Film Defects - Low Density Marks on ULF Tri X with Pyro P Divided Processing

[KyleJ]

Recently started getting some low density defects on 8x10 and 11x14 Tri-X that have been difficult to find the cause of and I was hoping someone else may have run across similar defects in the past.

There are three issues that have come up:

1. Small lower density dots with thin tails.
2. Dots resembling dust but with varying amounts of lower density, sometimes appearing as small squiggles under very high magnification.
3. Scratches covering the film emulsion surface.

The development was done in BTZS style tubes with divided Pyrocat-P at dilutions between 1:5 and 1:7 with the following process:

• Pre-wet in distilled water
• 6 minutes in Pyrocat-P Part A made with distilled water
• 6 minutes in Pyrocat Part B (75% Potassium Carbonate) made with distilled water
• Water stop
• 20 seconds 1/4 Strength Ilfostop stop bath made with distilled water
• 6 minutes Ilford Rapid Fix made with distilled water
• 2 minute wash
• 3 minutes in Kodak Hypo Clearing Agent made with distilled water
• 30 minute wash
• Kodak Photo Flo made with distilled water then hang dry

This process has been used to make hundreds of defect free negatives and these defects have only popped up recently. The negatives being process were from a batch of film all purchased at the same time and from the same runs as other negatives previously processed with no defects of any kind. The film has also been stored in a refrigerator at or below 50% since it was purchased and in its original unopened packs. All film was loaded only after holders had been very carefully cleaned and then stored in individual pouches or clean ziplock bags immediately after cleaning.

Has anyone had any similar issues with low density marks or suddenly appearing scratches on the emulsion with Pyro developers?