8x10 presoak

[juan]

I've just taken up 8x10 after years of doing 4x5 and am amazed at some of the differences. Such as - how do you get the large negatives to sink in the presoak bath?

With 4x5, I would remove the film from the holder, drop it into the presoak, and give it the slightest push with my little finger. It would sink right away and I could quickly add another piece of film.

With the 8x10, I drop in the film, give the the push, and it stays on top. The surface tension keeps it floating. If I were to add a second film before the first sinks, they would stick together.

So, what's the consensus of how to get the film to sink. Just wait - rock the tray - push down harder with more fingers?

Thanks,
juan

 

[Jorge]

I dont presoak, but do 8x10 developing by tray and know what you mean. I simpy start pushing at the edges instead of the middle as I am sure you are doing. Try it like this, see if it works for you.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I pass the sheets into the liquid with a sweeping motion from the front of the tray to the back, bending the leading edge of the sheet slightly upward so that it doesn't damage the sheet below, and then I pat down the sheet with the balls of my fingertips.