Buffering systems

[A_Caver]

I have noticed some formulations of first developers in reversal films use a borax/boric acid buffer system, and others use carbonate/bicarbonate. Is there much difference between these two, especially if the final product is pH balanced with NaOH?

 

[Rudeofus]

Most buffers only work within a range of useful pH values, and it appears the range of carbonate/bicarbonate is much higher than borax/boric acid, in fact they are barely overlapping. If you go outside the useful range of a given buffer by adding large amounts of alkali or acid, buffering may not be overly effective.