Film Processing Problem?

Over the years I have had periodic problems with the same film problem. Am thinking it could be static? Anyone had experience with this and found a cure? Again it is only an occasional error. Have had it while tray processing then switched to Jobo tanks and had not had a problem for a while but now showing up again. Having it with 4x5 black and white film. Has been all over film area sometime the edges other times the center.

See attached image. The spider like marks.

Thanks for any help.

Kurt

Welcome to APUG

You have a static electricity problem. You are moving something quickly in a very low humidity environment. Possibly caused by low temperatures. For 35mm I would recommend advancing the film slowly, but you are indicating that it is happening on 4"x5" sheet film, so I would suggest that you touch your hands to ground in the darkroom before touching the film or the film holder.

Take off your rubber-soled shoes prior to loading/unloading filmholders too. Make sure you aren't building up a static charge on the holders by brushing or briskly rubbing them while cleaning. Your work surface may be too insulating as well.

This could also be happening while taking. Pull the darkslide slowly and try to ground the holder somehow before inserting it in the camera.

Best,

Doremus

That is actually an interesting effect, is it the UV from the electrical discharge that exposes the film?