APUG - View Single Post - Pink or Magenta Cast with T-max, new Tri-X, and other films (not blue or green cast)

dr bob · 04-04-2003, 08:31 AM

Different manufacturers films have slightly differing dyes in or on their emulsions for various purposes. The antihalation dye is on the side opposite the emulsion and comes off or clears in the developer. The residual color is the result of some sort of sensitizing material in the emulsion. It is a little harder to remove and, based of many observations, is related to water quality. I found that the Kodak TX clears of color by allowing the film to stand quiescently in a water bath after fixing. The film base also has some effect, as my 4x5 TX clears readily in the tray of water awaiting final wash. I have not had a problem with HP5+ as it seems relatively clear from the second fixer bath. PXP sometimes exhibits a bluish cast that also goes in water – not fixer.

I strongly recommend (and commend other contributors who mentioned this) a two-bath fixer technique. You cannot be safer and it will cost less in the long run.

Truly, dr bob.

04-04-2003, 08:31 AM	#25 (permalink)
dr bob Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Annapolis, Md Posts: 871	Different manufacturers films have slightly differing dyes in or on their emulsions for various purposes. The antihalation dye is on the side opposite the emulsion and comes off or clears in the developer. The residual color is the result of some sort of sensitizing material in the emulsion. It is a little harder to remove and, based of many observations, is related to water quality. I found that the Kodak TX clears of color by allowing the film to stand quiescently in a water bath after fixing. The film base also has some effect, as my 4x5 TX clears readily in the tray of water awaiting final wash. I have not had a problem with HP5+ as it seems relatively clear from the second fixer bath. PXP sometimes exhibits a bluish cast that also goes in water – not fixer. I strongly recommend (and commend other contributors who mentioned this) a two-bath fixer technique. You cannot be safer and it will cost less in the long run. Truly, dr bob. __________________ I love the smell of fixer in the morning. It smells like...creativity! Truly, dr bob.