Ilford and Efke Sheet Film Question

Rick Olson · Dec 18, 2005

Hello,

I have processed some 5 x 7 sheets of Efke 100 and Ilford FP-4. The developer was Pyrocat-HD at 1:1:100 at 70F in a tank. The density range of the sheets looks fine, but I have noticed a difference in the unexposed edges of the film. The Ilford FP-4 is nearly transparent while the Efke is a bit hazy. Is this normal and a result of the type of film base used by these manufacturers?

Thanks,
Rick

glennfromwy · Dec 18, 2005

In all probability, I would say yes. Were fixing times the same?

Mongo · Dec 18, 2005

I've seen the same thing with those films and a number of developers, including Pyrocat-HD. I don't know if it's the base material or fog created during development (I suspect it's the latter).

In spite of this, the Efke negatives print easily, and it remains my favorite sheet film.

clay · Dec 18, 2005

I've noticed that films tend to stain all differ to some degree in how they stain. I am beginning to suspect it has something to do with the particular kind of gelatin the manufacturers use and what they add to it.

Paddy · Dec 19, 2005

In both Rodinal and PMK, the Efke always develops way more fb+f, than FP4+.

avandesande · Dec 19, 2005

Same result with ABC.
The PL25 doesnt fog nearly as much.
I think the pl100 benefits from a more dilute concentration.

photomc · Dec 19, 2005

Have noticed the same thing and think that Clay is correct, came to the same conclusion that there was something different in the gelatine...but have only really noticed it with Efke PL100. FWIIW, processing sequence is 2 min presoak with water, develope, stop (weak acid) and fix with fresh Ilford Universal fixer, wash, HCA and wash some more. Just no change in the haze...negatives print OK, so figured it was not a real problem.

matt miller · Dec 19, 2005

I've noticed the same thing. The fog seems to make my printing times longer for Efke100 negs though, which is a pain. Another reason that I prefer TMY.

dustym · Dec 19, 2005

I had the same with the efke 120 film and a professional processor at my club suggested I emerse the negative in the fix solution again and time the intervals of immersion and after 1min 15 sec for me the neg was glear of fog. I am using adofix by the way

Ilford and Efke Sheet Film Question

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