Tray-processing with gloves...and photo-flo?

[Tom Nutter]

In a couple of weeks, I will be tray-processing some BW film from a shoot with an 8X10 camera. It will be the second time I have done this.....The first time, I was bare-handed in the chemicals. This time, I think I might like to wear gloves...what kind should I use? Should I really add photo-flo to the developer?

Thanks in advance!:confused:

 

[David William White]

Latex gloves get REALLY slippery (and Photoflo will make things worse) -- you'll pull them off and go back to fingers. However, try Nitrile gloves -- they stay tacky when they are wet. I tried them this summer and they were fabulous. They are much more tear resistant, so they last much longer.

I found mine at an auto-supply store. I think mechanics use them to change slippery oil filters and such.

 

[PeteZ8]

I use vinyl (the clear plastic ones) and have excellent luck.

Get unpowdered as well. Having worked in the mechanical trades long enough I have learned that powdered gloves, especially if changed frequently, really beat up your hands by stripping all the moisture out of your skin. I would imagine powder is not good for the chemicals or your film anyway.

 

[Allen Friday]

I have used both latex and nitrile gloves. Either works fine. Just go with your preference. I tend to use latex because I find nitrile a little stiff for my liking. Others prefer nitrile over latex. I buy my gloves in bulk at Sam's or Costco. PeteZ8 is right on, make sure they are unpowdered.

I have never found a need to add photo-flo to the developer. I presoak the film in water before it goes in the developer and have never had a problem with the film sticking together. I know there have been threads about adding photo-flo to developer, but I just don't see the need for it.