[LargeFormat] Removing black spots from prints

[Wilkes, Don MSER:EX]

> I wasn't thinking about your spots being black on the prints. 
>  Way back when, mine were white dots from dust on the negatives.

Actually, you were thinking correctly when you suggested using a soft pencil
on the neg -- that should at least reduce the spot to something less
difficult to bleach (I hope).  Mind you, I'm still not keen on taking a
pencil to my can't-be-replaced negs!

Maybe one way to attack it would be with a mask -- I could pencil the heck
out of it without hurting the neg.  Hmm.  Wonder if I have any draughting
vellum...?


> Pittsburgh Camera Exchange has a small lot of old darkroom stuff 
> including some spotting colors for B&W for sale for $17.99.  Go to 
> http://www.pghcamex.com/ and enter spotting colors into their 
> search engine.

Spotone is readily avaiable here [Victoria], if that's what you mean, Jim.
I don't have much practice with the stuff, but know the theory <g>.


> holders.  A spray on both sides of the holder with the darkslides 
> withdrawn and then once more after I've slid in the film but before 
> closing the dark slides.

I tried to be pretty anal about cleaning the holders (wipe out with damp
cloth, then a spritz from my air compressor.) I didn't do your last step
though, as I don't have an oil-suppressor filter for the air line, nor a
feed into the darkroom.  Gotta get me some canned air...it sounds like a
great idea.  Thanks for that.



>  > Where is the dust coming from... oil heat or a wood stove? 
>  Can you control it?  How often do you vacuum your darkroom and/or sheet
film 
> loading area?

Our heat is natural gas, and we haven't used the fireplace in well over a
year.  I suspect the dust may have just floated down from my shirt or
something.  The darkroom isn't used all that often, and the door is always
closed, so the air *should* be pretty still.  Obviously, more serious
measures need to be taken, though.



Cheers,
\donw