Poor Washing, Poor Fixing, What are the signs?

I dont have any particular problem, but I'd like to understand the signs of poor fixing and/or poor washing so that when film comes out of the tank in less than ideal appearance, I can have some idea what went wrong.

Right now I have on idea what the signs of poor fixing look like, or poor washing.

Can someone fill me in?

Thanks!

poor washing won't show up at first, but with time the negatives will show signs of stain.

with fixer issues, the negative will look cloudy, a milky appearance, just put into fresh fixer.

Fixing and washing isn't really an issue as long as long as you don't rush it (and your fixer is in good shape).

Newer B&W films such as T-MAX may also have a purple colouring of the film base if the fix is too short. Typically, these films need a longer fix than traditional films, there are a lot of online tips on this.

Running the film under the tap is not the most effective way to wash it. It will be better to use a wash hose for the the tank, or to use the Ilford method of reapeated pouring and agitating. It's also a good idea to let the film soak in some clean water at the end of the wash cycle, for up to 20 minutes. (Sometimes you will actually see darker deposits in the water from the film.)

Wash aids such as hypo clear and flo products can also be useful, especially if your negatives don't come out as clear and clean as you want them to (provided that you have fixed and washed properly).

Poor fixing with film will leave a slight milky residue which in time will change colour slightly. The film can be re-fixed and this should help. Poor fixing with paper as well as poor washing will make the prints discolour, with parts changing to purple-ish brown over a period of time and then fading almost as if they were bleached away. I have even see a poorly washed prints changing completely to an almost all over sepia colour and then start to fade.

RattyMouse said:

I dont have any particular problem, but I'd like to understand the signs of poor fixing and/or poor washing so that when film comes out of the tank in less than ideal appearance, I can have some idea what went wrong.

Right now I have on idea what the signs of poor fixing look like, or poor washing.

Can someone fill me in?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

You won't know for 5 or 10 years. Best to use the fix and wash tests described previously. http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Archival/archival.html

If the film didn't get fixed the first time and has the milky appearance, how long afterward can you re-fix?

fotch said:

If the film didn't get fixed the first time and has the milky appearance, how long afterward can you re-fix?

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I don't think there's a waiting period. You can check the film (outside the tank or with the light on) AFTER a couple minutes of fixing and check to see if it needs more time. You can also do it after the film is already dried. Basically, you can re-fix any time after you fix, but be careful not to over-fix.

About 5 minutes, IF you didn't turn bright lights on. Fixing and leaving unfixed splotches is the kiss of death. Leads to doubt. In photography, doubt is a thing where bad habits are born. As far as washing, how old are you? If you're 57 like me, then negatives inadequately washed are still likely to outlive you (me). But is that any excuse? No. So there again, get it right; no excuses.