4x5 Negatives with large dark arch/line

Hyatt1025 · Jul 27, 2016

I am wondering if anyone would be able to offer some insight onto a recurring problem I have been having when developing 4x5 negatives that have been exposed with a particular lens. I am new to large format so my knowledge base is quite low, so I thought I would turn to my quasi photo school (this forum) for help.

I am getting a consistent streak (not that same as uneven development) on my negatives when using a particular lens. The streak starts at the mid bottom of the left 4" and extends with a slight curve onto the opposite 4" side. On the negative the shade is dark, but not opaque.

Some background on equipment:
I am testing my Grandpa's gear so none of the equipment is modern by any standards but nonetheless awesome stuff!

the camera is an old Century plate camera and it is light tight
The negative holders are plastic Fidelity or Ritway (I have avoided the wood ones thus far)
The lens that gives the consistent streak is a Zeiss/Goerz 10cm f9
The lens does not have any visible marks (either element)
Other lenses tested have not produced a streak
Film = Ilford HP+ with Xtol 1:1

Does anyone know what might be the cause of this? I really hope the lens is not rubbish...
Thanks,
Hyatt

Old-N-Feeble · Jul 27, 2016

Have you checked the lens board for cracks or separation between the fitted pieces? Does the board seal to the camera all the way around the edges and have a reasonably snug fit? Is the back of the lens board flat all the way around and not warped? Is the fit of the lens to the board tight with no possibility of light leakage between the lens and the board?

Kevin Harding · Jul 27, 2016

Do you have an example of the images?

Hyatt1025 · Jul 27, 2016

Ill try to up-load an image. The website was given me a bit of a headache to upload but I'll give it a try again. Thanks Old-and-Feeble, Ill give the lens board a thorough going over; it is wood likely bored by hand.

Hyatt1025 · Jul 27, 2016

Hyatt1025 · Jul 27, 2016

Here is a link to the negative:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gordtuckwell/27977682493/in/dateposted-public/

rmann · Jul 27, 2016

Looks like a light leak to me - does the bellows have pin holes?

Old-N-Feeble · Jul 27, 2016

So your print looks something like this?

Hyatt1025 · Jul 27, 2016

Yes sir!
The problem is just with this particular lens so I don't suspect the problem is from a pin hole...

rmann · Jul 27, 2016

How about rotating the lens board to see if the streak moves, if it does, problem is with lens, if it does not problem is with the camera.

pdeeh · Jul 27, 2016

Pinholes can be hard to track down - don't rule one (or more) out
Go into your darkroom with your camera and put a very bright torch inside. (The LED torches on smartphones are good for this)
Not just a quick flash, twist it about here and there and everywhere and don't forget to extend and contract the bellows as well.
The fact that it's "just one lens" doesn't prove it's the lensboard - it may just be that extending the bellows the exact amount you need to for that lens opens the pinhole.
The torch trick should track down any problem with the board too of course.
Or maybe it's the velvet in one of more darkslides going west
Or maybe it's a problem with the camera back.

So ... basically it's down to some detective work by you

Sirius Glass · Jul 27, 2016

Definitely a light leak.

silveror0 · Jul 27, 2016

Sure looks like a light leak. Most likely a leak at the top right area of the format when viewing the groundglass, either from a bellows hole or improper seal of the film holder against the camera (check for loose seal on the camera that occasionally prevents proper sealing). My comments result from the fact that your pic is from a horizontal composition in which the image on film (being upside down) with the code notches (at the holder flap) means that the holder was inserted into the camera from the right side (viewing the groundglass). So the intensity of the light leaking in would dissipate as it traveled across the film.

paul_c5x4 · Jul 27, 2016

Also looks like there is a small light leak bottom right hand corner (and an even smaller one top right). If this is the side where your hinged flap is on the film holder, you might want to check the hinge tape.

Hyatt1025 · Jul 27, 2016

Thanks everyone for your insight; this forum is amazing! I will investigate all that has been mentioned here to the best of my ability and I hope I will find the source(s).

Doremus Scudder · Jul 28, 2016

Definitely a light leak. I once had a pesky pinhole that only leaked light when I had a certain lens on and used a lot of front rise. It took me a while to track it down.

So, check for leaks around the lensboard, for pinholes in the bellows and for problems with the filmholder and back seating properly. Since the leak only appears when the short lens is used, maybe something is getting pushed out of alignment...

Good luck,

Doremus

silveror0 · Jul 28, 2016

It's also a good idea to develop the habit of pinching the holder up tight to the camera when inserting & withdrawing the darkslide, as it's possible to cause a momentary gap allowing light to strike the film.

Jim Jones · Jul 29, 2016

In the sample photograph, there is a possibility of the sun outside of the image area being reflected or refracted from the lens or something in the shutter. However, a light leak in the lens board or shutter is more likely.

kreeger · Jul 29, 2016

I find it's helpful to put the affected negative back in the same holder, in the camera the same way, to try and pinpoint the source of the light leak. You may find it comes from a very unlikely place in your bellows!

4x5 Negatives with large dark arch/line

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