[MF3D.FORUM:853] Re: Processing E6

[Richard Rylander <rlrylander@xxxxxxx>]

Kevin Kelley wrote:

> Re: Processing problems.
>
> A lot of problems with processing can be eliminated if you do a good water
> bath first - i.e. before processing soak the film in water and agitate it
> enough to make sure you do not have any bubbles adhering to the film and
> that the film is uniformly wet.  I have even tried a very small amount of
> water softener (photo flow) to this bath to assist this process (but would
> not suggest you try that without full experimentation first)
>
> A pre wetting allows immediate and uniform wetting by the developer and
> softness it attacks on the film.  This will eliminate most streaks and
> ununiform development.  If you try this you should do some experiments to
> ascertain the development time because it will change somewhat from your
> norm.

A pre soak is not always beneficial.  Many modern films incorporate wetting
agents within the emulsion.  A water pre soak removes this wetting agent and
swells the gelatin with [inert] water, hindering the absorption of active
developer agents.  Be very careful in disregarding the manufacturer's directions
- they want you to get the best results.

Richard Rylander