Originally Posted by
Photo Engineer
I use the prewet all of the time and have for over 20 years. I have seen no significant difference in the few tests I did run.
I have done it both ways though, over the years and find better uniformity and fewer defects using a prewet.
The colored materials that wash out in a prewet have been described elsewhere in a lengthy thread, but basically they do no harm by being washed out.
Two things to remember. I discard my developer after use. I have tried reusing the developer and found it unsatisfactory to me and that is why. I also use 2 prewets of 30" each as the first one drops in temp quite quickly.
Also, the 4' wash time is probably not enough. If the stabilizer or final rinse (which I reuse) gradually turns light pink, the blix is getting into it through a poor wash and will eventually harm the film.
PE
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