Ilford FB paper washing question

Rob Skeoch said:

I stopped using a vertical washer and went back to large trays. I found the prints stuck to the dividers stopping any flow of water. If the prints were just floating in water it would be one thing, but mine were sticking to the panels and not washing properly.

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I noticed this, and I had a set of dividers made using a material that was textured on both sides, and that helped.

ediz7531 said:

This sounds like more than a slight modification

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Well that is my feeling as well The additional time is appreciable IMO and as several people feel the same way about the shortness of the Ilford method then it might be as well to notify Ilford if members have found that the Ilford method does not pass the RHT test

If Ilford have genuinely made a mistake then better it is told so

Just out of interest is there anyone who has found that adhering to the Ilford sequence is OK? Sometimes I think that anyone satisfied with the Ilford sequence may keep their heads below the parapet for fear of being embroiled in an argument.

Here's the Ilford video for those who wish to check the sequence and times against what they found to be too short a period to pass the RHT test. Ilford does mention this test in the video but does claim its own process gives optimum archival properties to the washed paper

The sequence is from 2:20 to 3:05


pentaxuser

If you have a vertical print washer there is a much easier and less chancy method of FB print washing than the Ilford 5 +10 +5 sequence.

Just give the FB prints a quick rinse to get the surface fixer off them, then a generous soak in hypo clear, then load the print washer, turn the water on,
and walk away and relax for 45minutes to an hour. If your print washer is any good the prints will be washed to archival standard.

This is what I do. No failures in 50 years.

Maris said:

No failures in 50 years.

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but You will have to wait another 100 years to be sure.

Maris said:

If you have a vertical print washer there is a much easier and less chancy method of FB print washing than the Ilford 5 +10 +5 sequence.

Just give the FB prints a quick rinse to get the surface fixer off them, then a generous soak in hypo clear, then load the print washer, turn the water on,
and walk away and relax for 45minutes to an hour. If your print washer is any good the prints will be washed to archival standard.

This is what I do. No failures in 50 years.

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The issue here is water use. Conserving water is becoming a big issue in many parts of the US that are currently experiencing drought and falling reservoir levels. Conservation is mandated in some places and encouraged in most others affected by the drought (US West/SW, etc.).

The Ilford method used a lot less water, especially if one is careful to use optimum flow rates for the washer. Photgraphers trying to save water (and maybe some time) are the ones most concerned with the quick wash.

That said, I live in a fairly water-rich area and do precisely what you suggest .)

Best,

Doremus