Developing black and white film without using stop bath?

[Valkir1987]

I switched from an acid fixer, to a neutral fixer a long time ago. Using the stop bath makes the chemistry (especially your fixer) last much longer. I shoot bulk film in combination with a stock developer and short films. It makes the workflow easy.

When done with the fixer, (and the first rinse with clear water) I use a soda bath. It reduces stain on your reels and tanks, and helps to rinse out the fixer. Final rinse in demineralized water.

Amaloco tested the water rinse versus the stop bath a while ago. When using short developing times, the films with the stop bath gave a more even density. A difference that cannot always be noticed, but can be measured.

 

[Godfrey]

Scouring the web it seem this is possible and seem to recall my late Father saying it wasn't strictly necessary.

Being lazy, I've run out of stop bath. I can order some but I've been thinking, how much difference will make by not using stop bath. I always rinse with water after using my stop bath anyway, because it stains my fixer yellow. Just wondering what if just rinse the film in 20 °C water instead?

In case your wondering; Fomapan 100 film, developer, Rodinal 1:50 and Fomafix P. Normally I use Fomacitro Stop Bath.

Just interested to hear everyone's opinions before I either commit or just wait for the order to arrive.

I haven't used stop bath on film for 40 years. Just a 1 min water rinse is good enough to preserve the life of the fixer, and I think it's gentler on the emulsion (... leading to finer grain).

Be sure your chemistry and water are all at the same temperature.

G

 

[Freakscene]

Why risk?

There is no risk, really.

 

[SilverInversion]

There is no risk, really.

I would advise a young photographer to always use a stop bath, since I trust what Ilford and Kodak says over anything else.