid, which has hardener in it. Still, Efke needs to be handled with a little more care than Pan-F, Tri-X, Plus-X & Neopan 1600 which are my other films of choice.
Beautiful tones though
Beautiful tones though
imush
Well-known
Thanks for the help. I shot and developed 2 films with success (at least I think so). I tried extra care, but no special treatment.
KB25:
KB50:
KB25:
KB50: