A minor watchword for C41 processing

[David Lyga]

I have said this before, years ago, and it is so important that it needs re-iteration.

When unloading C41 color film for processing make absolutely certain that your AC power strip is NOT emitting red light. This seemingly innocuous red light (which does not seem to light up much) is peril to your film. You will end up with 'underexposed' negatives, extremely low contrast, and, after processing, a tell tale greenish/cyan cast on the base.

Even I, with much experience with this, make the occasional error and think that it is due to contamination. I have proved, again and again, that the culprit is that damn light and I have forever banished it by taping electrician tape over that sorry lumenence. Take heed.

C41 color film has an insane attraction for being ruined by that red light. - David Lyga

 

[Rudeofus]

Many experienced darkroom workers tend to ignore red light, which will give nasty surprises in case of panchromatic or color film. BTW the effect you described as underexposure ("where did my shadows go?") is actually fogging, not underexposure.

 

[David Lyga]

Yes, of course it is not underexposure but it has the same effect. With B&W pan film the utter disaster is not as intense. But with color film, beware at all times. - David Lyga