processing old film

[msteen1314]

Hi, just a quick question

I processed my first roll of film today after a 20 year absence. The film was also about 20 years old (Ilford fp4 plus asa) that I had no idea if I had exposed or not. As it happens, it had never been exposed.

Once processed, however, it looked as though the fixing was insufficient.
I used D76 1:1 for minutes with the usual steps in between and then fixed with Ilford rapid fixer with a fixing time of 6 minutes. Agitation was constant for the firs 2 minutes and then 5 seconds every minute.

Hypo was then used for 1 minute followed by a 7 minute wash.

The sprocket holes were clear as expected however there was clouding at different areas of the film with no real pattern.

Is it possible that the age of the film has something to with this.?, should the fixing time had been greater. 6 minutes is already longer than what Ilford suggests.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mmelvis]

Can you post some samples of the negatives

[msteen1314]

thanks for offering some assistance mmelvis.

I just realized my error.

I forgot that I had already created a working solution for the fix. Needless to say when I then diluted it 1:4 (again) the dilution strength was way too weak for proper fixing.

I guess I was too focused on the actual performance than getting the cast all lined up.

Needless to say, this was a good day in reality as no precious images were destroyed.

Thanks again mmelvis
Martin

[philslizzy]

How many times have I done that? Banging it back in the fixer quickly can do it but it will always be 'cloudy' or dark afterwards.

We can prepare for everything except loss of memory

My great trick is to get my NEX ready for a day out, spare battery fully charged, 2 lenses chosen after much agonising then realise when we get there that I havent put a card in it.