Film Processing Troubleshooting - Blotting

[WrongJoSilver]

Hello!

I recently received a roll of film back from a local lab for process. 35mm T-Max and the film returned with blots that are very noticeable on the whiter/lighter portions of the film. I only had the lab process without any negative cutting. I've subsequently scanned these negatives at home and this is what I've seen. Can anyone identify this issue? My guess is it has something to do with the drying process but I have not processed my own film in around 10 years. This might be the post to finally get me back into processing on my own as I'd like to make my own mistakes than deal with someone elses.

I've attached a few photos for reference.

 

[mshchem]

Are these spots visible when you hold up to the light?

 

[WrongJoSilver]

Are these spots visible when you hold up to the light?

Yes

 

[mshchem]

Time to get back to doing your own processing.

 

[foc]

I looked at the example posted and I don't think that the "blotting" was caused by drying.

It appears to be a processing error. I am sure someone can pinpoint it better.

I remember having a similar problem once, many many years ago, with one of my own films. If I recall correctly it was a fixer problem. I refixed and it solved it.

Maybe you could try the same. No harm will come to your negatives by refixing.

 

[titrisol]

drying marks are different, these are probably splashing or bad fixing
refix and rewash and see if they go away

 

[Doremus Scudder]

drying marks are different, these are probably splashing or bad fixing
refix and rewash and see if they go away

I concur. The last frame also has light leaks and a stripe of possible overdevelopment on the left, maybe agitation related.

Condensation on the film during storage, especially if temperature fluctuations were present, is another possible reason for the spots. Inadequately mixed chemicals might be the culprit too, or some kind of contamination during processing.

Have you contacted your lab?

Best,

Doremus