Drying up a 135 film

Hi there,

I usually use MF as my main equipment but from time to time I shoot a roll or two of microfilm (i.e. 135 film).

The development itself isn't that big issue, putting film onto reels also isn't that problematic. What I find troublesome is actually drying up a 135 film. A roll of 120 film is long - or rather short - enough to hang loosely, caught on a top slide of my shower cabin doors. 135 film is too long and can't be dried that way. Also - and it's a common issue, both, with 120 and 135 film - I just can't get rid of those tiny bast... I mean, dust particles. A bowl of a hot water doesn't solve the problem.

The question is: how to dry the 135 film and are there any other ways of clearing off the air from the dust? I asked the similar question on one of local Flickr groups and as a response I received a hint to dry the film in a developing tank i.e. after the rinse, do not remove the film, and let it sit there for three or four days. Has anyone ever tried it and would care to share his experience?

You can get a plastic collapsible clothing wardrobe, a small air filter for inside, and hang some film clips from a coat hanger inside the wardrobe. Run the filter well before you hang your film, and turn it off a while before you process to let the dust settle. Before you hang your film, ruffle up a large, thick plastic garbage bag to create an electrical charge, and then hang the bag from the rod. This is what I have been doing for some time, and it works wonders!

It's beneficial if the film dries fast. I use Tetenal Mirasol as the wetting agent and let the film sit in it for a few minutes after watering. Then I hang it up in a not totally dust free lavatory without touching it. Dries in about an hour, no dust stuck to it.

Guaranteed dust-free film drying method

I have posted to my Flickr pages a dust-free film drying method I have been using for years that will make your life easier! Go here to see it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21652620@N08/?saved=1

Terry