Response to Pre-washing (wet) the negative

Presoaking was the recommended proceedure when films had thick emulsions. It swelled the emulsion and enabled the emulsion to soak up developer for more even development. I have tried both a presoak and no presoak and there is little difference other than getting the antihalation layer off the film. Try a presoak and see how much dye comes off after only one minute. I still normally use a presoak of 2-3 minutes for the same reasons photographers did with the older emulsions. Many photographers that I talk to, who I know do there own work, use a presoak for the same reasons I do. If you are getting good results then stay with your current methods. I use mainly sheet film and presoaking works for me. James

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