Getting the Curl Out!

[Irrev.Rev.]

Howdy Folks!
Received a roll of developed negs (HP5 120) and it still has the 'spool-effect'!! Any way to flatten out for insertion in negative file that will not be damaging to images? Could they be soaked and pressed under a weight?

Thanks

P.S. Using new lab that sorts into "Print File" holders!

 

[bdial]

If they're still in one strip and you're so equipped, hang them up as you would for drying after processing, a couple of days might do it.
Otherwise I'd fight the strips into the print file holder then weight that.
If you're careful no damage will result. Wearing a pair of cotton gloves will help.
Soaking then pressing would be a bad idea.

 

[Bob-D659]

Cut and insert into the neg sleeves wearing cotton gloves, thn press them under a book for a couple of days. Wetting and pressing them is a good way to damage the emulsion, it might even peel off the backing if you are truly unlucky.

 

[Irrev.Rev.]

Thanks for the replies; I've also reviewed other threads in the meantime and found that it's quite a problem. Will give it a go and hope for the best.

John

 

[fschifano]

I do all my own B&W processing and never have this sort of problem with HP5+. The stuff dries pretty flat when I just hang it to dry of its own accord. Clearly, something else is going on here. Perhaps the lab used heat to dry the film quickly, and that caused it to curl. If you still have the entire strip of uncut film, you might try hanging it, for a day or so, on a line with a clothes peg. Clamp an extra 1 or 2 at the bottom to weight it down. It might straighten out.

 

[JBrunner]

Like others, I cut them up and put them in a sleeve page. They flatten out pretty well on there own after that. If I have some that are pretty curly, and I want to use them soon I place the sleeve with the negs in a large book with a few books on top for a couple of days..