I have had repeated problems with peeling and darkening of the emulsion at the edges of Agfa Multicontrast 111 FB. I have returned several boxes for replacement, but the new paper exhibits the same problem.

I don't think my processing is anything unusual: Dektol 1+2, stop bath, 2-3 min fix baths in Sprint Speed fixer 1+9 (no hardener), hold in water bath, 5 min Permawash, 60 minute in an archival washer with 65 - 70 degree water, gentle squeegee on a glass plate. I have no problem using the same technique with Ilford FB.

I love the contrast and subtle warm tone of this paper, but can't solve the peeling problem. Thanks in advance for any suggestions and/or shared experiences. HMF

-- Henry Friedman (friedlew@worldnet.att.net), September 17, 1999

Answers

Agfa 111 is currently my favorite paper. I've had a few defective sheets here and there, but nothing like you describe.

Here's a few ideas: Doublecheck your processing, especially checking for contamination of the developer by fixer. Dump your mixed chemistry and substitute another developer and fixer, just to make absolutely certain that your chemistry isn't to blame. Try Kodak Hypo Clearing Agent instead of Perma Wash. At what stage does this darkening manifest itself? Be more specific. Buy more paper but make sure it's a different emulsion batch. Squeegeeing a print is not necessary; hang on a line to dry. I wash in 100 degree+ water and have never had any problem with peeling. Are you toning? If so, in what? I've never heard of this Sprint fixer. Use Kodak Rapid Fixer Part A. Do not harden FB prints, especially those to be toned.

There is always a chance that Agfa is turning out batches of defective paper...but the odds are against it. They are one of the oldest and most reliable manufacturers of photo materials. You might try contacting them directly. If their paper is defective, they will want to know about it.

BTW, Dektol is a cold-tone developer; Agfa 111 is a warm-tone paper. Try a good warm tone developer like Kodak Ektaflo Type 2 (my fave) or Selectol. IMO Dektol is a ghastly developer, producing very harsh and unpleasant tones. It doesn't live in my darkroom.

http://www.ravenvision.com/rvapeter.htm

-- Peter Hughes (leonine@redshift.com), September 17, 1999.

My question would be - how long are you keeping the prints in the holding bath ? Chances are that this is the problem. (too much wet time). This can cause the emulsion to detach from the paper base. I doubt that it is the result of the brand of chemistry you are using, unless ; you are mixing the Perma Wash at too strong a dilution, your trays are contaminated with other chemistry ,eg - using the fixer tray for developer. ( this could cause the edge staining) Try running a few sheets through your process without the holding bath.

-- jim megargee (mvjim@interport.net), September 17, 1999.

Everything went fine until you got to the squeegee part. Those are the most destructive items ever to be taken into a dark room. I discarded them long ago. I dip the prints in a tray of distilled water to finish off, then use one of those print sponges dedicated to archival use to dab the excess water. Sometimes, I don't even use the sponge. I never get scratches, mineral spots, etc.

-- Chris Wray (cpwray@hotmail.com), October 01, 1999.