Topic: Film Drying\emulsion Harding

[Mike (happyforest)]

When I had an analogue work flow, I used to develop the film one night and print then next or even later.

Since I now have a hybrid work flow, I can develop the film and scan the same night and often do.

Recently I have been wondering how long I should leave the film to dry so that the emulsion is fully hardened before handling it\scanning in order to minimise potential damage to the emulsion.

I currently use a no hardening fixer. (Ilford Hypam)

Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Thank you

Mike

[sapata]

I guess it depends on the temperature of your place... in my flat in summer days (or when it's not cold) takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In the winter I hang the negs near the radiator and it's ready much quicker...

[Late Developer]

When I lived in Stockport (the cold and wet end of England) in the 1980s, in the winter I could leave a set of negs 24 hours + and still not be able to print them as I didn't have central heating. A trick I used occasionally when I needed negs quickly was to run them through a bath of methylated spirit (after the fixer) as meths absorbs the water and then evaporates quickly. It's far from a perfect solution and, if you use it, try on a set of test negs first. Be careful as meths is very flammable - but it did work. (Incidentally, I only tried this technique on B&W film, I have no idea if it would work with colour).

[LT]

The film is fully dry once the final 'kink' works it's way out the bottom of the roll (on roll film that is).

I wouldn't worry about the absence of fixer hardeners with modern films - the emulsions are designed to be robust enough without the need for additional hardeners. The only film I've had softness problems with is the adox range, and even they are only a problem when wet. 

[Mike (happyforest)]

Thanks Guy's just trying to gauge if by handling as soon as the kink is gone whether they are more susceptible to damage.

I guess the longer I can leave them the better.

Thanks

Mike

[LT]

Once they are dry, they are ready to use. If you are still concerned, probably best to contact the film
manufacturer for the definitive answer.