Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Here it is from the horses mouth... Why can't I use stabilizer, Photo Flo, or other wetting agents in my JOBO tanks? Stabilizer or wetting agents, of any type, any brand, should not be used in the tank or with the film on the reels. It doesn't really damage the reel, but it causes a sludge-like build-up which ultimately can cause contamination and loading problems. Wetting agents and stabilizers don't wash off. They seem to chemically bond with anything they contact. Kodak even has instructions for users of stainless steel reels for reducing (not eliminating) the buildup. In our darkroom at JOBO USA, we use a Rubbermaid or Tupperware type container to hold our stabilizer. The snap-on lid keeps the solution clean between uses and we don't have to smell the odor from the stabilizer. We choose a container deep enough for 120 film and wide enough for 4x5 film. When we're ready to stabilize the film, we simply twist the roll film reel counterclockwise to open the two halves, and then allow the film to drop into the solution. After one minute, we wipe off the excess with a JOBO squeegee. We don't get any scratches on the film, and we avoid build-up on the reels. http://www.jobo-usa.com/jobofoto/faq/stabilizer_on_reels.htm Jim At 03:17 PM 5/21/99 +0200, you wrote: >Thanks Jim. Yours is the third opinion from a person I respect that says this, >so I guess it is time to change my habits. > >Nathan > >Jim Brick wrote: > >> The current issue of the JOBO newsletter arrived. There was a warning about >> this. They said that "any" wetting agent will build up over time, on your >> reels, making them difficult to load. Basically, don't put your reels in >> any wetting agent. >> >> Jim > >-- >Nathan Wajsman >Overijse, Belgium >General photo page: http://members.tripod.com/belgiangator >Belgium photo page: http://members.xoom.com/wajsman > >