In this article, I thought it might be helpful to compare water versus acid-based stop baths and open up the conversation with other photographers.
I should first cover the basic function of the stop bath. It should be obvious, but I will cover it anyway. The function of an acid stop bath is to stop development as completely and quickly as possible.
There is a relationship between development times and the stop bath that should be briefly mentioned, whether we are discussing film or prints. In this article, I focus on black and white film development. The shorter your development time, the more critical the stop bath becomes. The longer the development time, the less likely it is for the performance of the stop bath to have a visible impact on your intended results.
STOP BATHS - WATER VS. ACID
There are advantages and disadvantages to acid stop baths that darkroom photographers should be aware of include:
On the other hand, when you use a water stop bath in place of an acidic stop bath, it can create a different set of circumstances that you should be aware of.
If you like the information in this article, then you will love being part of my new Analog Photography Community where we share additional member only details in addition to creating exclusive video tutorials, and detailed articles every week to help analog photographers take their creative vision and technical skills to a higher level.
If you like the information in this article, then you will love being part of our new Analog Photography Community where Tim Jr and I share exclusive member-only details such as my personal notes and specific details about the content in this article. |
NEW ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
If you like the information in this article, then you will love being part of my new Analog Photography Community where we share additional member only details in addition to creating exclusive video tutorials, and detailed articles every week to help analog photographers take their creative vision and technical skills to a higher level.
ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY LAUNCHPAD
TRAINING FOR ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHERS
Read Testimonials from photographers and collectors from around the world.
Buy Your Photography, Video, & Technology Gear at No Additional Cost To You From B&H Photo
COLOR FILMS, DEVELOPERS, DARKROOM GEAR
Fujichrome Provia 100F - Fujichrome Velvia 100 - Fujichrome Velvia 50 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Fujicolor Pro 400H - Fujicolor Crystal Archive Silver Gelatin RA4 Paper - RA-4 Color Print Processing Developer & Processing Chemicals - Color Darkroom Enlargers
ILFORD B&W FILMS & DEVELOPERS
Ilford HP5 Plus- Ilford FP4 Plus - Ilford Delta 100 - Ilford Delta 400 - Ilford Delta 3200 - Ilford Pan F Plus - Ilford XP2 Super - Ilford SFX - Ilford ID-11 - Ilford DD-X - Ilford Microphen
KODAK B&W FILM DEVELOPERS
Kodak Tri-X - Kodak T-Max 100 - Kodak T-Max 400 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Kodak P-3200 - Kodak Ektachrome - Kodak D-76 - Kodak XTOL - Kodak HC-110
DARKROOM SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
Jobo CPP-3 processer - Ilford RC Pearl Paper - Ilford RC Glossy Paper - Ilford Multigrade Fiber Paper - Ilford Stop Bath - Ilford Rapid Fixer - Neutral Fixer - Kodak Photo-Flo - Hypo Clearing Agent - Darkroom Trays - Chemical Storage Jugs - Nitrile Gloves - Film Archival Storage Sleeves - Archival Storage Binder - Archival Print Storage Boxes
Note: I participate in affiliate programs where I earn a small commission on some select products that I provide links for on my website at www.timlaytonfineart.com. When you use these links, I earn a small commission and there is no additional charge to you.