If the developer temperature is set at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, what should the water wash temperature be set at?

In the processing of images, particularly in film development, maintaining appropriate temperatures for the developer and wash is crucial for achieving optimal results. When the developer temperature is set at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the water wash temperature should ideally be set slightly lower than the developer temperature to avoid thermal shock to the film and help rinse off the chemicals effectively.

Setting the wash water temperature at 85 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that there is a gradual transition for the film from the warmer developer to the cooler rinse, minimizing the risk of damaging the film emulsion. This temperature range is effective for removing excess developer and stabilizing the film without causing undue stress on the film's structure.

Using a wash temperature that is too high could lead to further development of the image or inconsistent results, while a significantly lower wash temperature could prolong the rinsing process and not effectively remove the chemicals, affecting image quality. Therefore, selecting a wash temperature that is 5 degrees cooler than the developer temperature is a common practice that balances efficiency and safety in the processing workflow.