(2) Film can be stored at very low temperatures. Storage at below freezing temperatures will not
adversely affect film. For long term storage, film should be maintained at 0F (-18C).
c. Batteries should be stored in warm rooms. Keep NiCad batteries fully charged. Remove batteries
from warm rooms just before you are required to use them. The colder a battery is, the less effective it will be.
Learning Event 4:
PROCESS FILM IN COLD TEMPERATURES
1.
Most laboratory work will be done in permanent buildings or mobile photographic laboratories such as
the ES-82A or ES-38C. With these facilities, there is little problem with cold temperatures. There may be
occasions when you must set up a portable laboratory such as the EH-94A in a cold environment.
a. The activity of developer solution decreases as the temperature drops. Normal developing times are
based on chemical temperatures of 68F (20C). Lower temperatures require longer development time. Always
follow the chemical or film manufacturer's instructions for development times.
b. For short term processing, it is best to set up a portable laboratory in a well-heated room or tent. A
mess tent works well because there is hot and cold water available. You must remain away from any cooking
areas and avoid spilling any chemicals. You may have problems convincing the Mess Sergeant to let you use the
mess facilities. An alternative is to set up as close to hot and cold water as possible. Immersion heaters can also
be used to warm and maintain chemicals and wash water at correct temperatures.
c. The use of hypo eliminators is almost mandatory in the arctic. This requires very little water to wash
film and prints. Use the following recipe to prepare hypo eliminator if you cannot obtain it through supply
channels.
HYPO ELIMINATOR
Water
16 oz (500 ml)
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
4 oz (125 ml)
Ammonia solution (3%)
3 1/4 oz (100 ml)
Add water to make
32 oz
(1 liter)
d. Dry the film in a warm room. If a hot air drier is used, keep the heat below 125F (50.7C). Place
the negatives in negative preserver and handle them as little as possible. Paper prints must be treated the same
way. Don't move prints from very warm to very cold temperatures. Make sure the prints stay flat.
2.
Operating lab equipment in the arctic is difficult but not impossible. Make sure you have a reasonably
warm room to operate in.
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