I am playing around with several hundred sheets of very old unexposed 5x7 b/w film, that has quite a bit of age fog. I was wondering if benzotriazole (anti-fog) could be used in one-shot film processing, just like it is used in print processing with old paper?
I am developing in HC-110b.
How old is the film?
I have been using some Anso Isopan with a use by date of 1957. I bet that your film isn't as ancient as mine. I would still like to know if that chemical agent is as effective on my old film.
Benzotriazole has exactly the same effect on film as it does on paper. Whether that's enough to save your old film, or whether you'll gain anything over the strong restrainer already in HC-110, I can't say -- but it's surely worth a try.
If a contact print at arm's length is too small to see, you need a bigger camera. :D
Originally Posted by Neil Purling
My Luminos Presspan 5x7 has an expiry date of 1966.
Benzotriozole is very effective for controlling fog. It was the active ingredient in the discontinued Kodak Anti-FOG. USE IT SPARINGLY. Usually no more than 15ml of 0.2% solution per liter. I like it much better than Potassium Bromide but if you use too much it really kills the shadow detail and the film speed. It's also better to over expose and develop less as the longer the film is in the developer the more fog you will get.
If you mix your own, buy the smallest possible amount. 10 gm is a lifetime supply for most people.
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