How can I recover exposed 120 film after the backing paper stuck to it from water damage?
Asked 12/22/2016
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I have an exposed roll of 120 black-and-white film (likely Ilford FP4) that got wet, probably from condensation, and the backing paper is now firmly stuck to the film. Is there a safe way to separate and process it without destroying the images?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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As a veteran of the photofinishing industry, receiving wet film or film that had been wet was not uncommon. Usually rolls in clothing that went through the washing machine and/or boat or swimming pool accidents. We would soak them for about 8 hours in plain water from the sink and then attempt to unroll in the darkroom. Our success rate was usually good. Sometimes the film strongly adheres to itself or paper backing. We would re-soak in PhotoFlow or we would add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the water. Best of luck on recovering this film.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—there’s a reasonable chance of recovery. The common approach is to rehydrate the roll and gently separate it in darkness.
Start by placing the roll in a light-tight developing tank and filling it with plain water around 68–72°F (20–22°C). Agitate for about a minute, then replace the water. Repeat several water changes during the first hour. After soaking, check in complete darkness to see whether the film begins to loosen from the backing paper.
If it’s still stuck, continue soaking longer. Some labs have had success with several hours of soaking. If plain water isn’t enough, try a Photo-Flo solution mixed as for film processing, or add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the soak water to reduce sticking. Check periodically and handle very gently.
As a last resort, the Photo-Flo bath can be warmed gradually—roughly up to 90–110°F (32–43°C)—while monitoring carefully.
Key points: keep everything dark until the film is on the reel or ready for processing, avoid force, and expect that some damage may remain. But soaking and patient separation is the standard recovery method for wet roll film.
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