wetting agent

[mervynyan]

i recently start using a new general brand wetting agent, but negatives came out very sticky. not sure what is wrong. the dilution is according to the spec. I washed for almost 30minutes, any thoughts?

- cheers,

 

[bmattock]

Generally, one rinses the negs for 12 - 20 minutes in clear running water, then drains the tank, fills it up with wetting agent diluted to the strength suggested, then let it sit for 30 seconds or so. Then drain and hang your negs to dry.

Wetting agent's only job is to change the surface tension of the water clinging to the negs, so that they do not stay in droplets on your film as they dry - that causes water spots.

It is the same effect when you take your car to the car wash. If you don't get the water off before it dries, you get water spots. Another alternative some car washes provide is wetting agent.

 

[FrankS]

I'm giving up on using a wetting agent - it never works well, and I'll use a final rinse in distilled water instead.

 

[bmattock]

I use LFN wetting agent from Edwal, a tiny .75 fl oz bottle has lasted me over a year, and it is 3/4 full. It just takes 2 drops in 16 oz water. I suspect people use way way way too much who have problems. The stuff works wonders, never had a water spot.

 

[sepiareverb]

I like the Sprint version called End Run Wetting Agent. Never have any problems with it and it is inexpensive, diluted 1:99 and the 1 liter jug last and lasts. I also use Photo Wipes after the End Run, wipe down the film gently with a 1/2 a wipe folded in half lengthwise and then again the other way. Films dry usually in 15 minutes unless it's really humid, then maybe 20-25. No dust, no spots.

 

[Trius]

I used to use LFN and found it worked great. Lately I have been using PhotoFlo because it was available. I use de-ionized water only for all my processing. I collect water from a dehumidifier and filter it twice.

For PhotoFlo I use twice the dilution specified, i.e. 1:400 not 1:200. It works perfectly. At the rate I'm using PhotoFlo, there will be plenty left over for my great-great-great grandchildren.

 

[FrankS]

My tap water has a very high mineral content.

 

[Trius]

Frank: That is really interesting. Also cuts down on the Evian bill.

 

[erikhaugsby]

How do people here dry their film? Do you just let it dangle vertically and hope all the water runs all the way down, or is something else done?

 

[FrankS]

Simply hung vertically, the way God intended. 😉

 

[erikhaugsby]

Simply hung vertically, the way God intended. 😉

that one really made me laugh out loud. Thanks, Frank.

 

[LazyHammock]

I use a photo-flo/distilled water final rinse. The water in Phoenix is awful for leaving spots. DI water would be preferable but distilled does a good job.
Nick

 

[Trius]

I dry vertically, too ... inside a canvas garment bag. Cheap and keeps dust out while drying. Make sure you get one that's long enough.

 

[topoxforddoc]

I just use a drop of photo-flo and the hang the film up to dry from my shower curtain rail.

Charlie

 

[oscroft]

Simply hung vertically, the way God intended.

Indeed. If he'd intended us to squeegee our films he'd have given us rubber fingers.