Drying 4x5 sheets w/o scratches

[Robert Vigurs]

After processing my 4x5 sheets, and washing, them, I dip them in a photoflo mix to help prevent spotting during dry time. I have been using what looks like tongs with sponge on each side to get rid of excess moisture before hanging. I noticed these can scratch the wet film. My darkroom is primitive with no drying booth. Is there a better way to get rid of this excess H20?

[Gem Singer]

Following a Photo Flo dip, there is no reason to wipe the water off of the film.

That's the reason for using a wetting agent. It allows the water to drain off without beading up and leaving spots.

Merely hang sheet film by the notched corner( in a dust free area) and the water will bead up at the opposite bottom corner. Remove the bead gently between your thumb and forefinger and allow the films to dry naturally.

[vinny]

yup, no need to touch the film.
I hang my film from binder clips.

[sgelb]

Merely hang sheet film by the notched corner( in a dust free area) and the water will bead up at the opposite bottom corner. Remove the bead gently between your thumb and forefinger and allow the films to dry naturally.

its a good idea to spray some water from a spritzer bottle in the area right before u hang to dry to remove excess airborn dust.

and for the little leftovers at the tip, just take a bunched paper towel and gently touch the tip of the film and the bubble/excess will drain right off.

[Thebes]

I've never squeegeed film. If I don't use photoflo I get drying spots and if I do I don't normally get any. I often touch the bottom corner's water bead on my films while they dry to let the water wick onto the back of my finger, this speeds drying of the bottom corner and discourages any water spot there.

I hang them with wood clothes pins, but these mar the rebate a bit. Do the binder clips mar it?

[Paul Bujak]

I use plastic clothes pins and have not noticed any markings. Ditto to all the other suggestions.

[bobwysiwyg]

There's always these, but ridiculously expensive new. I picked some up, forgot where, but they work very well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...lips_Pack.html

[Eric Brody]

I use a final rinse in distilled water, then hang the film up to drain. I never touch it after the final rinse.

Eric

[David de Gruyl]

If I use a hardening fixer, there is no marking on the film from clothespins. I do get marking without hardening agent.

I dry 4x5 by clipping one corner, allowing the water to drain to the opposite corner. I could not care less if there is a water mark in that corner (I don't print borders).

Photoflo reduces / eliminates spotting on the film.

[Eric Brody]

I use a final rinse in distilled water, then hang the film up to drain. I never touch it after the final rinse.

Eric