Digital BW, The Print

On Sep 17, 2010, at 8:18 PM, paulekohl wrote:

> This is a small thing but I would appreciate anyone with knowledge who could chime in with info:
> I recently spent some time in Budapest on an artist residency. I had decided that I would try and use local film to photograph there. I found this film called Fomopan 100 (645). I bought a bunch of it and now, back home in Singapore, am developing it using TFX 2, Formulary's interesting developer I have been using for several years.
> Okay, the question: the film is blue! the film base has a decided blue cast. Is it something I am doing? Some odd chemical twist? I am scanning it and it doesn't seem to affect anything. I have printed some big contact prints and they seem good but the color is so weird!
> If anyone can enlighten me about this I would appreciate it.

One of two things is going on:

1. Inadequate fixation. Fix longer, agitate more. Eastern Block films tend to be older technology, thicker emulsions, longer fixing times.
2. Anti-halation dye isn't clearing. Usually due to inadequate fixing, but... If you fix the stuffing out of it with fresh fixer and the blue still remains, soak for 5-10 minutes in a 10% solution of sodium sulphite to clear the dye, then rewash.

David Kachel

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