Digital BW, The Print

Guys and Gals,

Thanks for the helpful response on the Polaroid Type 55 issue.  I didn't
realize that Polaroid as a company was in such bad shape, but I guess it
makes sense they would be, as film in general seems to be in trouble (Kodak
laying off 20,000 etc).  I have a good friend that put his successful pro
film processing lab up for sale four months ago and got no offers, nada -
zero!  The general public goes to Wal-Mart and hardly notices good
processing (read E-6 dip tank and B&W sheet film) anyway, their only
interest seems to be 35mm color, price and speed.  I hope that Fuji takes up
some of the slack as I am convinced that some of us will use film for some
time to come, if it remains available - although I also use a digital SLR
and am probably not doing my share lately to insure films continued
existence. Concerning type 55, when I shoot it does it need to be put in the
solution right away ( I was told 4oz sodium sulfite to one quart of water)?
Not very convenient this time of year in Michigan.  If so, I better wait
until the summer or be inside when I shoot it.  Can I carry a bucket around
with me and drop the film in and let more than one sheet soak, to be removed
from the solution later?  Or, do I need to do them one at a time, agitating
and removing promptly.  Also, what about shelf life.  How long and under
what circumstances can the film be stored.  Can I buy a dozen boxes and keep
in the fridge for a couple years like I have with Tri-X?  Thanks again for
all the advise and learned opinions - you folks are a wonderful resource for
information dealing with both digital and film B&W information.  If it was
not for this group I'd never have learned how to print B&W without my
darkroom.

Roger Smith
East Lansing, Michigan