Nova B?W Dev. at 34c

[chorleyjeff]

I have a Nova processor which I use for colour printing at 35c with C41 chemicals.
Nova's web site says their B/W developer can be used up to 34c. It would be very convenient to use both chemicals at the same temperature to avoid messing about with the thermostat. Can anyone tell me from practical experience what problems, if any, there are using Nova developer and fixer at 34 or 35c?
Cheers
Jeff

 

[chorleyjeff]

You may run into problems as most B&W films are not designed to be processed at such high temperatures.

I use the Nova processor for prints.
It's 20c in a small Paterson tank for film.
Cheers
Jeff

 

[chorleyjeff]

You may run into problems as most B&W films are not designed to be processed at such high temperatures.

Have just realised I said C41 rather than RA4.
Sorry to have caused confusion
Cheers
Jeff

 

[pentaxuser]

I take it that you are talking about paper not film as it is a Nova slot processor? It seem to me that if Nova is confident of their dev and fix at 34C then one more degree is unlikely to turn success into failure. However this is a presumption on my part as I have never used my Nova for B&W paper at above 25C.

If no-one here can confirm his use of the Nova at 35C, a call to Nova might be worthwhile. I have always found the personnel to be very helpful.

pentaxuser

 

[Roger Hicks]

Frances has found no problems using our Novas at elevated temperatures, well into the 30s (she does not recall if she has ever gone as high as 37). The chemicals don't last as long, because they oxidize faster, but processing times are wonderfully short. Agitate vigorously if you want to take maximum advantage of this -- or accept that the paper will be in the dev for a little longer than is strictly needed.

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[john_s]

Agfa used to give paper dev times at 20, 25 and 30 degC for all paper developers, and up to 35 degC for Agetol which was used for automatic transport machines.

I have used more concentrated than normal developer in a Nova slot processor (to speed things up) and I found unevenness to be a problem unless I was very careful with agitation and was very careful not to lift the print up out of the developer to have a look until close to the end of processing.

 

[chorleyjeff]

Frances has found no problems using our Novas at elevated temperatures, well into the 30s (she does not recall if she has ever gone as high as 37). The chemicals don't last as long, because they oxidize faster, but processing times are wonderfully short. Agitate vigorously if you want to take maximum advantage of this -- or accept that the paper will be in the dev for a little longer than is strictly needed.

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

Thanks for the practical advice.
I was bothered that development would be so fast that it would be uneven or overdevelopment would be a problem.
I'll give it a go.
Secondary point. Should Nova processors be left switched on from first to last session with the same (replenished) chemicals or should I continue to switch off between sessions?

Cheers
Jeff

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Jeff,

We always switch off between sessions.

As development should be to completion, unevenness is not a problem that should arise, and you cannot easily overdevelop (i.e. veil the highlights with fog) -- but don't skimp on the agitation, and don't develop for longer than you need for a maximum black.

Cheers,

R.

 

[chorleyjeff]

Dear Jeff,

We always switch off between sessions.

As development should be to completion, unevenness is not a problem that should arise, and you cannot easily overdevelop (i.e. veil the highlights with fog) -- but don't skimp on the agitation, and don't develop for longer than you need for a maximum black.

Cheers,

R.

Once again thanks
Cheers
Jeff