In-Line Water Filter

[DanielStone]

hey all,

i have a little predicament here. Lately I have been noticing that when I develop film, expecially color film(neg), I have been getting some nasty residue on the emulsion side of my negs.

I don't have the ability to do my own processing at home , but I am able to use the facilities at my local photography center. I am using a jobo tank for 4x5 and 120 primarily, but when I scan the negs, i get those nasty little white spots all over. They don't really show when I optically print them :confused:.Even when I feel the emulsion side of my film, it seems like something is bonded to the emulsion in some way. Somewhat rough-feeling.

Do any of you know of a in-line water filter that is inexpensive, yet works really well? I've heard about using coffee filters for this, being that the water at this place probably isn't as well filtered as it should be.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks

Dan

 

[eddym]

I double filter the water in my darkroom, but for film developing, I make a final rinse in distilled water, just to be safe. You might try that.

 

[mgb74]

If you're getting residue, it could be a few things, including hard water. A filter won't help with that.

If still want a sediment filter, you could rig up something with a small undersink filter housing with a 5 micron filter element. Would need the proper fittings. All should be available at Home Depot, Lowe's, or equivalent.

 

[DanielStone]

If you're getting residue, it could be a few things, including hard water. A filter won't help with that.

If still want a sediment filter, you could rig up something with a small undersink filter housing with a 5 micron filter element. Would need the proper fittings. All should be available at Home Depot, Lowe's, or equivalent.

I've been using distilled water to mix the final rinse. I don't understand why there is the residue. Its a pain in the but though.

Also, I let my negs hang to drip by one corner for about 15 minutes, then when most of the final rinse has dripped off, then I turn on the dryer(which is filtered).

Would room-temp drying be the better way for this? Obviously commercial labs can't dry negs at room temp, it would be bad business practice. Slow as well.... Is all of their incoming water fine filtered as you have described above?

 

[jp80874]

I've been using distilled water to mix the final rinse. I don't understand why there is the residue. Its a pain in the but though.

Also, I let my negs hang to drip by one corner for about 15 minutes, then when most of the final rinse has dripped off, then I turn on the dryer(which is filtered).

Would room-temp drying be the better way for this? Obviously commercial labs can't dry negs at room temp, it would be bad business practice. Slow as well.... Is all of their incoming water fine filtered as you have described above?

The under sink filters can also be bought from same source as 3 micron and 1 micron. I currently use 1 micron. Be careful some can not tolerate hot water. Check to see where hot and cold are mixed or be sure the water will not be warmer than the filter and filter holder are rated to handle. The hot water filter cases I have seen that are rated for HOT water are stainless steel, not the plastic of most under sink filter holders.

I occasionally found black specks on the film, but they went away with distilled final rinse in my jobo. That must have been a problem of the past however because one day I ran out of distilled water and tried it without. There have been no black specks since. I can't explain that, but it is cheaper and I don't have to remember to buy distilled water.

Though I have a darkroom and do everything in my power to control dust I do not hang the film to dry without finding specs on it. I used a rolling fabric cloths closet that Bed Bath and Beyond sells in several versions. I prefer the one with fabric walls because water vapor can come out and dust can not go in.

I have never liked film driers in public darkrooms. I used them for two years in college before building my own darkroom. You are very careful, but the next person is not. They open the door with the exhaust on and in comes the dust. They rub your film with their dirty film and you two get to share.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

John Powers