Odd Semi-circular Marks on Prints

[jmal]

As the title states, I've been getting random semi-circular marks on my prints recently. At first I thought they were the result of water marks on the negatives, but none of the negatives have anything visible on the surface or in the emulsion (135 by the way). They appear to be immaculate. Holding the negatives up to the light, I can't detect anything in the frame itself, but the problem does show on prints. So, my next thought is that it might be minor flare marks. All of the photos that show the problem were taken on sunny days, although not directly into the sun. I try to attach an example later tonight. The other thought is that I am somehow getting air bubbles during development, but I have never had a problem before and nothing has changed in my technique. Any thoughts?

 

[rmolson]

Semi circle marks

While this is just a guess At one time Kodak had a problem with a new graphic arts film leaving semicircular marks that were negative density. Kodak claimed they were pressure marks and of course the users fault.. Are your marks positive images or lack of density. If they are truly pressure marks there really isn't anything you can do as it is a manufacturing flaw in the emulsion.

 

[jmal]

They are lighter on the print, so they are density in the neg.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Usually crescent shaped marks are crimps on the neg that happen when loading the film on the developing reel. See if you can see them on the neg with a loupe.

 

[jmal]

David, they are more than a crescent shape. Some of them are more elongated partial ovals, almost completing the "circle." I am certain that they are not crimps in the negative.

 

[Kino]

Maybe infrared scatter in the taking lens?

 

[jovo]

It may be your print tongs if you're using any. Check and see if the marks are the same shape as the grip end of the tongs. I've occasionally had marks on the prints when I'd not washed the tongs thoroughly from a previous use of them.

 

[jmal]

No tongs--just my fingers. The marks are not regular either. They vary in size and shape.

 

[jim appleyard]

Can you post a scan?

 

[jmal]

Hopefully this evening, Jim. I have a busy day ahead and may not be home tonight.

 

[papo]

Have you tried to develop a sheet of paper that was not illuminated at all or only by a uniform light without the negative (and the glass in the negative carrier if you have any)? It might help to isolate the problem.