Medium Format Film Processing

Tom S. · 12-10-2010, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by tuco

You're really getting good milage out of that fixer. The Ilford Rapid Fixer Data Sheet says 6 months in tightly sealed bottle once opened.

As I stated above, it's been quite a while since I did developing, but they had an inert gas you could spray into the bottle that was heavier than oxygen/nitrogen, therefore displacing it and extending the life of the chemicals.

tuco · 12-10-2010, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by Tom S.

As I stated above, it's been quite a while since I did developing, but they had an inert gas you could spray into the bottle that was heavier than oxygen/nitrogen, therefore displacing it and extending the life of the chemicals.

It's easier than that. Just use a plastic bottle and squeeze out the air and cap it.

Nesster · 12-10-2010, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by tuco

You're really getting good milage out of that fixer. The Ilford Rapid Fixer Data Sheet says 6 months in tightly sealed bottle once opened.

Yes, I have no trouble with the fixer, and don't believe Ilford's words

troyz · 12-11-2010, 12:32 PM

Originally posted by Rory

Just curious how many people roll their own, so to speak, and who sends it out. I've been toying with this MF dream off and on over the last six months or so, but I don't know much about it. Explain your process or who you send it out to. What films do you use, and why? I find this type of photography very interesting and would love to hear from the community what your process and choices are.

Here's what works for me (and is the opposite of what the previous posts describe).

Processing:
Everything goes to a local full-service film lab.

Film:
C41: Mostly Fuji 400H, sometimes Fuji 160C or Kodak Ektar 100. I'll probably switch to the new Portra 400 due to Fuji's recent habit of discontinuing films in a confusing manner.

Scanning:
Although I do all my own 135 scanning, I find scanning 120/220 film to be a real pain in the ass, so I have the lab do scans (8-bit TIFF) at time of development on their Noritsu scanner. If I need a 16-bit scan for extensive dodging/burning/contrast adjustment or a higher-res scan for a big print I get a rescan done on an Imacon.

BTW, since I mostly rely on scans at TOD, my cost per exposure is much cheaper for 220 film than for 120 film.

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12-10-2010, 09:54 AM	#16
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Originally posted by tuco You're really getting good milage out of that fixer. The Ilford Rapid Fixer Data Sheet says 6 months in tightly sealed bottle once opened. As I stated above, it's been quite a while since I did developing, but they had an inert gas you could spray into the bottle that was heavier than oxygen/nitrogen, therefore displacing it and extending the life of the chemicals.

12-10-2010, 11:02 AM	#17
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,019	Originally posted by Tom S. As I stated above, it's been quite a while since I did developing, but they had an inert gas you could spray into the bottle that was heavier than oxygen/nitrogen, therefore displacing it and extending the life of the chemicals. It's easier than that. Just use a plastic bottle and squeeze out the air and cap it.

12-10-2010, 11:09 AM	#18
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Originally posted by tuco You're really getting good milage out of that fixer. The Ilford Rapid Fixer Data Sheet says 6 months in tightly sealed bottle once opened. Yes, I have no trouble with the fixer, and don't believe Ilford's words

12-11-2010, 12:32 PM	#19
troyz Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 389	Originally posted by Rory Just curious how many people roll their own, so to speak, and who sends it out. I've been toying with this MF dream off and on over the last six months or so, but I don't know much about it. Explain your process or who you send it out to. What films do you use, and why? I find this type of photography very interesting and would love to hear from the community what your process and choices are. Here's what works for me (and is the opposite of what the previous posts describe). Processing: Everything goes to a local full-service film lab. Film: C41: Mostly Fuji 400H, sometimes Fuji 160C or Kodak Ektar 100. I'll probably switch to the new Portra 400 due to Fuji's recent habit of discontinuing films in a confusing manner. Scanning: Although I do all my own 135 scanning, I find scanning 120/220 film to be a real pain in the ass, so I have the lab do scans (8-bit TIFF) at time of development on their Noritsu scanner. If I need a 16-bit scan for extensive dodging/burning/contrast adjustment or a higher-res scan for a big print I get a rescan done on an Imacon. BTW, since I mostly rely on scans at TOD, my cost per exposure is much cheaper for 220 film than for 120 film.

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