Fibre Paper Archival Process - Batch Process

[Todd Barlow]

I have returned to the darkroom after almost 19 years. As I am finishing my darkroom set up and deciding on chemistry & paper I have drafted the process I want to start with and I would like any comments or concerns that you may see.

Thanks in advance

Todd

Batch Process 1
Develop
Stop Bath (Water)
Fix Bath 1 - 30 sec (Ammonium Thiosulfate @ film strength)
Fix Bath 2 - 30 sec (Ammonium Thiosulfate @ film strength)
Water Rinse - 5 min (in a tray with a syphon)
Wash Aid - 3 min
Water Rinse - 5 Min (in a tray with a syphon)
Water Holding Bath - (soaking in vertical washer until print session is done)

Batch Process 2
Toner - 1-5 min
Water Rinse - 5 min (in a tray with a syphon)
Wash Aid - 5 min
Water Holding Bath - (soaking in vertical washer until toner session is done)
Water Wash - 60 min (vertical wash 1 complete change after 30 min)

 

[dancqu]

Your process 1 will take 20 minutes per print give or
take a minute or two. Your plans are to process only
one print at a time. Correct? Dan

 

[Todd Barlow]

Yes, one print at a time, however if I am doing multiple copies of the same negative I would expose a few and when the first ones are in the rinse trays I can develop others.

I have never tried developing more than one print at a time, I usually do 11 x14's.

Todd

 

[dancqu]

Yes, one print at a time, however if I am
doing multiple copies of the same negative I would expose a few
and when the first ones are in the rinse trays I can
develop others.
I have never tried developing more than one print at a time,
I usually do 11 x14's. Todd

When the first print is in the first rinse after fix 2, back for
the next print, sounds reasonable.

An alternative with multiple copies:
Lets say 3 min. in the developer and a 1 min. water stop; a
fresh pint, give or take, of water each print. Then into
a water holding bath.

I'm reaching back many years ago when I had occasion to
batch 8x10s. Starting with the developer I'd put a few through
at a time. I've now adopted an entirely new methodology;
one-tray/one-shot processing using very dilute solutions.
Still a good idea to work efficiently. Dan