reasons why the emulsion side of my film is getting dirty?

MingMingPhoto · Mar 17, 2021

Hi all. I was processing film a home using tapwater in kodak chemistry and washing with thap then using final rinse and was getting really clean negatives. I'd put tthe film to dry in my handmade drying cabinet and everythingwaas fine. now I've moved to a basement at another location and i can't tell if the dust in the basement is the reason for the dirty negatives or if it's the water.

if it was the water it would be the glossy side that would have all the dirt no? or is itt possible for the water to be the reason but to only really affect the emulsuin side (dull side) of the negative?

please help

MattKing · Mar 17, 2021

Dust and dirt is much more likely to become embedded in the gelatin in the emulsion - the dull side.

pentaxuser · Mar 17, 2021

Try using distilled water to see of the dirt problem disappears. If it does then yes it is the water

pentaxuser

Sirius Glass · Mar 17, 2021

I suggest you clean your basement.

MingMingPhoto · Mar 17, 2021

Matt and Pentax, ty, but also do you guys have suggestions for water filtration types for both the hot and cold water lines?

MattKing · Mar 17, 2021

MingMingPhoto said:
Matt and Pentax, ty, but also do you guys have suggestions for water filtration types for both the hot and cold water lines?

I'd be willing to bet that there is a healthy industry in New York city responding to the need for clean water and well filtered ventilation - it doesn't require a photographic solution, but rather a workplace environment solution.

MingMingPhoto · Mar 17, 2021

MattKing said:
I'd be willing to bet that there is a healthy industry in New York city responding to the need for clean water and well filtered ventilation - it doesn't require a photographic solution, but rather a workplace environment solution.

idk wha you're saying :/

do you know what filters I need for my water to be clean?

MattKing · Mar 17, 2021

You need to talk to people who are local to you, who are in the business of helping supply clean water to homes and businesses.
There is no particular need for them to have a photographic connection.

MingMingPhoto · Mar 17, 2021

Oh,
Ok yeah. Well I'm still hoping someone here can just tell me. If that fails/tomorrow morning I'll call some darkrooms. thanks though

Vaughn · Mar 18, 2021

Just the hardware-store variety of filters will do fine...something like this...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Whole-House-Water-Filtration-System-GXWH04F/100471282

If you are just dealing with 'dirt' you don't need much.

Nodda Duma · Mar 18, 2021

MingMingPhoto said:
Oh,
Ok yeah. Well I'm still hoping someone here can just tell me. If that fails/tomorrow morning I'll call some darkrooms. thanks though

Look for a reverse osmosis type drinking water filter setup for your kitchen sink. The filters go under the sink, and there’s a second small faucet installed for drinking.

If you look on amazon, the Express Water kits are easy to set up and a bargain. For essentially distilled water, look up Amazon Stock ID number (ASIN): B010RD13NM. I use this for water for emulsion making but also for final spot free rinse of film. Super useful.

For your basement darkroom, a standup HEPA air purifier will eventually reduce the dust in the air.

reasons why the emulsion side of my film is getting dirty?

MingMingPhoto

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MingMingPhoto

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MingMingPhoto

Vaughn

Nodda Duma

reasons why the emulsion side of my film is getting dirty?

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