Optimal paper storage orientation

[jvarsoke]

Just got my shipment of Agfa MCC111 FB and some 310 RC 11x14 in the mail from Freestyle. What's the best orientation to store this stuff for minimal curvature?

1) flat
2) On end (short side down)
3) On side (long side down)

 

[Papa Tango]

Little Curly Sue...

I have always kept mine in the box or envelope, and face down. The biggest problem ever with FB is keeping it in the paper safe. There if the humidity is variable, it will curl regardless of what way you place it. Never keep more than you are going to print in a short time, and look for ways to control your darkroom humidity.

I know of one photographer who has cut sheets of 1/8" thick masonite and glued a small block of lead in the center. These are placed over sheets in the paper safe to help keep them flat.

 

[srs5694]

look for ways to control your darkroom humidity.

Any recommendations for the optimum humidity in a darkroom? I've not really dealt with this much, but it's an issue that I've been thinking about in a "back-burner" sort of way for a while now.

 

[GregT.]

Any recommendations for the optimum humidity in a darkroom? I've not really dealt with this much, but it's an issue that I've been thinking about in a "back-burner" sort of way for a while now.

From Kodak Publication No. O-3 (Black-and-White Tips and Techniques
for Darkroom Enthusiasts):

"If possible, keep the relative humidity at 40 to 60 percent in areas where you load and unload film." This from the section discussing static electricity.

"Dry films at 20-percent relative humidity." This from the section discussing ways of preventing water marks.

No other specific values recommended for paper or for general darkroom relative humidy in Kodak's Publication.

 

[Papa Tango]

Cant make any "profound" recommendations for humidity control. I use a Goldstar dehumidifier unit that drains into the sink waste line. It runs on 2 hour cycles, and is set for 40%.