Processing noob

jpreston · Jun 21, 2011

I'm new to home film processing and have a quick question. I plan on trying caffenol to develop a roll of TXP. Knowing that I still need fixer, I bought some Ilford. The label says to dilute 1:3. Does that mean 1 part fixer, 3 parts water?

Thanks,

Jeff

tkamiya · Jun 21, 2011

No, and Yes.

It's funny because I just did that and had exactly the same confusion. If you read the technical documentation on that fixer on Ilford's site, it says to mix it either 1+4 or 1+9. If you read the sticky label on the bottle, on the very outer page, it says 1+4 or 1+9, then on inner pages, it says to mix 1+3. Huh??

Consensus is that 1+4 or 1+9 is the correct dilution. Yes, it means 1 part fixer concentrate, 4 or 9 part water.

tkamiya · Jun 21, 2011

Here's the link to the Ilford documentation.

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2006130218312091.pdf

jpreston · Jun 21, 2011

Thanks. I wondered about the different numbers as well.

jpreston · Jun 21, 2011

Another question: will 220 film fit on a 120 SS processing reel?

tkamiya · Jun 21, 2011

Yes but only half of it.

Dshambli · Jun 22, 2011

I hope it's a decent SS reel. I just used a cheap one, it took me probably ten minutes to get the roll on the reel. When I finally did, I guess it was knotted and kinked, because half of the roll didn't develop right. Then I read reviews of that reel to find people unanimously agreed "Don't buy this reel!"

tkamiya · Jun 22, 2011

It does take some getting used to. Unlike 35mm versions, 120 version of SS reels are not all that different from brand to brand. You might just need to practice some more. All of mine are no-name reel purchased used for a buck or two each. They work fine.....

jpreston · Jun 22, 2011

tkamiya said:
Yes but only half of it.

That's what I was afraid of. I have a roll of 220 to develop but only have 120 reels...

jpreston · Jun 22, 2011

Dshambli said:
I hope it's a decent SS reel. I just used a cheap one, it took me probably ten minutes to get the roll on the reel. When I finally did, I guess it was knotted and kinked, because half of the roll didn't develop right. Then I read reviews of that reel to find people unanimously agreed "Don't buy this reel!"

Not sure of the brand, but they seem nice.

Processing noob

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