Delta 100 problems (8x10)

Anybody shooting Delta 100 in 8x10?
On a recent trip to CA i exposed a few sheets of Delta 100 All have defects on the back, not the emulsion side.
The defects looks like surface to drum (Jobo Expert 3005) problems and my initial thought was that i had induced some moisture when reloading in the Motel i stayed at. (How is that possible in SoCal) Today i took a couple of test shots and i see the same problem.
I have developed TMY and Foma 200 in between the Delta 100 and have no problems what so ever. The process is: 3 to 4 minute pre wash, 16 minute 1+1+100 Pyrocat MC two stop rinse in clean water and Zonal Pro or TF-4 Fix. 20 minute wash.
I have developed Delta 100 in 4x5 and 5x7 and all are coming out fine.

Looks like a 3th tier product but i need some facts before i write of Ilford for good.
I like the look of Delta 100 but if i can't trust the QA @ Ilford i will spend my money elsewhere.

Any suggestions?

Jan

My feeling is that you can trust the QA at Ilford. You should contact them with the batch number and details of the problems. Save the sheets as they may want to see them.

What exactly are the defects?

It could be that the dyes haven't cleared out of the AH layer on the back properly - I'd try soaking a sheet in a tray with some hypo-clear or refixing.

I've shot two boxes of 8x10 Delta 100 and processed in a JOBO without any issues. I normally don't even use a hardening fixer since I develop in Pyrocat. Might be a red herring, but I wonder if the age of the film might be an issue, even if frozen. Ilford hasn't made delta 100 in 8x10 for quite a while.

It's a bit hard to describe the defects, it looks like part of the surface is glossy and part is matted or scuffed from contacts. Paterns are uneven from sheet to sheet.
I just sacrificed an unexposed sheet and it looks perfectly normal so, it is something in my process that induce this issue. I did refix and rewash but that did not change anything.
Tom, arren't you thinking Delta 400? This is Delta 100 and is well inside expiration date.
Thanks for your inputs.

jan

Tom Duffy said:

...Ilford hasn't made delta 100 in 8x10 for quite a while.

Click to expand...

8x10 Delta 100 has been continuously produced for years and is still readily available. See page 3 of Harman's latest Product Availability Listing:

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/200711714387916.pdf

"1743490 - DP100 8x10in 25 STOCK WW"

Try to get your fingers into the cylinders of the drum feel around for any warping that may have been developing over time. If you feel any bumps (even if not) do a test run and mark your film somehow to coincide with each cylinder (they have roman numeral markings); this may reveal a consistent pattern. Had a similar sounding experience, and it turned out to be warping in the cylinders.

Well, it was me again and thankfully not the Delta 100 film. Just needs a lot more fix than what i have experienced with 4x5 and 5x7 processed the same way.
A total of 10 minutes in TF-4 1+3 is a lot more than recomended. But, it cleaned the back.

Thanks.

jan

Sal Santamaura said:

8x10 Delta 100 has been continuously produced for years and is still readily available. See page 3 of Harman's latest Product Availability Listing:

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/200711714387916.pdf

"1743490 - DP100 8x10in 25 STOCK WW"

Click to expand...

My mistake, I guess. I thought Ilford had stopped producing all its Delta films is sheet film sizes.

Once again i was to quick to claim victory. After the film had dried the same rough pattern appeared on the back again.
Will call the store tomorrow to see if they have had other complints.

jan

Dear Jan,

I have checked with our QC people, we have no QC issues with any DELTA 100 sheet products at this time: I suggest you take it back to the store you bought it from, with the sample and the the box ( with the batch number on ) it will be returned to the factory for analysis, you will then receive a full explanation, and of course the product will be replaced if defective.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

Simon,
Thank you. Have just been in contact with the store and will return the opened box plus a sample showing the defect.
Batch number: 36ETR1CO1/01-1

Best.
jan

Update. I desided to try a different developer before shipping of a box of film and i am glad i did. The test sheet was developed in Xtol, stop and fix unchanged. Sheet looks perfect.
So, for some reason my processing method with Pyrocat MC and Delta 100 does not go well together while other film brands are unafected.
Happy that i can continue with Delta 100

jan