annala@neuro.usc.edu (A J Annala) (05/17/91)
I've read about and tried half a dozen methods of producing continuous tone
grey scale positive transparencies over the past week. These methods usually
involve multiple exposures of film under difficult to control conditions (e.g.
white flash exposure before/during/after image exposure) or unusual chemical
processing protocols / techniques to lower the contrast of lithographic films.
The alternative of using chromogenic materials (e.g. Ilford XP-1 / XP-2) with
a variety of color processes are unnecessarily expensive, time consuming, and
inherently lower resolution technology. The Kodak TMAX Reversal Kit involves
far more processing steps and cost than standard B & W development.
The one and only low cost easy to process film and chemistry combination which
seems to be available in the marketplace today is described below. Moreover,
the same film and chemistry can be used (with a different processing protocol)
to generate high quality line copy slides. I don't understand why this kind
of film is not available from the more common photographic supply companies.
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SUPPLIER : Ted Pella Inc. 1-800-237-3526 (USA except Calif)
4595 Mountain Lakes Blvd. 1-800-637-3526 (Calif)
Redding, CA 96003-1448 1-916-243-2200 (General Number)
PART NUMBER : 24611
DESCRIPTION : B/W Direct MP Film 5360, 35mm x 100 ft (30.5 meters)
PRICE : $21.10 each
Direct MP Film 5360 One Step Reversal (35mm perf.)
"produces positive B & W slides from prints in 1-step."
Makes black and white direct-reversal duplicates of continuous tone or line
material with a minimum of time and work (when release print quality is not
required). 5360 can produce lecture slides easier and/or faster than other
films by the reversal process. Electron microscopists started using this
film at SIU in Carbondale, Illinois (Dr. Judy Murphy) and the idea has been
adopted in other fields, such as described in T.J. Fink's article (in which
exposure conditions are also described).
D-19 can be used for development, 3-9 minutes with continuous agitation at
20 degrees C, with stop bath for 30 seconds, fixing without hardener for 2-4
minutes and washing for 20 minutes. However, Dektol 100% for 7 minutes can
also be used at 21 degrees C (70 degrees F), agitating by 3-4 tank inversions
in 5 seconds once every minute followed by normal stop, fix and washing
procedures. Direct MP Film 5360 provides intermediate contrast which can be
controlled by adjusting development time or temperature. It is coated on
clear 5-mil acetate substrate. A tungsten safelight is suggested.
Reference: Fink, TJ: 5360 film - fast and easy 35mm positive B & W Slides.
Functional Photography, (March/April 1982).
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