Response to Wiping film after rinse

The general opinion is never to wipe film. Use a good wetting agent and put it out of drafts that carry dust, or use a drying cabinet. You can "snap" the film to remove the bulk of the water. The rubber lipped squegees are death on film, as the slightest grit in the water, or defect on the lips, will scratch. When they age, the lips get harder and develop fine cracks. Result- scratches. I've used them in the past, and if you can filter the water, they are capable of working well. The problem is that sooner or later, they won't. Contrary to my advice, I do wipe film with a pair of very soft photo sponges. They are washed every use, then stored in a plastic bag to keep them clean. I use these with Photo-flo and never have trouble, but I tend to get away with a lot of things that other people have problems with- thus my advice never to wipe film.

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