As the question states... Can you go right to the fix after the dev. when developing black and white prints? I've heard you can, but never actually tried it. Help would be appreciated.

-- Adam (adam_b44@yahoo.com), August 10, 2001

Answers

Adam

Technically you can dispense with the stop bath but it is not a good idea. You will get excessive devloper carry over and inefficient fixing as a result. You will find that your prints will discolour more quickly than if you used a stop bath. Do you have any specific objection to using a stop bath.

Adrian

-- Adrian Twiss (avtwiss@ukonline.co.uk), August 10, 2001.

Yes, you can, but don't do it. You're fixer will have a much shorter life. At least do a water rinse.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), August 10, 2001.

You might want to stop using the stop (pun intended) if you are processing fibre based paper rather than RC, particularily if you are doing selenium toning later.

A good article on why and how is here:

http://www.heylloyd.com/technicl/acid_free.htm

Lloyd'd site is a good one for a few other ideas. I have not yet started to use his single tray processing system but it appeals to me, but I have found that avoiding the stop for prints to be useful. My big jug of selenium is going farther...

-- Michael Watkins (watkins@trendvue.com), August 10, 2001.

Adam:

Sure you can. As a matter of fact, in most B&W print processing machines, there is no stop bath. However, it is important to realize that, in these machines, the print is efficiently squeegeed as it exits the developer tank. Also, the fixer tank is replenished. So, yes, the stop bath can be skipped with no ill effects if appropriate procedures are followed.

-- Ken Burns (kenburns@twave.net), August 10, 2001.

No. You don't have to use an acid stop bath, but you must at least use a water stop to avoid staining your prints. And, you must change that water after every 10 or so 8x10 inch prints.

I eliminated the acid stop when I started using TF-4 alkaline fixer, and have been very satisfied with the process.

-- Brian Hinther (brianh@onewest.net), August 10, 2001.