Water spots on negs

rpohagan · Aug 4, 2008

So with the help of you guys I finally developed my first set of negatives and they look really nice. When I hung them up to dry though there are some water spots that dried on. They aren't too bad, but I was wondering what would be the safest way to clean them off? I'm sure they come off easy with a sponge or something, but I don't want to scratch them. Thanks in advance!

ann · Aug 4, 2008

you could try some film cleaner with a soft cloth, but they are really hard to remove once they are there, or at least that has been the experince in our environment.

fschifano · Aug 4, 2008

Did you use a wetting agent? If not, you should. Brand is unimportant, though Kodak's Photoflo is the easiest and least expensive brand to be had in my neck of the woods. Mix it up and use only enough Photoflo to prevent the water from beading up on the film. Often, that can be half Kodak's recommended 1+200 dilution ratio, or 1+400. Soak your film in it for a while, then hang to dry. If you use it directly after the wash cycle, a quick dip of 30 seconds is sufficient, but we want to dissolve whatever minerals may have dried onto the film this time. If your water supply is clean, there is no need for distilled water.

trexx · Aug 4, 2008

I used to use fotoflow and squeegee after the last rins. But nowadays to prevent spots I do my last tank of rinse with distilled water. To this I add one or two drops of formalow from Photographers' Formulary. I do not squeegee and get (water) spotless negs.

Gary Holliday · Aug 4, 2008

Believe it or not, the best way to clean those marks is with some oil from the side of your nose. It even removes the appearance of fine scratches on your negatives. There are many opinions on wetting agents, but I myself prefer a 30s - 1 min dip in de-ionised water purchased from hardware stores.

Paul Verizzo · Aug 4, 2008

rpohagan, pay no attention to these thoughts..

rpohagan said:
So with the help of you guys I finally developed my first set of negatives and they look really nice. When I hung them up to dry though there are some water spots that dried on. They aren't too bad, but I was wondering what would be the safest way to clean them off? I'm sure they come off easy with a sponge or something, but I don't want to scratch them. Thanks in advance!

Only I have the correct opinion. Well, OK, I'm just trying to say that everyone has different experiences and results, they all work. Just find your system.

FWIW, I use Photo-Flo in distilled water - belt and suspenders - after the wash and use fore and middle fingers for the squeegee. Kodak sells Photo-Flo in pints which is the dumbest thing ever. That's what, two lifetime's worth for a hobbyist? The little dropper bottle of what is it....LFN? is so much more sensible.

gainer · Aug 5, 2008

Two finger squeegee with soft paper toweling wrapped around the fingers. If the paper is soft enough for my anus, it won't scratch the film. Note: I don't test it for softness every time before I use it on film.

Paul Verizzo · Aug 5, 2008

gainer said:
Two finger squeegee with soft paper toweling wrapped around the fingers. If the paper is soft enough for my anus, it won't scratch the film. Note: I don't test it for softness every time before I use it on film.

I don't even use the toweling, just two or three traverses and done.

I had a "kid" that rented a room from me some years ago. He asked if I would buy a different TP because the Scott brand was tough on his toosh.

eddym · Aug 5, 2008

Paul Verizzo said:
I had a "kid" that rented a room from me some years ago. He asked if I would buy a different TP because the Scott brand was tough on his toosh.

Life is too short to use anything but Charmin Ultra. Oh, and let's not forget Preparation H Medicated Wipes!

dancqu · Aug 5, 2008

The Eigth Blade Film Squeegee

Thought I'd put it in headlines this time.
Several years ago I switched from the very
low cost Yankee sponge squeegee to the
expensive eight blade. I've always
squeegeed roll film.

The film first then the eight blade are given
good rinses in a half strength PhotoFlo solution.
The wet hanging film is then squeegeed using
a gentil, uniform, very slow, single sweep
downward. Film dries fast.

My eight blade is a Jobo but the same
is sold under other names. Dan

Kevin Kehler · Aug 6, 2008

I use the Photoflo as well, a capful (up to the threads) per 2L of water and a capful of 99% rubbing alcohol (an excellent suggestion from Les McLean). I wash in running water for 5-10 minutes, dunk in the Photoflo/alcohol solution and then the finger squeegee to get the big drops (the secret is not squeezing but just allowing your fingers to run over it). Hang to dry, never had a problem with water spots since.

Water spots on negs

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