Washi Leader 135 for Washi V or W film

Product Description

This leader is needed for the processing of Film Washi's hand-coated paper film, like V or W inside classic processing tanks and reels.
The principle of this operation is to load the film together with this leader which will guide it onto your developing reel and also protect the film from touching itself during processing.

How to use the leader:
You'll need a processing reel and tank, this blank plastic leader film and adhesive tape.
This operation must be done in complete darkness for V films but can be done under red light for W films. Tape the end of your film onto the end of the leader stripe. You must position the leader underneath with the film emulsion facing upwards. Do not tape the emulsion side on the leader stripe but hold the leader and film together and insert it inside the reel's core. In doing so, please ensure the emulsion side is placed inwards and the leader stripe outwards. Load the film as usual but slowly and with extra care.- once you reach the other end of your film, tape it on the leader and finish loading then close the tank as usual.

Film processing procedure:
Processing can take place as usual while considering the following points.
This procedure needs regular agitation and is not recommended for "stand dev" processes.
All hand-coated paper films from Film Washi need to be processed without an acid stop bath, because it could damage the emulsion layer. Please use cold water instead of stop bath.
With the reverse side of the film being in contact with the leader, it needs to be fixed longer than usual. Please fix film for at least 10 to 12 minutes with regular agitation.
All hand-coated paper films from Film Washi need to rinsed longer than regular ones. Please keep your film in cold water for at least 25 minutes and replace your water every five minutes.
While opening your reel, detach the film and separate it from the leader, then inspect your film to check if there are any white spots of unfixed emulsion before drying. If there are then put the film quickly back into the fixer and agitate until all remaining emulsion is fully dissolved then rinse the film again.
Clean the leader and hang it up to dry then roll it back on its axis to protect it when not in use. Once the film is correctly washed, it can be dried as usual. Once dry, the film will be very curly, roll it back on its axis (with its backing paper if it is 120 format) and wait for twelve hours so it will again be flat. For 35mm, it is possible to insert a cocktail stick into the film sprockets between images to reduce curling.

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