Dust and Dirt on 35mm negatives or prints

[optique]

I think I know the answer to this already.

On MF enlarged to 8x10, I have sporadic problems with dust and dirt showing up on the print.

On 35mm enlarged to 8x10, seems like every print has a dust or dirt white specs on the print.

So, do I assume correctly that 35mm is more prone to this problem than MF?

By the same token, is dust on the lens, filters or condensors more noticable on 35mm?

If it matters, this was XP2.

Thanks in advance.
Steve.

 

[archphoto]

It depends on how you handle both.
Under equal situations both will have the same amount of dust, BUT with 35mm you will enlarge that dust more than with MF, so it will be more visible.

Peter

 

[nickandre]

Yes, dust is more magnified on 35mm. You just need to have a very simple workflow which eliminates potential for damage.

 

[ijsbeer]

Yes, dust is more magnified on 35mm. You just need to have a very simple workflow which eliminates potential for damage.

Can you explain? I'm also very curious.
cheers

 

[Wade D]

Dust is an ever present problem especially with smaller formats. The enlarger needs to be clean. I use a small vacuum cleaner and canned air to keep it clean.
When not in use it should be covered with a plastic bag or other suitable covering. The negatives need to be cleaned as well. A small anti-static brush works well for most negs. For negs with finger prints or other grime film cleaner can be used sparingly to remove the offending particles.

 

[bsdunek]

Yes, everything in the darkroom must be kept clean. I use an anti-static cloth to wipe the negatives just before putting them in the enlarger. The darkroom also needs to be an animal free zone. I love my Corgi, but he's banned from the darkroom.

 

[Anscojohn]

Be sure the enlarger is grounded.