I've processed 18,000-20,000 rolls on my CPP-2!
This
is not so much an article about myself as it is a testimonial on the durability and use of
the JOBO CPP-2 processor.
I first saw (and was sold) my CPP-2 in late 1981 or the
first part of 1982. To me, it appeared to be a tool to do two specific jobs(I
hoped). At the time, I had been running a one man B/W custom lab for nearly two years. I
was in need of a processor that would be capable of processing both film (B&W) and
Ilfochrome, called Cibachrome at the time.
When I saw my first JOBO, I thought, how could this red and
black plastic apparatus possibly do the job? It certainly did not look very sturdy, to me
sturdy was a unit made of polished 316 stainless. Needless to say, I was very skeptical. I
took the dealer's demo home for a trial run, and obviously I made the plunge and have been
processing ever since.
For the next 3½ years I processed between 80 to 120 rolls
a week plus Ilfochromes through this machine. Following this period, I went to work for
the dealer who sold me the CPP-2, in sales, primarily in the darkroom department. (Selling
JOBO of course). It just so happens that a customer by the name of Joseph Holmes, bought
his first JOBO CPP-2 upon my recommendation. (See Joseph Holmes, Outdoor Photographer, in
JQ Issue #5.) I retained a few of the Pros I processed for, still running 20-30
rolls a week. In 1988 I had a serious injury to my back and, following surgery, I had to
cease any darkroom work for about 3 years. In January 1992, I was semi-retired and moved
to scenic Mendocino, CA., also known as "Cabot Cove" in the Murder She Wrote TV
series.
I still do some custom B&W work for a few local
pros, plus some Pro-Bono work for a local non-profit museum.
At this time, I estimate that I have processed between
18-20,000 rolls of B&W film through this machine. The total repairs to date have been
one motor drive and one cog wheel. The tanks and reels are nearly indestructible. Since
1981, I have broken exactly one cog lid and one reel. I stepped on both of them in the
dark, at the same time.
As for myself, I am mainly self-taught, with a few evening
courses and workshops thrown in. I developed my first roll of film in Korea in 1956, and
havent stopped since. I have photographed on a professional basis since the early
70s, at first on a part time basis and then full time since 1980. Aside from my lab
business, my professional work has been in dance photography and small to medium sized
product work mainly in B&W. My personal work is mainly landscape and still life
photography.
My present darkroom is 8½ x 13½'. Into it I have crammed:
- 2- Omega D 5s 1- Omega B8
- 1- Elwood 5x7 1- Bencher copy stand
- 1- Seal 210 dry mount press 1- Chromapro slide duper
- 1- home made film/paper dryer 1- 60" sink
- 1- converted E-6 line as a base & water control for the
JOBO
- For camera equipment I use:
- 35mm Contax RX + G1 Mamiya 645
- Mamiya RBSD Horseman LB 4x5
- Toyo 4x5 field (Original)
My preferred films are: Ilford FP4+, TMY, TX, TXP,
and VP120 for copy work.
My preferred papers are: Ilford's MGIII (both glossy
and pearl), MG fiber, and Seagull panchro for color negs.
My film processing procedures do not follow the JOBO
recommendations to the letter. They are:
1.) I use only 2500 series for 120 and 4x5.
2.) I use only 1500 series tanks for 35mm.
3.) I always have on hand enough developer stock and tempered water in case of a power
failure.
Note: Since the nominal pH of my (well) water runs between
6.1 to 6.2, my water is buffered in a water conditioner with calcite, same as bicarb soda,
to a pH of 7.0 to 7.1.
My film processing steps are as follows:
1.) 5 minute presoak in 72°F water
2.) Process at Mfg. recommended times for 72°F (approximately 85% of the 68°F times)
3.) I use a speed setting at "1", one notch under "F". This seems to
minimize the "Bromide Drag Factor"
4.) 30 second rinse
5.) 30 second stop
6.) 30 second rinse
7.) 7 and a half minute fix for "Non-T grain" films
8 and a half minute fix for "T" grain films
8.) Six 30 second rinses.
9.) Normal wash times off of the JOBO CPP-2 in the processing drum
Notes:
1.) I normally use ID11, 1:1 for most films.
2.) For pushing I use Microfin or TMAX
3.) My processing times will probably vary quite a bit from yours for several reasons,
primarily due to my water supply. For example, when I moved here from San Jose, CA I had
to increase all my times by 20%. The pH of my water in San Jose ran between 7.6 to 8.0.
4.) I also found it beneficial to segregate the fixer between "T" grain and
normal films. I get 10 films a liter for "T" films and 15 films a liter with
other films.
5.) My development times at 72°F are:
- a. FP4+, VP120, PXP, Agfa100 is 7 ¼ minutes.
- b. TX, TXP is 9¼ minutes
- c. TMX, TMY, Delta400 is 10¼ minutes
- d. HP5+ is 11 minutes
My choice of using 72°F for a temperature came as a result
of the introduction of T-max films.
At the time (1983-84) I ran many, many tests on this new
film. When I settled on 72°F for the new films, I decided to test all films at this
temperature. Guess what? All of a sudden I was getting finer grain, better sharpness,
better shadow detail, better highlight detail...better prints. However, if you are going
to process at a higher than normal (68°F) temperature, all the solutions must be at the
same temperature.
My test procedures are quite simple. I made 16x20"
test target on a dark gray mat board, including a Kodak Gray Scale, 5 different 6x6 boards
representing Zones VII, VII, V, II, and I, plus some lens test targets. Photographing this
target under controlled lighting, processing the film, and subsequently making an
8x10" glossy on #2 paper. When I can print the resultant negative and get a print
which reflects all the 10 scales, and the balance of the print is O.K. then that time and
temperature are what I use.
In closing, photography has been a lot of fun...even when
it has been work.
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By Paul Rowe, Technical Manager
A Unique Combination of Rotary and Slot Processing
At the last PMA Show, February 1995, we introduced the new
DuoLab processor to the U.S. market. Naturally before introducing the DuoLab, it seemed
wise for us to have a little hands-on experience, so I took a model into the darkroom and
started to work. You all know the admonition and warning I give people, both in writing
and in person, that one must always read instructions
first. Well, of course, I did not follow my advice, giving the instructions no more than a
cursory glance as I set them safely aside so they would not get wet. As most of you have
learned, there are some devices that can be treated this way with no problem. Later you
can go back and get the official line by reading the instructions. NOT SO WITH THE DUOLAB.
There are several procedures required as you ready the machine for use, and you will not
figure them out without the help of the instructions; but more about that later.
The size is inviting, a little less than 18" x
22" x 10" high, and the weight is easily managed at about 15½ pounds. It comes
with 4 bottles, a single reel film tank and reel (actually a #1510 tank and a #1501 reel
with a special Cog Lid for the DuoLab), a paper grip for use with the slot processor, a
funnel, rollers, and assorted other small essential items.
The first thing I wanted to do is make the DuoLab heat.
This seemed like a simple task but please refer to the phrase in capital letters in the
second paragraph! A quick glance at the manual pointed to filling the unit with water
utilizing the built-in funnel on the Range Switch. However, a more thorough reading of the
manual pointed out the need to bleed a line in order to eliminate air and completely fill
the chamber. Once I followed the steps in the manual the DuoLab worked just as designed.
Next on the agenda was filling the "deep
tanks" of the slot processing section. There are four deep tanks, the first three
being temperature controlled while the fourth is ambient temperature but is affected by
the heated tank next to it. This procedure is straightforward: using the funnel and holder
fill each of the deep tanks with approximately 1 liter each of developer, then stop bath,
and finally bleach-fix. The fourth deep tank can be filled with tempered water. Turn the
Temperature Switch to 35 o C. Now you need to
use the temperature range switch, which surrounds the funnel used for filling the water
jacket. Again, you need the instructions! There are three positions on this Range Switch:
the #1 position directs heat to the slot process section, #2 directs heat to the front
water bath, but allows only the heating function to operate, #3 directs heat to the front
water bath and turns on the rotation motor. Since I wanted to use the slot processor I
turned the Range Switch to #1.
If you follow the instructions it will take about 15
minutes to heat the deep tanks from room temperature to operating temperature of 35o C (assuming you are doing RA-4 ). I cheated here and used
chemistry that was preheated. All I had to do was wait for the temperature to stabilize.
My initial prints were RA-4, so the
developer-stop-bleach/fix-wash set up of the slots was perfect. Of course this same
sequence was also OK for the black and white which I processed later, with the temperature
set at 24 oC. Since the fourth slot is a wash,
but not running water, you really need to do your complete wash outside the processor. I
used a tray to complete the wash of the RC papers, but you can really choose whatever
other means you have available. Several customers have asked about the use of Ilfochrome
or R-3000 for this processor. Personally, I have not tried them, but with care taken for
the washes, and caution to prevent contamination there should be no difficulty.
The method of agitation, and holding the print during
processing bears mention. Supplied with the machine is a "paper grip" which uses
a series of small suction cups to hold the print. Attach this to the back of the print
just before inserting into the developer bath. Insert the print, emulsion side down, into
the developer, and with the paper grip agitate in a circular motion. At first I was
skeptical of the emulsion side down routine, but there is no trouble or hint of emulsion
damage in all of the prints processed. A timer which is activated by the temperature
switch is built into the machine. It emits a beep approximately every 45 seconds, and my
younger associates assure me that it is audible. My old ears do not perceive higher
pitched sounds, so for safety I used a Gra-Lab Timer. The point is you can use the
built-in timer, or whatever other timing method you have available and are comfortable
with.
Practice quickly makes the slot processor a comfortable piece to use. The prints are
great. No marks appear on the prints from the paper grip, and nothing gets in the way of
the printmaking.
Nothing, that is, except my ability to deliver a properly exposed paper to the developer.
THE ROTARY PROCESSOR SECTION
The front half of the DuoLab is the rotary processing
section, and set-up for this goes fast. There are bottle holders, and four bottles
supplied. Fit the holders into place on the studs on the floor of the front section, and
place the bottles in the holders. If you know what process you are going to do first, fill
the bottles before you place them in the holders. This way they will heat with the water
bath you are going to create.
Next, fill the front section with water. There are two
water level lines, a higher line for use when processing film (1500 series tank), or a
lower line to fill to when processing 11x14 paper in the auxiliary #2834 drum. Since my
first film was C-41, I filled to the higher line so that the one reel 1500 series tank
would bathe in water as it rotated during processing.
The process temperature must be chosen. I went to 38°C,
and then the Temperature Switch must be adjusted to heat the front bath. This is #2 on the
Range Switch. While the bath is heating you can load your film. Of course you can hasten
the process by using preheated chemistry and water. The warm-up time from 20°C to 38°C
is about 90 minutes. Processing should not be started until the developer bottle
temperature has been checked and found stable at the processing temperature.
The DuoLab comes with a single reel tank for 35mm (this is
the same as a #1510 tank in the Jobo system, except that it has a special lid #95544). A
#1520 tank can also be used with the special lid to process 2 rolls of 35mm or 1 or 2
rolls of 120. The #1520 tank is an option for the DuoLab, as is the #2834 Paper Drum which
allows the processing of 1 sheet of 11x14" paper.
As might be expected, some customers have looked at the DuoLab and immediately started to
figure greater volumes of film production. The #1520 tank is the largest that should be
used.
Two reasons for this, 1) the small bottles supplied do not have the capacity to allow the
tempering of greater quantities of chemical necessary for the larger film tanks, and 2)
the unit was designed for the two reel tank, and larger quantities (read weights) of film
and chemical will over-stress the motor .
Once you've loaded the film in the tank perform the
following steps:
Place the rollers in position to support the film
tank.
Change the range switch to position #3- Temperature control with motor.
Unscrew the cap from the developer bottle.
Screw the film tank onto the solution bottle and remove the tank/bottle combination
from the water bath.
Invert the tank bottle combination so that all of the solution flows into the tank.
Place the tank/bottle combination on the processor with the lid engaging the drive
gear.
Start your timer.
At the end of the time for the step remove the tank/bottle
combination, drain the solution back into the bottle, unscrew, and move the tank to the
second bottle.
Continue this routine through the process. Fill the unused bottles with water for the
rinsing process. I find it is easier to have a supply of tempered water in graduates, and
perform the multiple washes with these.
During the time I was using the DuoLab, I processed RA-4
Color Prints, Black and White Prints, C-41 Color Negatives, E-6 Transparencies, and Black
and White negative film. All of the results were excellent, and as with most new machines,
growing familiarity made the task easier. It doesnt take long to feel at ease with
the DuoLab.
There are few accessories to add to the DuoLab. There are
no other tanks or drums in addition to the two reel film tank (#1520), and the 11x14"
paper drum (#2834) as mentioned earlier. The water bath will hold a total of seven
bottles. Four bottles are supplied with the processor. Extra bottles (#4056) and bottle
holders (#07290) are available.
I found that the DuoLab was easy to get used to. Results,
be it from the slot processor or the tanks/drums, was equal to other Jobo processors. The
DuoLab is a real advantage for those who want both film and paper processing with an
accent on 8x10" prints. The only small downside was the limitation of two reels of
35mm, or one roll of 120 in film processing, but most of our manual processor users do not
stress the machines they own by always processing the maximum number of rolls possible.
For anyone starting with darkroom work, or who wants to semi-automate themselves with
temperature and agitation control. the DuoLab is a perfect starting point.
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By Robin Whetton, Nova Darkroom Equipment
When I stand staffing exhibitions an often asked question
is "Who Invented the NOVA?"
The true answer is: I did.
Ten years ago the more I got involved in my hobby of
photography the more frustrated I got. All the times I wanted to get into a bit of color
printing, I had to either make a load of chemistry to fill my 11x14" trays, or face a
lot of washing and drying of drums, which would ensure I got fine prints, but required
mixing up a lot of messy chemistry to get started.
Sitting in my local pub I was bemoaning to a friend of mine
the difficulty of producing any volume of prints without spending hours in the darkroom-
doing all the husbandry involved in printing but getting very few prints finished.
He listened carefully then entirely agreed with everything
I had said. A fat lot of good all my talking did, I was looking for answers to my dilemma,
not confirmation of my predicament.
The more I talked and examined the state of the then
current processing systems with my friend, the more it became clear that no system
available on the market at that time fulfilled the criteria that "making prints
should be EASY."
At that moment a small spark ignited in the hearts of my
friend Graham and myself, we would work together to improve the printing systems currently
available. Graham and I had full-time jobs so any research had to be done during evenings
and weekends. We used to meet 2 or 3 times each week to compare notes on which way to
tackle the problem. Every weekend was spent talking, drawing, thinking of ideas and then
throwing them away.
At last some logic started to creep into our strategy:
Upright trays...thats the answer, small surface area,
very low oxidation & evaporation.
Textured surface to stop prints sticking. Make it out of Plexiglas so the chemistry can
stay in the processor for extended periods of time.
Use indirect heating via a water bath to stop temperature
fluctuation.
Fit small taps at the bottom of each slot for a clean,
accurate replenishment system.
So by now the NOVA processor was really taking shape, all
our buddies down at the local camera club were interested, maybe Graham and I had a
business?
Time to "GIVE UP THE DAY JOB" well not just yet!
How do we hold the paper? Lots of systems had been tried.
Frames, naw, thermal shock where the metal touched the paper. Nylon frames, naw, could not
keep clean and temperature loss due to the mass of plastic.
Well Graham and I were drawing on napkins in our local
burger bar when the thunderbolt struck! While staring at the menu holder the menu
transformed itself into a photographic print!! Yes, our unique high tech print clip is
derived from a burger bar menu holder!! Turned upside down and fitted with 2 Photographic
stainless steel pins.
The design has, of course, undergone a number of changes.
The heaters are now exclusively made for us using state-of-the-art chips and only the best
PCBs around. We are still Darkroom workers as are all my sales staff, we have to be.
I believe in evolution not revolution, so all the improvements have to be proven in the
darkrooms at work as well as at home, it must be a widget that works before we will
incorporate it into our machine.
Let me tell you a very short story:
To celebrate our ten years in business we got in touch with our very first customer and he
still had his NOVA processor! We made a special "GOLD" processor for him to show
our appreciation of his support all those years before. When it came to the presentation
he really did not want to part with his original Nova. "It was like and old friend
and was part of his family" when I look at the pictures now you can see his white
knuckles gripping "His" Nova.
People just love them!
As the company has grown it has necessitated my traveling
first all over Europe to establish Export customers and as the word spread even, further
afield.
This has culminated in the alliance we formed with JOBO
Fototechnic.
Lets end by saying that to be able to do business
with the friends we have found at JOBO is a constant source of lasting pleasure.
Back to top
From Mastering Black-And-White Photography by
Bernhard J. Suess.
The series of exposures, such as 2 second intervals at
f/11, for the maximum black test (or any test print) will give you a very close exposure
setting to start. But this is only approximately the correct print exposure. You can be
incorrect by a second or two or exactly right. Part of the reason depends on whether the
individual errors cancel themselves out or amplify each other.
In theory, the biggest error occurs because of timer
accuracy and repeatability. Unless it is an exact 2 seconds it will gradually accumulate
any errors. For example, if the timer is set for 2 seconds but actually giving an exposure
of 2.4 seconds the series will be
- 2.4 instead of 2
- 4.8 instead of 4
- 7.2instead of 6
- 9.6 instead of 8
- 12 instead of 10
- 14.4 instead of 12
You can see that by the fifth exposure (12 seconds on the
incorrect timer) the test is already as dark as the sixth exposure on the good timer.
Choosing that exposure - 10 seconds rather than the true 12 second - would result in a
print lighter than youd expect. In the same manner, an interval exposure of 1.8
seconds will mean you choose a longer timer setting than you should, and the resulting
print will be too dark.
In both cases the best recommendation is to use an
electronic timer, if possible. If that is not possible, you should remember that the
maximum black test is a guide, to help you get as close to the proper print
exposure as possible.
Ive used an electronic timer for over 10 years.
Recently I tested its accuracy, and I found it was repeatable to a thousandth of a second,
Essentially, it gives me exactly the same exposure every time. Although an electronic
timer is more expensive than a mechanical one, its the single best means of getting
repeatable results in the darkroom. An electronic timer is not an expense, but rather an
investment in quality.
Reprinted with permission. The book is published by
Allworth Press, 10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010. ISBN: 1-880559-23-4 $18.95.
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Provided By Nova Darkroom Equipment, Warwick England
Useful Tips For The Processing Of RA-4 Color - For Nova
Processors
1.) Due to the high speed of this RA-4 process, use a 2%
acetic acid stop-bath between developer and bleach/fix.
2.) RA-4 is best processed in a processor with three or
more heated baths (i.e., Trimate, Clubmate or Quad.)
3.) If there is no running water available in the darkroom
consider using the Quad processor. Use the 4th slot as a temperature controlled dip rinse.
With this method test prints can be produced without the need to leave the darkroom. After
processing, move the good prints to running water and wash properly.
4.) When setting up a Nova Processor, fill the water cores
and the chemical slots with water. Next, set the temperature knob to the desired
temperature. Allow the processor to heat until the LED's on the heaters are flashing and
then wait for one more hour. At this point, utilizing an accurate thermometer, measure the
temperature in the first slot. The calibration on the temperature control is only
approximate, variables such as room temperature can affect it. Due to this it may be
necessary to adjust the knob until the temperature, as measured in the first slot, is
accurate. After each adjustment, wait for the temperature to stabilize before making
further adjustments.
5.) When finished with the calibration, unplug the
unit, drain the water from the chemical slots, and refill with the chemistry. (Always
unplug the processor before draining the slots or the water cores.) Draining the chemical
slots also washes away any dust particles from shipping.
6.) Although we designed the processor to be left on
continuously, we do not recommend this for safety reasons. Regular users can purchase a
plug-in programmable timer that assures the unit is always up to temperature when needed.
7.) Magenta or blue stains in the area of the print clip
are normally caused by exhausted bleach-fix. The cause is under replenishment between
processes. If you experience this problem, drain half the bleach-fix from the slot and
refill with fresh bleach-fix. This should eliminate the problem.
8.) Criss-cross hatch marks on prints (similar to the
pattern on the tank walls) are caused by insufficient agitation of the print or under
strength development chemistry. If you experience this problem, try making another print
but agitate it continuously for the full 45 seconds. If this does not solve the problem,
drain half the developer from the slot and refill with fresh chemistry.
Useful Tips for the Processing of R-3000 Prints in a
Nova Processor
1.) The R-3000 process incorporates first developer, color
developer and bleach-fix solutions. In the R-3000 process, first developer can easily
contaminate color developer by neutralizing the color developer. For this reason, it is
very important that there be a minimum two minute wash between the first developer and
color developer steps. This wash need not be tempered, a cold water wash will suffice.
2.) If you are using your Nova processor in a room without
running water, it is possible to dip-rinse the print for 30 seconds in a tempered water
bath You can then move the print to a running water rinse to complete the wash between
first and color developers. The lights can be turned on after the 30 second dip-rinse.
After the full two minute wash is completed, you can bring the print back to the processor
to complete the color developer and bleach-fix steps.
3.) If you are experiencing a lack of detail in the light
areas of the prints and the problem worsens with each print made, it is probably due to
contamination of the color developer. Correct this problem by replacing the color
developer with fresh chemistry and increasing the wash time between the first and color
developers.
4.) It is possible to process R-3000 material in a Nova
Clubmate processor. (The Clubmate has three tempered slots and one running-water wash
slot.) To process R-3000 in a Clubmate, use the following sequence:
- Slot No. 1 First Developer
- Slot No. 4 Running Water Wash *
- Slot No. 2 Color Developer
- Slot No. 3 Bleach-Fix
- Slot No. 4 Running Water Wash
* The second step requires moving directly from slot 1 to
slot 4. This procedure could allow the possibility of first developer dripping into the
color developer slot. To protect from this contamination hazard, place the tubular lid
over the color developer slot before starting the processing of the print. After the print
has been in the wash for 30 seconds, you can turn the lights on. The print should remain
in the wash for at least two minutes. When the wash is complete, remove the tubular lid
from the color developer and continue processing the print in the color developer step.
5.) It is also possible to process R-3000 material in a
Nova Quad processor. (The Quad has four tempered slots.) To process R-3000 in a Quad, use
the following sequence:
- Slot No. 1 First Developer
- Slot No. 2 Dip Rinse *
- Slot No. 3 Color Developer
- Slot No. 4 Bleach-Fix
Running Water Wash (External to processor)
* Place the print into the Dip Rinse for at least 30
seconds. At that point you can switch on the lights and move the print to running water
wash to complete the 2 minute, intermediate wash. After completing the wash, return the
print to the processor and continue the process with the color developer step. You must do
the final wash external to the processor since the Quad does not incorporate a washer. The
Nova Vertical or Rapid Washers are designed just for this situation.
The water in the dip rinse (Slot No. 2) should be changed
every six prints to remain effective.
Useful Tips for the Processing of Ilfochrome Classic
Prints in a Nova Processor
The sequence for processing Ilfochrome Classic in a Nova
Processor is as follows:
- Slot No. 1 Developer
- Slot No. 2 Dip Rinse *
- Slot No. 3 Bleach
- Slot No. 4 Fix
Running Water Wash (External to processor)
The Nova Quad Processor (four tempered slots) is designed
for the above sequence. Like with R-3000 processing, an external washer is required. The
Nova Vertical or Rapid Washers are designed just for this situation.
Chemistry
The recommended chemistry for processing Ilfochrome Classic in a Nova Processor is
P30P. P30P is supplied as a powder except for the fixer which comes in a liquid
concentrate.
Material
P30P chemistry will process all Ilfochrome classic papers.
The latest generation of these materials is:
CPM, 1M - glossy RC paper
CPM 44M - Pearl RC paper
CLM 1K - Supergloss polyester
Process Temperature
P30P can be used anywhere between 20°C and 29°C. To shorten the processing time, we
recommend processing at 29°C.
20°C, 24°C, 29°C
- Developer - 4, 3, 2
- Rinse - 30 sec, 30 sec, 30 sec
- Bleach - 4, 3, 2
- Fix - 4, 3, 2
- Final Wash
Agitation
Ilfochrome Classic thrives on agitation. The most important step in this respect is the
bleach, which needs vigorous agitation, especially during the first 30 seconds.
Replenishment
P30P Chemistry is not a truly replenished system, however, the tank chemistry will last
much longer if fresh chemistry is added at the rate of 75mls per 8x10 print. Its
difficult to say how long the chemistry will last like this and it is best to judge it for
yourself - watch for an increase in contrast and gray whites (retained silver).
Problems That Are Easily Avoided
Contamination - Ilfochrome chemistry will tolerate a certain amount of forward
contamination (dev. into bleach etc.) but will not survive back contamination (bleach into
dev.). The worst contamination is fixer into bleach. When this happens the bleach will
turn yellow and smell of sulfur dioxide. It is common to see droplets of contaminated
chemistry on the surfaces between processor slots. This must be wiped off between prints.
If any contamination occurs in the tank, you will have to empty the chemistry and start
again.
Yellow Edges
This effect is caused by a lowered agitation level when the print is lifted out of the
bleach. If there is too much lifting the top of the print will look yellow. A circular
agitation method is usually the cure, but in extremely hard water areas it may be
necessary to add a wetting agent (to the dev) to prevent the problem. If you have to use a
wetting agent, use Ilford Ilfotol as it is the only agent that will survive in an acid
solution.
Contrast Control
Most good quality transparencies will print onto Ilfochrome without any problems, however,
if your photograph is a very high contrast (i.e. a black steam train coming out of a
tunnel into strong sunlight) you must expect to lose something. The best way of printing
these kind of images is to expose for the highlights and burn in the shadows.
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