Does someone know how long the Sulphite Sodium solution to clear Polaroid 55 work? I've used mine to clear 30 Polaroid type 55 and it still seems to work fine! I've heard that it's possible to filter the solution to make it last longer. Is a filter coffee fine? Many thanks for your help. Awsiyâ.

-- awsiya (awsiya@fnac.net), April 02, 2002

Answers

HI Awsiya,

Here in work, I make up about 3 gals. of solution to work with, and clear about 400 4x5, or around 75 T-805, then dump the tank and make more. The developer being washed off is a pain and gets over the cleared negs.

Bill

-- Bill Jefferson (jefferw@polaroid.com), April 02, 2002.

It is possible to filter the solution and make it last longer. Getting rid of the swirlies in the solution is fairly easy. Either filter it through a coffee filter or use panty hose. The stuff does seem to last forever. Wish I had some hard numbers on that.

-- Jacque Staskon (jacque@cybertrails.com), April 02, 2002.

Awsiya,

The Sodium Sulphite lasts "forever", because nothing wears it out. It's function is to minimize the swelling in the negative's gelatin layer while the water washes the reagents off the negative. Since Sodium Sulfite Powder is not expensive, filtering is usually not worth the effort.

Regards,

-- Thilo Schmid (tschmid@2pix.de), April 02, 2002.

Just this past Friday, I called Polaroid and asked that very question. They said that 2 liters of the mixed solution is good for 100 exposures. Later I had to call again with a question on reciprocity failure, and they immediately emailed me the data sheets. Great customer service! Give them a call if you have any questions (the number is on the film instruction sheet).

-- Paul Maciejewski (dryfly@buffnet.net), April 02, 2002.

You can also use hypo clear with the same results and avoid stocking another chemical. I also find you can hose off the 'goop' with a kitchen-type spray hose. I think that was suggested by someone on the forum here.

-- J. Wolfe (bigbad810@hotmail.com), April 02, 2002.