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Problems and Solutions

Please accompany your questions with a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish an immediate reply. Alternatively, you can e-mail me at: bhurter@rfpublishing.com.

Our sincerest apologies to photographer Scott Streble for misspelling his last name in the article that appeared in the March, 2001 issue, on page 98. Although Scott’s name is spelled correctly throughout the article, it is, unfortunately, misspelled in the headline.—Ed.

From: Berni Rich, Labwork
Labworkusa@ aol.com
I’m a pretty ancient commercial photographer now running a very successful black- and-white lab, doing business nationally.

Back in the 50’s, while starting my career working at another commercial studio, before I opened my own, I recall the lab chief using a test to check if the current batch of prints was washed hypo-free. Of course, all prints were fiber-based then. Since we are doing more and more fiber-based prints for people around the country who appreciate the positive qualities of this kind of paper, it is, of course, absolutely necessary that we know when our prints are fixer-free.

To the best of my memory (which may not be 100% accurate) the test consisted of putting around 8 ounces or so (not critical) of the wash water in a cup and then adding four drops, from an eyedropper, of a chemical from a small bottle. If the water remained clear, the prints in that batch were fixer free. If the water sample turned blue with the added chemical, the prints were not totally washed, and we continued to wash them some more.
The fixer used then was the F-5 formula consisting of sodium hyposulphate with some alum and, I think, sulphite (or suphate) added in the proper proportions.

My question, then, is two-part. Do you know the chemical of which I write? I don’t know who bottled it, although I am sure it was acquired from a photo supply store. I t seem to remember it being Kodak, but that part is hazy.
The other part of the question is: Assuming you know the chemical, is it compatible with the rapid liquid fixer we use today? We use Ilford 2000 fixer.

Sure hope you're as old as I am and know what I'm talking about!

Falcon Safety Products, of Edwal Scientific makes the solution that you are referring to. Obtain more information by contacting them at 25 Chubb Way, P. O. Box: 1299, Somerville, NJ 08876; (201) 707-4900. The active ingredients are formaldehyde and potassium iodide. The solution is a clear, odorless liquid that is used in concentrate form to test wash water for residual hypo content.

Photographer’s Formulary also offers a solution that does the same thing. You can contact them on the web: photo
formulary.com. This is a simple chemical test that can be used to determine if a print or film strip has been adequately washed. The test is based upon the formation of a yellow stain of silver sulfide—silver thiosulfate on the white of a test print (or the clear area of a negative film strip) when the test solution is applied. You can also reach them by phone at: (800) 922-5255, fax (406) 754-2896.

From: Robert Michelson
www.pbmphoto.com
pbminc@banet.net
I have been reading your column for 20 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have learned a lot from you and your readers.

I now find myself in need of your expertise. I own two Mamiya C220 cameras with several TLR lenses. One of my 55mm lenses, which is my lens of choice for wedding photos has broken. My regular repair facility, SK Grimes in Boston, told me that parts are no longer available for these lenses (shutter spring mechanism has gone after years of reliable service). I understand these cameras are old and no longer made, but they have been my workhorses far longer than I care to admit.

Do you know of anyone who may still have parts and can fix my long time friend? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Try contacting Lawrence Camera Service Inc., 9202 N. Waukegan, Morton Grove, IL 60053; (312) 539-1122. This company is expert at repairing all out-of-production Mamiya professional cameras and lenses. Also, try contacting Ken Hough Photographic Repair, 8091ž2 Oak, Valparaiso, IN 46383; (219) 464-7526. Ken Hough specializes in repairing and rebuilding lens shutters. They may have some spare parts for your C-220 lenses. If not, they might know where to look.

Thanks for the kind words.