Photo-flo and 4 x 5

[jeffrey moore]

I just acquired a Jobo film drying cabinet for my 4x5 sheet film. The

final step in my process is a soak in a highly dilute Photo-flo

solution. Is it recommended to go from the Photo-flo soak right to

the dryer, or should one squeegee the film dry first?

[michael erlich]

No need to squeegee after wetting agent. Just hang up the film and let it drip. It will

dry with no water spots. I always mix the Photo-flo in distilled water.

[frank.schifano]

The whole point of using Photo-flo is to obviate the need for a sqeegee. Mr. Erlich says to use distilled water and for him that might be necessary and proper. My tap water is clean enough and and has a low enough concentration of dissolved minerals to not be a problem, though I filter my tap water just to make sure there aren't any nasties floating around in it.

[chris_waller]

I never squeegee. As stated above, correct use of wetting agent renders that unnecessary. Also, hang the film cornerwise so that the water runs off to the edges and then drips off the bottom corner of the neg. I have discovered by experience that it's better to let the film drain for 10 minutes before switching on the dryer.

[scott_walton2]

Jeff, If you can, switch to Edwal's LFN for an end run... ALOT cleaner and you

only need a few drops. You won't get any contamination either if you end run

in the same tank... DO NOT squeegee!!!

[tim_curry]

Tucson is the kidney stone capitol of the world! I use distilled water becuse it is so hard here (like much of the west). Remember to hang film by the top corner if it is a clear blue sky. If there is a drop that dries where it can be seen, put it at the lower corner where there isn't a plain sky or place it shows.