Appendix: Using the X-Ray Film Processor (Kodak M35 X-OMAT)

November 16, 1990

Matthew S. Holt

Using the film processor:

  1. Films must be near room temperature before entering the processor. Remove film cassettes from the -80 degrees C freezer and allow to warm to room temperature (usually 1-2 hours).
  2. Turn the processor on by flipping the black toggle located at the left of the processor. Also turn on the water supply at the right. The developer temperature is set and monitored - DO NOT CHANGE THE SETTING. Allow 15 minutes for the processor to warm up. The light above the temperature dial will flicker or go off when processor is ready. Note: send a test film (any old film) through the processor before processing new films (debris that has accumulated on the rollers while the processor was idle should come off on this first film and not on the new films).
  3. Close and lock the room door. Turn off the visible light and turn on the red light.
  4. Remove the first film from the film cassette and carry over to the feed tray. Film must be dry and at room temperature. Note: excessive shaking of the film will cause static build-up, which in turn will leave marks on the developed film.
  5. Push the roller-start button located near the top of both sides of the processor. The processor will buzz momentarily. Insert the film when the buzzer stops. The processor will draw the film in and buzz again. After this buzz the next film can be inserted. The processor is light-tight; therefore you may turn the white light on after the last film has entered the processor and the buzzing stops. Developed films drop into the tray on the left of the processor.
  6. Shut off the power and the water supply at the end of each day.

Notes about the processor:

The processor will cycle every 15 minutes to keep the rollers wet. If the processor buzzes repeatedly, check the lid to make sure the magnetic switch is seated properly.

A rapid thumping noise means one of the roller assemblies is dirty and is jamming. Turn off the power, remove the lid and the roller assembly cover. Carefully remove the roller assembly. Be careful not to contaminate any internal tank with solution from dripping rollers. Rinse the rollers under warm tap water, then rinse in dH20. Shake the excess water off and return the rollers to the processor.

Regular cleaning and repair is performed under service contract with General X-Ray (ph. 739-9950).