help for newbie with developing tanks

B&Wenthusiast · Jul 28, 2006

We were taught to prewash the film with water before agitating with developer. Then I hear from others that we don't need to do the prewash. I'd like to hear from others who have been at this a lot longer. We use Ilford black & white, primarily Delta 3200 and HP Plus 400.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts. This site has been very helpful!

clogz · Jul 28, 2006

A prewash can be good as it will remove anti halo dyes. However, it is not advisable to do a prewash when using 2 bath developers.

Hans

timeUnit · Jul 28, 2006

I think you'll get as many different opinions on this as there are photographers...

Following advice from DF Cardwell on this site I no longer use a prewash with Rodinal developer. I have seen no adverse effects from this.

I do use it with XTOL developer, but have not done any tests to see if not doing a prewash will give me less-than-stellar results. It's an old habit in my case.

It's easy enough to test though, don't you think?

PepMiro · Jul 28, 2006

With a pre-wash, you decrease the risk of uneven development, especially with developers and dilutions that require short development time.
Don't forget that with a pre-wash, you have to increase development time for about 20 seconds (the time that water in the emulsion need to dilute in the developer).

B&Wenthusiast · Jul 28, 2006

developing tanks

clogz said:
A prewash can be good as it will remove anti halo dyes. However, it is not advisable to do a prewash when using 2 bath developers.

Hans

What are 2 bath developers? I don't think we are doing that, but still new with the terminology. Thanks to everyone!

clogz · Jul 28, 2006

A 2 bath developer is a developer in two parts, a bath A and a bath B. Examples are Diafine and split D23. In the first bath not much development takes place but the fil is given time to soak up chems that are activated by bath B. This kind of developer has some advantages since time and temperature are not critical and it keeps a very long time. Diafine also gives a one stop push to many films.

Hans

Bob F. · Jul 28, 2006

Ilford documentation recommends no pre-wash with their films. I take the view that they probably know more than anyone else on the subject so do not pre-wash...

Follow the links from here (http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/producttype.asp?n=3&t=Consumer+&+Professional+Films) for the various Ilford film datasheets.

Cheers, Bob.

PatTrent · Jul 29, 2006

I've used Rodinal and HC110 for 25 years without a prewash on Ilford films or Kodak's Tri-X.

The only prewash I've ever used is with some pyro type developers when it was specifically recommended by the formulator.

In the long run, though, you really need to try it for yourself both ways and compare your results. Your water supply isn't the same as mine, etc.

help for newbie with developing tanks

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