A couple of Foma processing questions

[hoffy]

Hi Folks,

I have a couple of quick questions about processing Foma Films:

1. Ever since I started trad. B&W Film processing regularly (last 8 years) I have always used the Ilford wash method (I extend the wash and give it around another 3 dumps + a final demin rinse). While I don't want to start a flame war, from what I have noticed, my negs have stood up sufficiently. Does using Foma films mean a change in washing routine? Will they wash up in the same way that Ilford films do?
   
2. I long time ago, I read somewhere that the Foma type films were a bit more sensitive to temp changes between steps and it was generally a good idea to keep all temps of all steps as close as you can. Is this indeed true? Or can they withstand a 4 or 5 degree C difference and not suffer reticulation?

Cheers

 

[Agulliver]

I treat my Ilford and Foma films the same. This is 35mm an 120, I haven't tried any sheet films...though I have done Fomapan R in 8mm years ago.

I don't do the extended wash so I cannot comment. But to be honest I use tap water as a stop/rinse which is usually several degrees C colder than my chemicals, which will be room temperature or warmed to 20C if the room is significantly colder. In wither there could easily be a 10C difference. The Foma films do not suffer any problems.

My "go to" films are Ilford HP5+ and FomaPan 100. But I've done pretty much the entire Ilford range at some point in the last 30 years and have also processed Foma 200, 400 and 100R.

 

[chris77]

dont worry. although at times we might overly complicate things, as long as you dont use your gin tonic as a stop bath you won't have a problem..

edit: while gin tonic might be fine for black and white, bloody mary should only be used for alternative process!

 

[summicron1]

It is easily possible to under-wash film, but vastly more difficult to over-wash them. Come back a cupla days later, the emulsion might have soaked off, but keep it under an hour or so, anything goes.

i usually set the film in the lidless developing can under a slow drizzle in the sink and forget about it for half an hour or so, maybe go walk the dog or read, then foto-flo and let it dry.

All films seem to handle the same this way, coming out fine .... and i get a chance to read a comic book or something equally edifying. The dog prefers it, anyway.

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Hoffy,
Don't worry.
I use Ilford and Foma films all the same way regarding washing.
The only films that require extended washing are the "New Technology" films, i.e. Tmax, Delta, Across and Fomapan 200.
What you do is fine.

 

[hoffy]

OK, I've never heard that Delta films need extended washing. According to the technical publication from Ilford, it says "The following instructions are suitable for use with ILFORD Films, Papers and Chemistry". I didn't know that there was a restriction....

 

[tokam]

Hi Hoffy,

Like a lot of others I use an extended Ilford wash regime. I am currently dialing in my development time for Fomapan 200 in 35mm.

To get around any problems with temperature variations I keep a number of large PET bottles, (old breakfast juice bottles, 2.5 litre), full of filtered water in the laundry. When I come to process films everything will be at room temp including my wash water. A couple of nights ago all temps were about 19 degress C. At the end of each processing session I use a coffee filter and funnel to replenish my bottled water supply. Sydney tap water is pretty good so the filtering may not be necessary. Main reason I filter is to reduce any possibility of particulate matter being present in my solutions. I also filter my fixer before returning it to the stock bottle.

Thus for my next session I will have room temp water to hand. Tap water is probably 3 - 4 degrees cooler which probably wouldn't be a big issue for washing.

A few shots on Fomapan 200 in a Pentax S2, Auto Takumar 55mm f2.2

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

OK, I've never heard that Delta films need extended washing. According to the technical publication from Ilford, it says "The following instructions are suitable for use with ILFORD Films, Papers and Chemistry". I didn't know that there was a restriction....

According to the datasheet for Delta 100 there isn't.
It is the same for all Ilford films.
It is just that some associate the Kodak Tgrain with the Ilford CCG films, i.e. Delta and as a matter of precaution they treat Delta as they would do with Tmax.

BTW, I like your last pictures taken on Delta 100. I sent you an invite to join one of my Flickr groups.

 

[hoffy]

BTW, I like your last pictures taken on Delta 100. I sent you an invite to join one of my Flickr groups.

Thanks. Invite accepted.