I have had some experience in the darkroom, basically just developing and processing. But, while using my college's darkroom, I ran into a few problems. When I printed out a picture, it looked really foggy and light. I re-mixed some new developer and fixer, but the picture still looked bad. (Another small problem came up here. When I was mixing the developer from the powder, I did not have any hot water. I had to mix it in cold water. Would this have ruined the solution?) I dont know what else to do, besides try to re-mix the chemicals again. Any suggestions?

-- brian cormack (becormac@ozarks.edu), January 27, 1999

Answers

Yes, the cold water would cause a problem. If the instructions say use hot water, it is because some of the chemicals won't dissolve in cold water.

If in doubt, follow the instructions :-)

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), January 27, 1999.

Developer Problems

Mr. Gibson: My stepfather gave me sound advice years ago. When all else fails READ instructions. Mr, McCormack: Why not mix up your developers at home and carry them with you? This way you will have enough hot water at home, (particularly from your wife, if you have one), and they will not appear in your darkroom.

-- H. David Huffman (craptalk@ix.netcom.com), May 12, 1999.

Dektol especially has to be mixed in quite hot water. It is always a trick trying to get it cooled down right after mixing. I have had best results letting it sit for a day before using a new batch.

For all chemical mixing, keep things clean, rinse EVERYTHING thoroughly after use, including your hands. Label the containers clearly.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), February 16, 1999.