Originally Posted by
Gem Singer
It's a good idea to temper the pre-wash, developer, stop bath, and fixer within a few degrees of each other to prevent grain clumping in B&W film.
If processing with an MQ or PQ developer in water below 65F, the hydroquinone in the developer may not activate
When washing in tap water warmer than 86F (as it often is here in Texas in the summertime) there is a risk of softening of the gel in the film emulsion.
It's a good idea to temper all film processing solutions to within a few degrees of each other, if possible.
I have noticed that the method of agitation has a greater effect on the contrast than temperature variations. (I have no scientific facts to back up that statement).
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