> > The only downside is slightly enhanced grain -- which some people might
> > like for certain types of photos, and some black "bathtub ring" in my
> > trays. I assume this is sensitizer runoff due to using more sensitizer
> > than necessary. I will continue to explore what is the minimal amount of
> > sensitizer required for this method. However, it doesn't seem to be much
> > of a problem with room temp. developer. It becomes a problem when it
> > leaves little swirls of "bathtub ring" on the paper, though it has always
> > been near the edge of the paper where the developer sloshes back on it
> > when rocking the tray.
> >
> > The blacks are still dark and rich using either the room temp. developer
> > or the hot developer. In other words, the alleged run-off is not
> > degrading the image.
> >
> > That's it for now. More news as it happens.
> >
> > David Fokos
John writes:
> I have found adding tween to the sensitizer has eliminated runoff for me.
> Do you have any in the sensitizer?
Yes, I am using 1 drop of 10% Tween per every 50 sq. inches of coated
paper. I only get it when the developer is hot. And the truth is I
don't "see" it running off the image like a stream (as I have in other
failed sensitizer experiments). I notice the developer get darker, and
the aforementioned bathtub rings.
Also, the slightly enhanced grain I mentioned in my original message is
so mild that I don't think that it would be a serious discouragement to
anyone.
As for Bill suggestion of using a JOBO, I could see how that might be
useful. I tried a drum for a while (a 20x24 JOBO print drum), but truth
is, for me I find the trays easier to deal with. I have just one
sensitizer formula (no contrast agents) and just one developer formula
(again no contrast agents). This simplifies things enormously (courtesy
of digital negs).
Finally, I'm not sure whether I want the added warmth of the heated
developer or not, just yet. But in case I do, does anyone have good
suggestions for heating the developer up to steaming temp. I have been
putting a brown plastic half-gallon jug in a water bath, but it gets so
soft when hot that it makes me nervous. :)
I am very pleased with not only the results of the BWK, but also the
incredible ease and convenience. Still, as the insatiable experimenter, I
will be trying out a other methods including Dick Sullivan's Ziatype
in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
David
p.s. I was very encouraged by Sil's note on the fumes. If anyone has any
more information on this, I'm sure it would be of benefit to us all.