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processing 1944 fuji nitrate film


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ok, so i tried processing a bit of this cut out about 2~ frames for testing got results from it and not to derail this thread further but,

in this i learned that go figure this film is extremely curved from being stuck in a canister the last 70~ years and a bit brittle is there a way to unstiffen this film for scanning? i have several already developed shots that i was also asked to get scanned.. they seem brittle and one is curled so badly its a roll now they are single frames but i fear they will snap if forced flat as they feel decently brittle already

Edited by williamsmith
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When I know I'm going to be dealing with curly film, I crank up the humidity in my darkroom/bathroom. That usually means using a space heater to bring it to uncomfortable temperatures and running the shower on hot for a few minutes. I then hang the film and weight it with a binder clip.

 

In general, I try to keep the humidity up when I'm working in the darkroom as it helps keep dust under control and does let the film dry flatter, although that comes at the expense of longer drying times. My in-date Tri-X comes out dead flat and most other in-date films survive with minimal curl, although I still get some on older films.

 

I would probably try completely rewashing the film and then hanging it to dry. Rewashing shouldn't hurt it, and should make it a lot more pliable. Once it's wet, you could also try reverse winding it onto a reel and letting it dry that way.

 

Once it's dry and cut, I usually "weave" curly film into a printfile page-i.e. I'll reverse the direction of curl in each strip. I then leave it between heavy books for a week or two. That won't cure a badly curled film completely, but will help.

 

When it comes to scanning, I'll often just go straight to glass mounting. On my V700(and I think other similar Epsons), it's possible to scan directly on the bed. I prefer using a sheet of anti-newton glass on top(emulsion facing the bed). You can also tape the film to the bed-Scotch brand Magic tape will work(do not use a generic) as will Kapton tape. Again, the emulsion goes against the glass of the bed.

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When I know I'm going to be dealing with curly film, I crank up the humidity in my darkroom/bathroom. That usually means using a space heater to bring it to uncomfortable temperatures and running the shower on hot for a few minutes. I then hang the film and weight it with a binder clip.

 

In general, I try to keep the humidity up when I'm working in the darkroom as it helps keep dust under control and does let the film dry flatter, although that comes at the expense of longer drying times. My in-date Tri-X comes out dead flat and most other in-date films survive with minimal curl, although I still get some on older films.

 

I would probably try completely rewashing the film and then hanging it to dry. Rewashing shouldn't hurt it, and should make it a lot more pliable. Once it's wet, you could also try reverse winding it onto a reel and letting it dry that way.

 

Once it's dry and cut, I usually "weave" curly film into a printfile page-i.e. I'll reverse the direction of curl in each strip. I then leave it between heavy books for a week or two. That won't cure a badly curled film completely, but will help.

 

When it comes to scanning, I'll often just go straight to glass mounting. On my V700(and I think other similar Epsons), it's possible to scan directly on the bed. I prefer using a sheet of anti-newton glass on top(emulsion facing the bed). You can also tape the film to the bed-Scotch brand Magic tape will work(do not use a generic) as will Kapton tape. Again, the emulsion goes against the glass of the bed.

by rewashing you just mean running it under water?, honestly rewashing it might help to remove some of the dust and make it workable but im just extremely paranoid about ruining the image heard a few people mention washing it ruined the image and third just put the negative between 2 books or sleeve it? also id love to reverse wind it but a lot of it was cut into singles.. i will have to try that for the rest of the roll though

yea id be interested in doing straight glass mounting but i dont have the means to do that atm something to keep in mind though thanks :)

Edited by williamsmith
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;)

 

This has to be one of the more felicitous substitutions made by the spell-checkers....

@JDMvW -- You are so right -- If I could spell I would be famous -- can't spell so it is what it is! Thanks for pointing out thus blooper. I will bet that most never knew Rem-Jet was Removable Jet Black Backing.

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