ARS-IMAGO CHEMICALS DATA SHEETS

Transcription

1 ARS-IMAGO S DATA SHEETS Giorgio Coen Cagli 1

2 ARS-IMAGO FD FILM DEVELOPER ARS-IMAGO FD FILM DEVELOPER is a highly concentrated, high-energy black and white film developer with a moderate compensating effect. Film sensitivity is exploited thoroughly (high sensitivity to the foot); moreover, its high energy and moderate compensating effect allow high I.E. (along with the appropriate development times) without causing excessive contrast or excessive compression of lighter tones. The developer yields good acutance and fine grain, without the formation of excessive agglomerates of silver salts even in push-processing. Economical: very high development yield Effective: full exploitation of film s sensitivity Energetic: suitable for push-processing ARS-IMAGO FD FILM DEVELOPER is a concentrated liquid that needs to be diluted immediately prior to its use and thrown after the development process. It is a One Shot developer: the diluted working solution must not be reused. Throw after use. Generally, the most balanced results are obtained with a 1+39 dilution. However, it is possible to use dilutions between 1+19 and dilution allows a wide choice of development times with most films and provides excellent results even with the use of advanced contrast control techniques such as the Zone System. For high contrast contrast films, a higher dilution is recommended, up to In these cases, it is advisable to use at least 6 ml of concentrated liquid for each 135/120 format film. For low-contrast films, a lower dilution is recommended, starting from Prepare the working solution with running water. The volume of required working solution depends on the size and kind of tank and the number of films/spirals in the tank. 39 PARTS + = 975ml + 25 ml = 1L TEMPERATURE The working solution must be used at 20 C. During the entire development process, including stop bath, fixing bath and final rinse, the temperature must be kept as constant as possible. Recommended agitation for tank development: continue for the first 30 seconds, two inversions every 30 seconds for the remaining development time. The development time starts from the moment the solution is introduced into the tank and ends when the stop bath is introduced. At the end of each agitation sequence, rap the tank on the working desk to avoid the formation of air bubbles on the surface of the film. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN 2

3 DEVELOPMENT TIME The following development times are suggested in order to obtain negatives with an optimum tonal extension in regard to the provided I.E. and that are suitable for analog printing and digital scanning. Dilution: 1+39 (1+19 or 1+59 where indicated) Temperature: 20 C FILM ILFORD HP5 ILFORD FP4 PLUS ILFORD DELTA ILFORD DELTA KODAK T-MAX KODAK T-MAX KODAK TRI-X ROLLEI RPX ISO TIME DILUTION ILFORD DELTA a 20 ROLLEI RPX ** * ROLLEI INFRARED 7 30 KENTMERE KENTMERE FOMAPAN 6 30 AGFAPHOTO APX BERGGER PANCRO FUJI ACROS * STOP BATH It is recommended to use a stop bath between the development and fixing baths, unless otherwise specified by the film producer. We suggest using ARS-IMAGO ST - STOP BATH. FIXING BATH We suggest using ARS-IMAGO FX-FIXER UNI- VERSAL as a fixing bath. It is recommended not to fix the films beyond necessity in order to fully appreciate the high resolution which characterises this development bath. To avoid long fixing times, we recommend using a new or regenerated fast-fixing, non-hardening solution, at the highest concentration specified by the producer (typically 1+4). FINAL RINSE Wash in running water at 20 C for minutes or repeatedly fill and empty the tank while gradually increasing the agitation. WETTING AGENT After rinsing, it is recommended to use a wetting agent as a last bath. We suggest using ARS-IMAGO WB - WASHING BATH. DRYING Dry the film in a closed area, away from dust and draughts. CAPACITY It is possible to develop up to 40 films per 300ml of concentrated liquid. LIFE OF THE PRODUCT It is recommended to use the concentrated solution within 6 months after opening. It is recommended to remove air from the packaging by compressing it, by inserting glass beads or by filling it with inert gases. * High contrast ** Pre-bath recommended 3

4 ARS-IMAGO ST FILM DEVELOPER HO HO O OH O O OH ECO Line ARS-IMAGO ST - ECOSTOP BATH ODOURLESS is an odourless citric acid solution that, when diluted, can be used as a universal stopper for black and white film and paper. The use of an acid stopping bath is strongly recommended to arrest the development process with immediate action. The stopping bath also helps not to contaminate the fixing process, prolonging the chemical s action and increasing its durability. This concentrated solution contains Citric Acid Monohydrate and is free from PBT/vPvB chemicals. Recommended dilution: (19 parts water + 1 part of chemical = working solution). 19 PARTS + = 9ml + ml = 1L Agitate continuously throughout the treatment time. TEMPERATURE Keep the temperature constantly at a maximum difference of 5 C from the developing bath. TREATMENT TIME A treatment time of seconds is recommended, both for film and for baryte and polythene-coated paper. 4

5 ARS-IMAGO FX UNIVERSAL FIXER ARS-IMAGO FX FIXER UNIVERSAL is a universal, non-hardener fixer for black and white films and papers; it is a highly concentrated liquid solution based on ammonium thiosulphate. Depending on the dilution, it can be used both as standard or fast fixer. Dilute the concentrated solution with running water. The fixer is ready for use only after carefully mixing the working solution. Standard fixing dilution: 1+7 / 1+9 Quick fixing dilution: PARTS 7 PARTS 9 PARTS + 835ml ml = 1L + 875ml ml = 1L + 900ml + ml = 1L The final volume of the working solution depends on the size and kind of tank and the number of films or spirals that are being handled. TEMPERATURE Constantly keep the temperature at max 5 C difference from the development bath. Agitate in the same way as during the development bath. = = = 1L 1L 1L TREATMENT TIME - CAPACITY Do not exceed the provided capacity. DILUTION FILM PAPER RC PAPER FB min Capacity/liter 6-8 min sec sec 60 sheets 17,8 x 24 cm 1-3 min 3-5 min 35 sheets 17,8 x 24 cm LIFE OF THE PRODUCT The concentrated product s shelf-life is 2 years in its original packaging. It is recommended to use the work solution within 3 months after opening. To avoid the risk of insufficient or excessive fixing, it is possible to test the film clarification time. Proceed in the following way: pour a drop of the fixing solution over a portion of undeveloped film. Wait until the wet part of the drop becomes transparent (usually after seconds). Then, immerse the entire film strip in the fixing solution and measure the time it takes for the mark left behind by the drop to be no longer visible. The optimal fixing time corresponds to twice the clarification time. Overly prolonged fixing times may have negative effects on the film. FINAL RINSE After the fixing bath, rinse the film to remove chemical residues and increase the durability and storage over time. Wash for about 10 minutes in running water at a temperature not hotter nor colder than 5 C from the fixing bath temperature. Poly-coated papers (RC): rinse for 2-3 minutes Baryte papers (FB): rinse for about minutes 5

6 ARS-IMAGO WB WASHING BATH ARS-IMAGO WB - WASHING BATH is a concentrated liquid wetting agent to be used as the last bath after the final rinse. The treatment makes the film anti-static and prevents limestone traces on the surface. It also has a stabilising effect and reduces the bending of the films (in particular the ones with a PET component). It lowers the drying time. Do not rinse the film at the end of the treatment. Dilute the concentrated liquid with running water before use, at the recommended dilution rate of PARTS + = 990ml + 10 ml = 1L The final volume of the working solution depends on the size and kind of tank, the number of films/spirals and the size of trays that are being handled. Agitate very gently without overturning the tank and remove the foam that may appear on the surface. To prevent the wetting agent from leaving traces on the spirals and contaminating subsequent treatments, it is advisable to immerse the film manually in the solution in a tray or jug. TREATMENT TIME Recommended treatment time: seconds. LIFE OF THE PRODUCT The concentrated solution in its original packaging has no expiration date. It is recommended to use the diluted solution within 2 weeks after preparation. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN 6

7 ARS-IMAGO MB MONOBATH ARS-IMAGO MB MONOBATH is a mono-bath liquid developer for black-and-white films that develops and fixes in one single solution. It gives a balanced tonal rendition and a medium-high contrast. ARS-IMAGO MB MONOBATH is a liquid solution consisting of part A (developer) and part B (fixer) to be mixed before the developing process. A+B Stock: By mixing part A with part B in equal measure, you obtain the working solution that can be reused several times until exhaustion. This happens within two weeks; until that moment, a correct development is guaranteed. The recommended processing time is 8 minutes. A Dilution: By mixing the Stock solution with the same amount of water, you obtain a 1:1 diluted solution (2 parts water, 1 part A and 1 part B) that can be used as a one shot developer to be disposed at the end of the process. The recommended processing time is 10 minutes. 2 PARTS + = B 300ml part A ml part B = 600ml + + = A B 300ml water + 1 ml part A+ 1 ml part B = 600ml* TEMPERATURE The temperature does not affect the process in a decisive way, but must be between 20 C and 25 C. The recommended agitation for film development in tank is continuous for the first 30 seconds, then two inversions every 30 seconds for the remaining development time. At the end of each agitation, knock the tank on the working desk in order to prevent the formation of bubbles on the surface of the film. CAPACITY/DURATION With the Stock solution, you can develop up to 15 films over two months. During this time span, the solution will change color and a residue will appear at the bottom of the bottle. If you avoid pouring it into the tank, it will not affect the result and effectiveness of the development. It is likely that the Stock solution s capacity and duration are greater than those guaranteed. It is rather advisable to use the diluted solution immediately, and to discard it after use. RACOMMENDATION The best results are obtained with cubic grain films such as Ilford HP5, FP4 and Pan F, Kodak Tri-x, Rollei Rpx, Fomapan and Kentmere. It is not a recommended to use the solution with T-grain films such as Ilford Delta, Kodak T-Max and Fomapan. If the negatives have irregular or milky edges, a quick-fixing bath is necessary. For archival storage that needs to remain safe over time, it is advisable as a preventive measure to give the negatives a second fixing bath, even a few days after the development. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN * If using a 6ml tank, you can add ml of water, both in the Stock solution and the diluted solution, without changing the recommended development time. 7

8 ARS-IMAGO S NEW PRODUCTS FOR BLACK AND WHITE The new line of chemicals produced and distributed by ars-imago are dedicated to all film photography lovers - from the professional photographer to the one who is about to enter the darkroom for the first time. They were conceived for a specific need: to disclose and expand the use of film and traditional analog techniques, while looking ahead. WHY? The answer is simple: because users require it, and because we are willing to innovate and keep the focus on photographic practice that is at the core of our passion, to guide the user into the vast world of analog products and to offer quality and innovative alternatives. HOW? Through the research and identification of simple and professional basic products for development and printing. All the chemicals in the ars-imago line have been subjected to empirical tests, that are clearly described to the user. The products have specific features that the users can follow in the standard process, or modify through experimentation, which can be discussed and verified with ars-imago staff. The technical data sheets, available in digital format, are documents that can be expanded both through the users s experience and empirical tests coordinated by ars-imago. By doing so, the amount of information available will be constantly increased. 8