resurgance
3-Sep-2017, 00:31
Hi all,
I have been at the gelatin in a small dark room on and off for roughly 30 years (only B&W that is). Up until pretty recently I have never paid much close attention to the chemical side of things apart from simply buying shop-bought mixtures for the products I have used, and kept different trays/jugs for the main 3 components etc. Basic stuff.
2 years ago i 'discovered' FB paper, I got hooked on the Gloss and finish of Ilford MGIV and warm tone papers, so pretty much only using FB paper, and certain things are changing as a result;
- Have started making my own washaid,
- My sizes are creeping up and I am spending a significant amount of time and money on each print
- Have started selenium toning
I am starting to notice small things about cross contamination and things chemical in the darkroom, basically I am paying way more attention.
I got to thinking today about my methods of mixing chemicals, segregating trays, mixing jugs and also have noticed residual chemicals causing crystalisation, and wondered about the following as it relates to a BLACK AND WHITE process; (apparently B&W is tame compared to colour hazard or contamination wise)
1) can each component of the print process by neutralised by another component; In a B&W darkroom is it really necessary to mark the trays?
to be honest I used to, but lately have had no problems just using trays and washing before/after use. Mainly this has to do with marker rubbing off, never getting around to doing it permanently. I figured that If you can pour all 3 into a Jobo then why are trays any different??
I understand to a point about pH issues with mixing different parts of process, but do the offending chemicals eat into the plastic?
or alternatively;
What chemical would neutralise
a) developer b) Stop c) fixer, d) washaid e) selenium
2) what mixing graduates need to be DEFINITELY kept separate and marked for using only with..... (I tend to use 1 graduate for all and wash thoroughly after use)
3) What chemicals will 'grow' crystals if left in trace amounts on bench, and for those specific chems, what is effective neutraliser for each?
4) when mixing powders, what are the nasties, or ones of note to keep pedantic about? I have all sorts in my cupboard, and tend to just individually tip them on a bit of paper laying on scales then bin the paper afterward. This could be developers, fixers, washaid chems, etc. I can formulate a list of specific chems if requested.
5) Sure cleanliness is important in the darkroom, but if trace amounts are sufficient to cause issues, my question is ; what are the ones that are really worth being careful with contamination wise, and is there are particular product or chemical that can be globally applied in a certain dilution to keep everything neutral and chemical free?
I have taken to using throw away paper towels for hands, and disposable gloves when scrolling, but there are still common towels or areas that will get a build up of residues, that I am convinced water does not help, as there are often blotches on the bench when I come in after a week or 2 of last session.
I have been at the gelatin in a small dark room on and off for roughly 30 years (only B&W that is). Up until pretty recently I have never paid much close attention to the chemical side of things apart from simply buying shop-bought mixtures for the products I have used, and kept different trays/jugs for the main 3 components etc. Basic stuff.
2 years ago i 'discovered' FB paper, I got hooked on the Gloss and finish of Ilford MGIV and warm tone papers, so pretty much only using FB paper, and certain things are changing as a result;
- Have started making my own washaid,
- My sizes are creeping up and I am spending a significant amount of time and money on each print
- Have started selenium toning
I am starting to notice small things about cross contamination and things chemical in the darkroom, basically I am paying way more attention.
I got to thinking today about my methods of mixing chemicals, segregating trays, mixing jugs and also have noticed residual chemicals causing crystalisation, and wondered about the following as it relates to a BLACK AND WHITE process; (apparently B&W is tame compared to colour hazard or contamination wise)
1) can each component of the print process by neutralised by another component; In a B&W darkroom is it really necessary to mark the trays?
to be honest I used to, but lately have had no problems just using trays and washing before/after use. Mainly this has to do with marker rubbing off, never getting around to doing it permanently. I figured that If you can pour all 3 into a Jobo then why are trays any different??
I understand to a point about pH issues with mixing different parts of process, but do the offending chemicals eat into the plastic?
or alternatively;
What chemical would neutralise
a) developer b) Stop c) fixer, d) washaid e) selenium
2) what mixing graduates need to be DEFINITELY kept separate and marked for using only with..... (I tend to use 1 graduate for all and wash thoroughly after use)
3) What chemicals will 'grow' crystals if left in trace amounts on bench, and for those specific chems, what is effective neutraliser for each?
4) when mixing powders, what are the nasties, or ones of note to keep pedantic about? I have all sorts in my cupboard, and tend to just individually tip them on a bit of paper laying on scales then bin the paper afterward. This could be developers, fixers, washaid chems, etc. I can formulate a list of specific chems if requested.
5) Sure cleanliness is important in the darkroom, but if trace amounts are sufficient to cause issues, my question is ; what are the ones that are really worth being careful with contamination wise, and is there are particular product or chemical that can be globally applied in a certain dilution to keep everything neutral and chemical free?
I have taken to using throw away paper towels for hands, and disposable gloves when scrolling, but there are still common towels or areas that will get a build up of residues, that I am convinced water does not help, as there are often blotches on the bench when I come in after a week or 2 of last session.