re: prewetting

Presoaking film will not affect the grain qualities. That is affected by the developer formulation, the developer time, and of course, the film itself. Note that extended times with diluted developer will not cause an increase in grain, but 'pushing' film will. The benefit of presoaking film is even absortion of developer into the emulsion, reslulting in negatives with no streaking or mottling or air bubbles. (Providing your agitation is correct.) Here's what I found works best. Use DISTILLED water with a 2 drops of Edwal LFN wetting agent per roll. The LFN will replace any 'built-in' wetting agent in the film (Ilford, for example.) LFN will not affect the developer and using distilled water for presoak (and for mixing the developer) insures consistancy and repeatablity no matter what your local water supply. This is very important if you are traveling and developing film 'on the raod.' Hope this helps.

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