Problem with 8x10 Impossible Project B&W Gen2 film (Contains nudity)

[Bill L.]

Hi All,

I'm trying my first box of the second generation 8x10 Impossible project B&W film, and 3 of 5 exposures have turned orange in parts of the film. I've used the gen 1 film (though didn't like it) and the color film (really like it) successfully, but so far the second generation B&W film looks fine an hour after exposure, but anywhere from days to weeks, some of the positives have parts turning orange. The following scans were taken of images that developed an orange tint within one week, two weeks, and three weeks of exposure, respectively. I contacted IP last week and haven't heard anything so nudged them again today. If anyone has any info on this, I'd love to hear it.

Sorry about nudes outside the nudes thread - if anyone has an issue, I can substitute censored images.

150518150519150520

Thanks!
Bill

[Andrew O'Neill]

After you take them, how are you storing them?

[Bob Salomon]

Have you asked the manufacturer?

[Andrew O'Neill]

He said he did. Twice.

[vdonovan]

This looks like alkali staining, a known problem with this film:
https://impossible.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/204379248-My-picture-has-a-brown-stain-at-the-trap-end-

And of course since the developer is water-based, the image will eventually degrade even more if you do not store it in a sealed envelope with dessicant for a few days to dry it out. (or peel apart the positive from the negative).

[Oren Grad]

Sorry about nudes outside the nudes thread - if anyone has an issue, I can substitute censored images.

You're fine with the warning in the thread title - thanks for thinking to include that!

At least so far as the third one is concerned, did you see this item on the IP website?

https://impossible.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/204379248-My-picture-has-a-brown-stain-at-the-trap-end-

EDIT: A few more details, in case the link goes down, building on what Vince mentioned: alkali paste leaking into the picture area, but no known good solution - either cut away that part of the picture or try to carefully squeeze the paste out from the trap area at that end of the print.

[Bill L.]

You're fine with the warning in the thread title - thanks for thinking to include that!

At least so far as the third one is concerned, did you see this item on the IP website?

https://impossible.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/204379248-My-picture-has-a-brown-stain-at-the-trap-end-


EDIT: A few more details, in case the link goes down, building on what Vince mentioned: alkali paste leaking into the picture area, but no known good solution - either cut away that part of the picture or try to carefully squeeze the paste out from the trap area at that end of the print.

Yep - that looks like it. I think I'll need to trim off the trap ends. Ugh. It would be nice if they gave that in the general directions.

Thanks!
Bill

[Bill L.]

This looks like alkali staining, a known problem with this film:
https://impossible.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/204379248-My-picture-has-a-brown-stain-at-the-trap-end-

And of course since the developer is water-based, the image will eventually degrade even more if you do not store it in a sealed envelope with dessicant for a few days to dry it out. (or peel apart the positive from the negative).

For the color and gen2 B&W they're saying you don't need to peel them apart. Just store them flat in a cool dry place with good air flow around the print for a month. The alkali issue is a new one on me, though.

Thanks!
Bill

[Bill L.]

Bob - I have contacted IP, recontacted them today - if I hear anything, I'll pass it along.

Andrew- I store them flat in a cool dark room for a month before storage, which is annoying but better than having to split the print apart shortly after processing like I did for gen 1 B&W. That basically makes them useless when you only have a couple of hours in studio with a model.

The "polaroids" are usually a chance to get a break from the ether when I'm shooting tintypes. I may need to stick with the color. . .

Cheers!
Bill

[Oren Grad]

For the color and gen2 B&W they're saying you don't need to peel them apart.

That's right. Unlike the Polaroid 8x10 product, these are integral films.

[Bill L.]

That's right. Unlike the Polaroid 8x10 product, these are integral films.

Sorry, I meant with the gen 1 B&W you were supposed to peel apart the "integral" film to allow the print to dry, and then reassemble. Once it had dried.

[Oren Grad]

Sorry, I meant with the gen 1 B&W you were supposed to peel apart the "integral" film to allow the print to dry, and then reassemble. Once it had dried.

Ah, did not know that. Thanks for clarifying!