Help with scratched negs

[jmal]

Hello,

Recently, I have developed a few rolls of Tri-x (35mm) that contain one or two frames with very faint scratches. They seem to be visible only in lighter areas of the shot upon enlargement. Also, they always run horizontally across the frame, as if one is holding the camera in standard orientation. I have cleaned the inside of my camera (pressure plate, etc.) and I store the negs in Print File sleeves. I usually let the negatives dry overnight, but I am starting to wonder if the emulsion is slightly damp when I insert the negs in the sleeves. Even still, I am very gentle in handling them. I'm also puzzled by the fact that it doesn't happen on every roll and on the rolls that do have scratches, it is only on one or two frames. The only other oddity is that I never had this experience until I started using HC-110. I don't see how this would make any difference though. I also use a hardening fixer, so I would imagine the emulsion should be fine as long as it is dry. Any ideas or advice? Thanks.

Jmal

 

[srs5694]

Do you use a squeegee to wipe down your negatives after the final rinse? Squeegees sometimes cause scratches.

Another possibility is dust in your film cartridges. This would be unlikely if you use factory-rolled cartridges and store them properly, but it's a distinct possibility if you bulk-load and re-use your cartridges or if you store your film cartridges in the open (outside of plastic film cans).

 

[Arvee]

I live in UT and the winters are very dry creating static electricity. I find if I leave my negs to dry overnite that they attract dust particles and therefore get scratched when put into sleeves.

 

[jmal]

No, I don't use anything to wipe the film. I also use factory rolls and keep them in the plastic container until I'm ready to use them. The notion of dust collecting overnight is interesting. The problem is recent, so the staic/dust issue is possible. And I thought I was being careful allowing them to dry overnight (6-8 hrs)! I live near the water and the conditions are fairly humid even in the winter, but film does carry a high static charge.

Jmal