KODAK Electron Microscope Film 4489 has approximately half the speed of
KODAK Electron Image Film SO-163 film, but exhibits less curl and shorter
pump-down times. There is a general consensus that SO-163 is the preferred
film for those doing biological, polymer or other low dose applications
where the specimens are beam sensitive and shorter exposure times are
desirable. However, if you are routinely making enlargements of 8-10x from
the negatives, your preference might be for Film 4489.
Some comments on "reformulated 4489":
In roughly June 2002, Kodak introduced a "reformulated" version of KODAK
Electron Microscope Film 4489. So far as we know, the new formulation of
the film is marked on the outside of the box New Formulation. The film's
expiration date is two years from the date of manufacture. Boxes of 4489
showing an expiration date earlier than roughly June 2004 are probably of
the original formulation. SPI Supplies presently stocks only the "New
Formulation". But the new film, although meant to be plug-in compatible
with the original formulation, it is not exactly the same thing, and
therefore, while some users notice no difference at all, others may see some
differences.
We offer some suggestions for those who might be using the
"new formulation".
Alternatives to Kodak 4489 Electron Microscope Film:
We are in the "dog house" with Kodak for having done it, but as explained above,
we have been offering the MACO™ ES Electron Microscope Film
to our many customers of Kodak 4489 who are unhappy about the escalating price of the Kodak film.
The price of the MACO ES film is significantly lower, yet there is no sacrificing
of quality. And our customers seem to report either little or no difference in
the final developed image. And they could not be happier because of the much
lower price. You can continue using your same darkroom chemistry or consider
switching to non-Kodak chemicals. We are happy to present this opportunities for
those of our customers still using film in their TEMs to save substantial amounts of money.
Safelight filters: Kodak 1A (light red), OA (greenish yellow), OC (light amber)
Recommended developers: Kodak Developer D-19.
Packaging: Boxes of 100 sheets or Multi-Paks™ of 250 sheets
Static control:
The developed film tends to develop a static charge which can result in attracting
dust which shows up a defects in a scanned or printed image. We recommend the
Zerostat® anti-static gun as a means
of static control and improved final results in the final image.
|
To Ask a Question or Make a Comment