So There I Was, Diluting My Dilution...

[wgerrard]

For the last few weeks, I couldn't figure out why my negatives were so water spotted. They'd been almost spotless before.

Then, for no particular reason, I happened to read the label on my jar of Photo-Flo and the answer was obvious.

Those who use Photo-Flo or another wetting agent know you mix a tiny little bit of the stuff with a fair amount of water and soak your film in it for 30-60 seconds or so.

Inexplicably, somewhere along the line I'd started diluting a few drops of the diluted mixture in water. Something like a 1:200 dilution that I diluted in 200 parts water.

The next roll looked pretty clean.

There are no mysteries. Only things we haven't figured out yet.

 

[semilog]

Homopathic Photo-Flo!

[sarcasm]Should be more effective than the standard concentration![/sarcasm]

 

[ChrisN]

Some folks are really keen on using this stuff at dilutions well beyond that recommended by Kodak. Personally I stick to the recommended dilution and have never had any problems since I started using it.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

that's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight of diluting my dilution...

 

[sojournerphoto]

I use iflord's stuff at half their recommended dilution, but our water is pretty soft so you seem to need a bitless. Negs are cleaner thatway.

MIke

 

[wgerrard]

I never did care for PhotoFlo. I use Edwal's "LFN Wetting Agent" - tiny little plastic squeeze bottle. One or two drops in the final rinse and you're good. Nothing to store.

Buying Photo-Flo represents a long-term commitment 'cause a bottle of the stuff lasts so long. Like Rodinal.

 

[thomob]

i use Agepon wetting agent, i only drip in the tiniest drop and then put in enough water that should cover the film reel and it always (knocks on wood) comes out clean

 

[mwooten]

I've always just poured a tiny dab straight from the P'flo bottle into the developing tank. I figure it'll last until the pyramids crumble to dust.