Pur Filter?

photomem · Sep 29, 2009

I am processing film at my kitchen sink as I have not had the time nor inclination to clean out the basement in preparation for it to become a darkroom. I am curious though, how are the "attach to the spigot" filters like Pur and Brita and all that at cleaning the water for film development?

Anyone have any experience here?

Rick A · Sep 29, 2009

IMHO they work reasonably well. This doesnt mean that they replace deionized water, but they do remove a goodly amount of impurities that could have an effect on your film and prints. I use an inline filter system for my entire home, however all my stock solutions are mixed with distilled, then diluted to working strength with tap water. Unless your tap water is horribly mineral laden, I wouldnt worry about it.
Rick

photomem · Sep 29, 2009

Memphis is supposed to be "world renowned" for its "pure artesian water." I thought it odd that they do not filter the water at the University in the photo labs,but one of the professors told me they really did not need to, because the water was so clean. I grew up in Arkansas drinking water from a deep well in our backyard.. Memphis water tastes funny to me, maybe because it is chlorinated. I was just wondering if for any other reason, I should filter the Chlorine.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 29, 2009

photomem said:
Memphis is supposed to be "world renowned" for its "pure artesian water." I thought it odd that they do not filter the water at the University in the photo labs,but one of the professors told me they really did not need to, because the water was so clean. I grew up in Arkansas drinking water from a deep well in our backyard.. Memphis water tastes funny to me, maybe because it is chlorinated. I was just wondering if for any other reason, I should filter the Chlorine.

I lived in roughly ten cities, spread over three countries and two continents. Every one of these cities claimed to have the best water in the world. None of them had bad water, but all of them had different hardness levels, different amount of chlorine or other additives, but ALL of them were the BEST in the world! I don't know what's up with that.

tim_bessell · Sep 29, 2009

Best in the world for what, Ralph?

Pur and Brita filters do remove chlorine. Fill a gallon jug half way with tap and another half way with filtered water, then smell the difference.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 29, 2009

tim_bessell said:
Best in the world for what, Ralph?

Not my statement. That how they sell it to their customers (everywhere).

AgX · Sep 29, 2009

There even is perfect tap water without any chlorine.

mgb74 · Sep 30, 2009

AFAIK, the Pur and Brita type filters are for "chemicals" (including chlorine). They are charcoal based I believe (at least the Brita filters are). Do they affect film development - I don't know. I'd be most concerned about particles in the water; which would vary depending on source.

I know the 1 hour labs generally had a filter for incoming water. Anyone know what type of composition those filters used? Charcoal? Particle? Both?

Martin Aislabie · Sep 30, 2009

What are you trying to achieve by filtering your water?

and

What are you trying to avoid by filtering your water?

Martin

Pur Filter?

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