Developing with high sulfur well water

[Ashlandjet]

Does anyone have any experience or input with developing film using well water that is quite high in sulfur content?


Thanks

 

[Rogier]

I am not taking any changes, for consistent results I always use distilled water for the chemicals and the final rinse.

 

[f16sunshine]

agreed.

Distilled water to make up developer, stop, and fixer (or distilled for stop to keep from contaminating fixer).

Rinsing ... use tge well water for 95% of your wash and then, do a final rinse with distilled.

I've read of people washing with sea water and then finishing with distilled.
The last liquid to touch your film must be clean.

 

[JRminox]

Reverse Osmosis under-sink system would work too but may not be practical if your well water supply is low and not pressurized. It basically remove most metal ion content and is the first stage of water purification in semiconductor manufacturing. My water produced this way is better (lower ionic content) than purchased bottled water and cheaper in the long run. It's also better for you, but may be you care only for the film :>(

 

[Freakscene]

I've read of people washing with sea water and then finishing with distilled.

It's harder to wash chlorides out of film emulsion than it is to wash the fixer and fixation by-products out, especially if you use 'rapid' ammonium thiosulfate fixer. Use seawater only in an emergency.

Marty

 

[gsgary]

Just go for it, im a tap water user and never have problems

 

[sevo]

I guess you do not literally mean sulphur particles? So what is it: Sulphur salts (sulphides or sulphates, and what would be the cation?), sulphuric acid, H2S, or organic sulphur compounds? Is the water considered safe to drink, or at least to cook with?

 

[Chris101]

I've vacationed in Michigan where I've called it sulfur forever.. Forego native water unless it's completely cleaned up, All kinds of ions can mess you up!`

 

[Out to Lunch]

Shake hands. I have the same predicament: my well water is safe for washing, only and so I am always schlepping bottles of water around -good physical exercise.

Distilled water to make up developer, stop, and fixer (or distilled for stop to keep from contaminating fixer).

Rinsing ... use tge well water for 95% of your wash and then, do a final rinse with distilled.

Which is more or less the way I do it.

Cheers, P

 

[ferider]

Don't worry, tap water will be fine as long as you use distilled water for the final wash. That however makes a big difference.

Roland.

 

[Ashlandjet]

Thanks for the information.