Do stop bath and fixer temperature matter during film development?
Asked 7/31/2019
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I know developer temperature is critical in film processing, typically around 20°C / 68°F. Do the stop bath, fixer, rinse, and wash water also need to be at the same temperature? If they are too warm or too cold compared with the developer, can that affect the final image or damage the film?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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The rule of thumb is to keep all processing temperatures as close as possible to each other including the water rinses.
The problem that arises with temperature fluctuation is the stress it puts on the emulsion (a colloidal suspension of silver halide in gelatine). Uneven swelling and shrinking due to thermal changes can cause reticulation (failure) of the gelatine structure resulting in a distinctive crazing pattern. The affected areas are permanently affected.
Originally by user21789. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user21789
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. In film processing, it’s best to keep the stop bath, fixer, rinse, and wash water as close as possible to the developer temperature, typically around 20°C / 68°F.
The main issue is not usually a change in image density from the stop or fixer themselves, but physical stress on the film emulsion. Film has multiple layers, and temperature swings make those layers and the gelatin emulsion swell or shrink at different rates. Large differences can cause film curl, increased apparent grain, or in severe cases reticulation — permanent cracking/crazing of the emulsion.
So the practical rule is: keep all solutions and water baths at roughly the same temperature throughout processing, and avoid sudden temperature changes.
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