SCRATCHES AND THINGS
PHOTOGRAPHIC discussion groups can often produce a controversial item
sometimes of a nature that one might think that would be so obvious that
any observations would serve little purpose.
One
such reached me recently and took more sorting out than it should have
done for the simple reason that the guy in trouble omitted one vital
factor until the very end of the investigation.
The
trouble. This chap was experiencing, and which I gather had persisted for
some time was scratches on his reversal film. ANY MAKE OF EMULSION This of
course was the factor which immediately pointed to the trouble being of
his own making. Obviously he was doing something drastically wrong along
his processing journey.
Did
he filter his solutions? Dust and grit can cause havoc on delicate
emulsions. Yes, he did. Did he take the film from the spiral to give the
second reversal exposure? No he didn’t. Was the film left to dry in a
dust-free room? Yes it was.
I
must confess to being somewhat foxed. Then... Surely not! I thought, but
... I wonder. But it can’t be. Still I’d better ask. “DO you, by
chance, wipe the wet film before hanging it up? Yes he does - he explained
that he uses a piece of chamois leather. Yes, say I, and I bet that it is
impregnated with extremely fine dust particles. No doubt about it,
that’s the trouble.
Years ago
using black & white film, I was in the habit of drawing the film
between my index and middle fingers, previously wetted, and this method
served me well for many years. But then emulsions in those days were far
more able to stand the amount of rough treatment than are the 3M emulsions
of today. Especially, of course the very delicate COLOUR ones.
Anyway, I hear
that this laddie had had no further trouble from scratched emulsions. So
he is reasonably happy.
Of course
another regular danger area for this trouble is the light-trap of the
cassette. Especially for people who load from bulk film using
“second-hand” cassettes. This, however didn’t apply as the
enthusiast concerned uses only new stock.
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WELCOME
1985
So we have
left the old year behind. Not of course the entire winter. Not yet. But,
at least we can look forward to the run up to Spring - even though there
will still be some nasty days, weather-wise, still to face. Put, at least
we know that the days will hold out hope in the shape of longer daylight
hours and that in itself, always offers a brighter prospect. So I can, hereabouts enter a couple of pleas. The first will
benefit you personally by adding to the interest and enjoyment of your
photography. It is simply that you PLAN your picture taking this season.
Plan it by selecting a theme and then GO OUT AND STICK TO THAT THEME. Let
the trees, flowers, racehorses, aeroplanes, castles, churches, rough areas
or whatever. This. Way, I’m certain you WILL derive a great deal more
satisfaction and enjoyment from your picture taking.
The second is,
Make a resolution RIGHT now t7o get at least to the typewriter,
pen & ink or tape recorder and let Bill Reid have some much, needed
copy for the C. R. C. Newsletter. Please.