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Photoflo 200


robert_boyer

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Robert,

 

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I've used two public darkrooms, and in both of these, one always had

to check whether the photoflo had gotten "filmy". I think this is

normal for this stuff. They used tap water, but I don't know if

distilled water would make a difference. The only solution I can

suggest is use small batches--some folks even use just a tiny amount

"one-shot". Some time ago, I stopped using a wetting agent, and

after washing the film in tap water, I finish washing the film with

distilled water. So far, it has worked fine.

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I use distilled water for everything. It just removes one variable,

at not much cost.

 

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Why make up large amounts of PhotoFlo anyway? I mix a little more

than needed for my tanks, and use it until I neeed to mix more, or it

gets funky.

 

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I do a last rinse in distilled water after washing, then into PhotoFlo

(going to try Edwal LFN) mixed in distilled water.

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I myself have never had those problems with Photoflo. Have you also

rinsed out your bottles with boiling water? Whatever organic scum is

growing probably is not killed with just washing the bottle out with

cold water, and is there the next time you use the bottle. I change

Photoflo about every couple of weeks or so, just from useage.

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From the Kodak Photo-Flo web page:

(http://www.kodak.com/country/US/en/health/tiDocs/ti0688/ti0688.shtml)

 

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<b>Scum on the dry film or plate:<b>

 

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If the concentration of the working strength KODAK PHOTO-FLO Solution

is too high, it can cause a scum to form on the film or plate

surfaces. If this occurs, rewash the film and retreat it in PHOTO-FLO

Solution of reduced concentration.

 

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<i>Scumming can also result from old solutions, biological growth, or

solutions that have accumulated gelatin, etc. from over-use.</i>

 

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Scum on the base side usually can be removed by wiping carefully with

a clean soft cloth, chamois, or cotton ball. Scum on the emulsion

side can be harder to detect, and usually requires re-washing to

remove.

 

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<b>Storing Solutions</b>

 

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Concentrates of PHOTO-FLO Solution should last indefinitely if the

container is tightly capped.

 

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Because of the convenience and high concentration of the liquid

concentrates, mixing of working solution just before use is

recommended. Also because of the high concentration of PHOTO-FLO

Solution, <i>"one-shot" use delivers the highest quality final rinse

while remaining economical.</i>

 

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<b>Capacity</b>

 

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The surfactant capacity of a working tank of PHOTO-FLO Solution will

depend in part on the amount of film put through it, the quality of

the water used in mixing, and the length of time a working solution

is kept in service. Generally, it is recommended that the solution be

changed when it begins to bead, streak, or leave scum on the surface

of films or plates, or once per week, whichever is sooner.

 

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Formation of slime on tank walls, and / or evidence of biological

growth in the tank are also indications that the solution should be

changed more frequently.

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  • 1 year later...

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