Cleaning negs

[Worker 11811]

Another vote for PEC-12. I use it with PECPAD and the combo works wonderfully.

Randy, I think the OP is talking about C41 films, not B&W. Water and photoflo will do mor damage...

Right! I just assumed... You know what they say about people who "ASS-u-me?"

[ektachrome]

Use Fotospeed FC50. I don't know what it is based on but it works. Apply with a microfibre cloth and leave to evaporate naturally.
Does the job for me
Regards
Ektachrome

[bvy]

Right! I just assumed... You know what they say about people who "ASS-u-me?"

Uh-oh. I cleaned a few color negatives with Photo-Flo and water just last night. What's going to happen?

[Bob-D659]

Depends on when they were processed, and what chemistry was used.

[bvy]

They were processed a few days earlier, C-41 at Target. (I don't know what chemicals specifically. I think they're a Kodak shop.)

I have 91% alcohol. I wonder if I should clean them again, or just leave well enough alone.

Thanks.

[Bob-D659]

I think you are ok, current commercial C41 processes do not have a formalin type preservative in the final rinse.

[bvy]

Thanks Bob. Just the same, it will be alcohol next time.

[Slixtiesix]

Another vote for PEC 12. Its expensive, but usually a small amount will suffice to clean the negs/slides, so the bottle may last quite a bit.

[Bob-D659]

Ronsonol lighter fluid works really well for oily deposits, way less expensive than a Brand Name bottle of methanol.

[wblynch]

I find Pec-12 smears my negatives and slides. Especially if it gets on the emulsion side. Much better results with Ronsinol lighter fluid. Works great on both sides and evaporates quickly.

I have also had good results cleaning old, sticky and dirty negatives by very gently cleaning with hand soap and fingers under running water. Followed by a soak in C-41 stabilizer and hang to dry. (this measure only to be employed when more traditional methods fail).