Any real advantage to pre-soaking HP5 to remove the anti-halation layer

[IanG]

Pre-soak and agitation prevents air bells on the film surface which screws up your development.

I did some testing a few years ago (4 or 5) and found that a pre-soak made no differeance to air-bells, they occur because the waters very hard, there are ways around them. I monitored every step of a process cycle with a Jobo tank and air-bells were present throughout.

My way of overcoming air-bells is a controlled addition of wetting agent (already dilute) because I mix frm scratch, most commercial developrs contain a sequestring agent and a touch of wetting agent anyway. Some films have a wetting agent in the emulsion.

Ian

[henk@lf]

I had problems with air bubbles with 4x5 Tri-x in HC 110 in a MOD54.
Presoak solved this.

[Drew Wiley]

We have soft water here and airbells are still an issue, more so with some films than others. Besides,
most developers are alkaline anyway. No difference even using distilled water. Many sheet films still
have a retouching texture on the back or something equivalent which inherently attracts air bubbles.
And all it takes is a tiny one. Proper film rotation or agitation is important, but I also feel prewetting
the film is a significant help.

[rich815]

Well, Im glad we finally put this issue to rest.

[Cletus]

Well, Im glad we finally put this issue to rest.

That's right, finally! Now we'll never have to have another conversation or argument on the "to soak or not to soak" issue. Thank goodness.

[cosmicexplosion]

I'm glad i don't 'have' to pre-soak any more after reading this thread. This has added hours and days to my life!

my only trepidation is that the developer is mixed with the filth that is washed away in pre-soak. practically it seems to make no difference. theoretically, however, would you add this gunk to your developer?

need to test two identical negs....

[cyrus]

For sheet film development using the shuffle mehtod, one benefit of presoaking is that there's no chance that the negs will stick together in the developer solution, which can be a real PITA

[C. D. Keth]

I process FP4 and Delta 100 without a presoak and can't see any reason to do otherwise.

[David R Munson]

It occurs to me that the greatest advantage to doing a presoak or not (in general terms only) may be the peace of mind it affords one. If you believe in one approach or the other, run with it.

[Scott Walker]

It occurs to me that the greatest advantage to doing a presoak or not (in general terms only) may be the peace of mind it affords one. If you believe in one approach or the other, run with it.

There is a tremendous amount of truth in that statement.