We've had numerous requests lately regarding processing X-ray film in our SP-8x10 Tray system. The appeal is obvious, it's only $0.75/sheet for 8x10. However, it has light sensitive emulsion on both sides and this raises two concerns:
- Scratching the emulsion on the bottom side.
- Getting enough chemistry under the film for proper development.
In theory, it should work.
- All sheet film has gelatin on both sides of the film and we don't see any scratches with it.
- Film floats just above the bottom of the tray and should get enough chemistry to process the much lighter image on the back side.
While, in theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; real life has often disproven this proverb. So we bought a box and tried it. Short answer: it worked fine.
We have a short video here: https://youtu.be/vKZmqjszkGg
Sample images are on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDTcs
Notes:
This is not a how to shoot X-ray film or why you should shoot X-ray film post! Those topics are beyond the scope of a simple blog post. We're just answering the question: can you process it in the SP-8x10.
Processing X-ray film is significantly different than normal photographic film. We had to lower the concentration of our SP-Ultra 4LF to 7+1 and develop it for eight minutes, agitation every 30 seconds.
Oh, and we were shooting at ISO 640. Yeah, 640. We could have probably pushed it further but felt that 640 was a good compromise.
Be aware that it does not have an anti-halation dye on the back side (there is no backside!) Thus, bright points in your image may cause halos or blooming. This may also reduce sharpness.
You'll need to experiment with your own process to dial it in. We'll admit that SP Ultra may not be the ideal developer for such a high contrast film.
You also need to be a bit more careful handling it. We did get a scratch or two from our film holders, make sure the end gate is completely out of the way when loading it.
We don't feel that the X-ray film is as sharp as the Foma 200 but we've only processed about 30 sheets and haven't been that serious about perfecting it.
However, it might be perfect for making contact prints and general experimenting.
In case you're interested in trying it, we bought our film from:
https://x-raysupport.com/product/8-x-10-ceph-film/#description