Water Spots on Negatives

[JADoss23]

I've been developing black and white film at home for over a year and always had good results but lately I've been having more issues with water spots when drying the film. I tried using photoflo in the final wash but didn't help any. Not sure what I'm missing in the process. I use a Patterson tank with the plastic reels and D-76 for processing. Thanks

 

[jim10219]

Are your tanks clean? If they have chemical buildup in them, that could cause it. Or it could be from your water source. The water quality at the tap at my house varies depending on the time of year. You might try using distilled water with the photoflo for your final rinse. Or do what I do, and use your fingers to squeegee away the excess water when you hang them to dry. Though, the finger squeegee method seems to make a lot of people angry. I hear claims of scratches and stuff, but I've never experienced any. It probably depends on what condition your skin is in. Either that or technique. All I know is, it works for some, and not for others. And apparently if you're in one camp, then the other camp is your sworn enemy.

 

[naaldvoerder]

I use photoglo and a rubber film squechee. Despite all the warmings against them, never had any scratches..

 

[Siompa]

I had lots of issues with drying marks and water spots in my films so I tried to just let the film sit in photoflo for 10 minutes as the last step. Then I hang it to dry without squeegeeing or anything. No issues anymore, maybe it’s worth a shot.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

It's not your equipment but probably your water. Do you live in a municipality with hard water? If so, buy distilled water for your wetting agent and wipe dry with a lintless cloth. Squeegees are OK. But when they get old, they get hard and it will scratch your film.

 

[jimjm]

For your final dunk in Photoflo, try mixing it with distilled water, not tap water.

 

[removedacct1]

Its your water supply. As others have suggested, the final photoflo rinse should be made with distilled water.

 

[Sirius Glass]

For your final dunk in Photoflo, try mixing it with distilled water, not tap water.

Follow the instructions as stated, not throwing drops in the water. Mix well. If spots still show up, use distilled water. Throw out the squeegee.

 

[studiocarter]

Having the same problem, my Brita water filter jug eliminated the spots. Ditto distilled