X-Ray films development tips

[norm123]

Hi

I have the project to use X-Ray film (blue sensitive) 11 x 14 inches for traditionnal subjects in photography: landscapes, architecture.

Is somebody have experience to develop films for these purposes?

Thank you

 

[Toffle]

I have been using the Fuji "Green" film for several months now. While I have had good results in the studio, I find it very difficult to expose correctly out of doors where, I am guessing the UV light is more variable. My recommendation is to process in tanks. I've been exposing at ISO 50 and processing for six minutes in HC-110 Dil-H.
Best of luck to you. Post your results.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I've used Fuji HRT green sensitive film. 2 tips for processing it. The emulsion becomes very soft when processing it so I process with a smooth bottomed tray. I've processed the film a print drums also with success. The advantage of Xray film that it's not panochromatic so you can process it under a safelight and inspect the film as it processes.

 

[ntenny]

I've used Kodak's green-sensitive film, and found that the emulsion is so soft that just *thinking* about the film can scratch it. Even in a smooth-bottomed tray I was managing to get scratches somehow---the best approach I've found is to develop it in a ziploc bag, agitating by sloshing the bag around sort of as if it were a floppy version of the BTZS tubes.

From that film I get something reasonably close to EI 100, outdoors on a sunny day. It develops very quickly; in HC-110 dilution B I get a good-looking negative in about 5 minutes, which is unnervingly short. I need to go to a lower dilution to extend the time a bit.

I haven't noticed a problem from having emulsion on both sides, but some people take the trouble to strip one side off.

For landscapes, I'd think green-sensitive would be better than blue-sensitive.

-NT

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

If the film has emulsion on both surfaces, take great care in handling it. Inserting and removing from film holders can scratch the emulsion, so take care. The most economical method of developing is in a tray (I use BTZS tubes for single-sided xray film). Flat-bottomed trays are preferred. If you do not have one, pick up a large Tupperware container, or just place a piece of plexi-glass in the bottom of a ribbed tray.
Since you will be shooting mainly outdoors, UV will vary. I've been successful with exposure between ISO 50-100 (with green and blue, single and double-sided films). My main developer is Pyrocat-HD. The wetted emulsion is VERY fragile (especially with double-sided), so handle gently.
Filters: light greens and yellows work fine. I've even gotten away with a #15 Wratten filter. Normal filter factors applied.