Density build up (fog?) on 4x5 negative

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

What can cause the splotchy highlights seen on this image?

Close up:

Film: Efke PL100 shot at box speed
Development:
- Ilfotec HC 1+31 in MOD54/Paterson Tank
- Kodak Indicator Stop Bath
- Kodak Rapid Fixer
- Kodak Hypo-Clearing Agent
Hung in drying cabinet
Negative surface looks smooth, no physical build up (i.e., dust)
Density is visible in the emulsion (negative has dark patches in central area)

This is the first time I've used this film. Other negatives have similar splotches, but their location is not identical, just that they all fall within the central area of the negatives.

Doremus Scudder · Sep 24, 2014

My initial reaction was not completely dissolved powdered developer... However, since you used a liquid concentrate, that is ruled out.

So, things that can cause this are: contamination of the film before processing, a precipitate or similar in your developer solution (contaminated vessels, etc.), damage to the film before processing, or a manufacturing defect.

If you have lots of film like this, you might try developing an unexposed sheet to see if it came that way from the manufacturer. Efke's QC may not be up to the level of Kodak and Ilford...

Maybe other Efke PL100 users have had similar problems.

Best,

Doremus

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

Doremus Scudder said:
My initial reaction was not completely dissolved powdered developer... However, since you used a liquid concentrate, that is ruled out.

So, things that can cause this are: contamination of the film before processing, a precipitate or similar in your developer solution (contaminated vessels, etc.), damage to the film before processing, or a manufacturing defect.

If you have lots of film like this, you might try developing an unexposed sheet to see if it came that way from the manufacturer. Efke's QC may not be up to the level of Kodak and Ilford...

Maybe other Efke PL100 users have had similar problems.

Best,

Doremus

I will process a straight-out-of-the-box sheet next time I develop. I'm leaning towards manufacturer's defect, but am looking for other plausible causes.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 24, 2014

fingerprints?

ic-racer · Sep 24, 2014

jcc said:
This is the first time I've used this film.

I suspect the film has been damaged. Cold storage in an opened container might cause this.

MartinP · Sep 24, 2014

A dampness and/or condensation problem during the storage or use of the sheets, for example an opened packet going in and out of a fridge or freezer? Any Efke film will be well past it's use-by date by now and the original quality control was also less perfect than the main manufacturers, so I'd expect film damage rather than a process problem.

Europan · Sep 24, 2014

What water were you using in diluting the developer and preparing the baths?

Rust, cleaning agents, detergent, soap can cause freckles like that. Residues from an old bath, powder concentrate fallen on the sheet?

If not, I’d supect the film.

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

RalphLambrecht said:
fingerprints?

Not unless it happened before the film went into the sealed box.

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

ic-racer said:
I suspect the film has been damaged. Cold storage in an opened container might cause this.

I store film in the freezer inside a ziplock bag, then let it thaw and dry if there is condensate, before opening.

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

MartinP said:
A dampness and/or condensation problem during the storage or use of the sheets, for example an opened packet going in and out of a fridge or freezer? Any Efke film will be well past it's use-by date by now and the original quality control was also less perfect than the main manufacturers, so I'd expect film damage rather than a process problem.

It's within the expiration date. I don't think it's storage or removal from storage either.

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

Europan said:
What water were you using in diluting the developer and preparing the baths?

Rust, cleaning agents, detergent, soap can cause freckles like that. Residues from an old bath, powder concentrate fallen on the sheet?

If not, I’d supect the film.

Filtered water was used, and everything seemed diluted. Residue is unlikely as well, as I religiously rinse and wipe down after processing.

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

I suspected X-ray fogging too, but that seems to manifest itself in bands, not speckles.

ic-racer · Sep 24, 2014

jcc said:
I store film in the freezer inside a ziplock bag, then let it thaw and dry if there is condensate, before opening.

Bingo!

jcc · Sep 24, 2014

ic-racer said:
Bingo!

I don't follow. You'll have to elaborate on the bingo.

Density build up (fog?) on 4x5 negative

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