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Brilliance in black & white
for you
The best method of using DiXactol™ for
5x4 sheet film is advised as the Combi tank. Other tanks not
using inversion are not recommended. Using 1200ml of working
single bath solution and inversion agitation, 6 sheets can be
conveniently processed together. A normal time of between 9
and 10 minutes for graded paper printing is usual for large
format negatives. Partial 'stand' development is also viable
as the earlier instructions though edge effects are less apparent
with large format.
Photographers used to tray development can use single or two
bath techniques to choice. Be careful to wear protective gloves,
and to avoid accidental cross contamination of B solution into
A with the two bath mode.
Finally, DiXactol™'s beneficial stain characteristics are
maximised in an alkaline environment. The normal acid stop bath
may be advantageously substituted by a number of plain water
rinses so that the film is not plunged from an alkali developer
straight into an acid fix. The plain water rinses take it down
to 'neutral' first for a gradual transition. Give about 5 changes
of water at 10 second intervals with good agitation.
An alkaline fix improves stain even more, and obviates the necessity
for the second soak in used developer after normal acid fixing.
An alkaline fix also has archival benefits in print processing.
There is, to my knowledge, no commercially available alkaline
fix available in the UK. I am currently testing thoroughly my
own formula alkaline fix for maximum stain with pyro or catechol
developed negatives to be marketed direct when perfected. DiXactol™
users in the USA can obtain a fine alkaline fix, TF4, from Photographers'
Formulary in Montana.
Users currently compelled to use an acid fix will find the use
of a slightly alkaline wash, after the post fix soak in used
developer, advantageous if they want the absolute maximum tanning
and staining. This can be a very approximate mix. About 2 heaped
teaspoonfuls of sodium carbonate mixed into a bucketful, about
10 litres, of water will suffice. Be sure that the powder is
thoroughly dissolved before use or the powder can stick
into the film's emulsion. After the wash regime outlined in
the instruction sheet, be sure to give a couple of rinses in
clear water, to ensure no powdery traces, then hang the film
to dry after a wetting agent rinse.
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