Yep I'm aware of the temperatures 🙂 So step 7 should be at least 5 minutes long. I should keep agitating for that step right? Thanks for the info btw 😀
For step 4, some folks use stop bath, some use water only. I prefer stop bath as it immediately neutralizes the action of the developer and can extend the life of your fixer.
You want a continuous flow of water for your final rinse, agitation isn't as critical here. I use a Paterson film washer hose and leave the film on the reel in the tank. Alternatively, some folks fill the tank with fresh water and dump about 5-10 times in 5 mins.
I would highly recommend some sort of Hypo Wash, just prior to your final wash:
7) Drain Fixer
8) Open tank and rinse in running water for 1 min
9) Fill tank with (Kodak) Hypo Clearing Agent (1:4 mixed from stock). Total time 2 mins, agitate for first 30 sec then agitate for 5 sec every 30 sec.
10) Final rinse in running water at least 5 mins.
11) Wetting agent like Photo-Flo, immerse film for 30 sec. For this final step I mix the wetting agent with distilled water, to ensure there are no sediments left on the film, like those that are often found in tap water.
12) Hang film to dry. No need to squeegee or touch the film at all. The film should dry in a few hours.
The reason for the Hypo Wash is this helps to eliminate any traces of fixer from the film and shortens your wash times. Residual fixer on your film will eventually lead to stains and deterioration of the image.
It sounds like a lot of steps, but pretty soon you'll (almost) be able to do it with your eyes closed. Be consistent with your methods and don't try any alternative materials/methods until you feel comfortable with one routine. Stick to a few different films and chemicals and you'll soon know what to expect from them.
Good Luck!
