Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Alan Zinn <AZinn@n...> 
wrote:
> At 02:26 AM 8/20/03 +0000, you wrote:
> >AZ,
> > > >Well gee Don, I wonder how I printed that picture?   Some real
> >dumb person
> > > >might develop important film without testing the developer
> >first. :-)
> >
> >IMO, that is a dumb way to process chromogenic film, you are leaving
> >silver in the emulsion which means your digital ICE like tools won't
> >work properly. This also raises question about the long term
> >stability of the processed image.
> >
> >It is much easier to have your film processed properly and cheaper,
> >if you value your time.
> >
> >But since chromogenic films aren't manufactured in sheet sizes I
> >don't use them anyway.
> >
> >BTW, chromogenic films print beautifully in the wet darkroom,
> >regardless of the color of the base and/or emulsion.
> >
> >My two cents worth,
> >
> >Don Bryant
> >
> >
> 
> Don,
> 
> Points well taken - I'm hoping someone with more photo chemistry knowledge 
> will fill in the gaps more.  I used to print the stuff with fine results in 
> the darkroom too.  I wonder if we truly do get more uniform results and 
> permanence from labs? Color negs sure aren't.  I suppose I could take it 
> one more step and blix at home. But no kidding, the negs seem just fine 
> done in the same tank as HP5. Side-to-side tests may prove me wrong.
> 
> AZ
> Build a Lookaround!
> The Lookaround Book, 2nd ed.
> http://www.panoramacamera.us

Alan,

The one thing you really DON'T want to do is use blix if you've developed
the film with your D76-like developer.  Blix is bleach and fix and will
desolve all the silver which of course is your image.  

While your development method is non-standard there's nothing chemically
wrong with the idea.  If you like the results it should be just fine.  And the
stability of the image ought to be better than just the dyes (assuming you
fix and wash well).

Roy