FIXING with safe light.

[Martin Kapostas]

Hello fellow,

After developed sheet film in tray and placing it to the tray with fixer. Can i turn on the safe light?

10x

martin

[David_892]

After approx 30 seconds it should be safe (at least it is for tank processing)

[Martin Kapostas]

Can I use an ordinari red bulb for positive process as safe light?

[Doremus Scudder]

Martin, The standard "rule" is: after one minute in the fixer, you can safely turn on the room lights and continue processing in normal room light. I have turned on the lights after the films have been in the fix for only 20 or 30 seconds with no ill effects with fresh fixer. There is a posibility of some solarization if there is still active developer in the emulsion and fixing isn't far enough advanced when the lights are turned on. That is the reason for the waiting time. The waiting time would ostensibly be shorter with rapid fixers, fresh fixers and when using an acid stop bath, but waiting the one minute is usually no great inconveniece. I do, however, try to get the lights on early enough so I can get a good idea of the clearing time for the film so I can tell if the fixer is exhausted or not. Hope this helps. ;^D)

[Bill Smith]

Martin,

I process almost all of my films in PMK Pyro. Pyro desensitizes the film and I can usually turn on a viewing light within seconds. From time to time, I have also checked the film visually for proper development with Pyro, prior to fixing. With this developer the short time in the light does not seem to hurt.

With most other developers, I fix for at leaset 1 minute prior to turning on the lights. Why take a chance and ruin an irreplaceable sheet of film because you go anxious.

Happy Holidays Bill