In one sense, this is a simple problem. Black spots on prints = reduced density on the negative. Any residual bits that might have embedded themselves into or onto the film, even though they may look white to the eye, will block light and result in white spots on the print. You can pretty much rule that out as an explanation for your problem.
I have never used an alkaline fixer. The closest to it is Kodak's C-41 fixer which is near neutral. I alway use an acid stop bath unless the developer specifically calls for its replacement with a water rinse, as is the case with Diafine. Despite all that, I have never seen a pinhole that was caused by using an acid stop. A true pinhole, where the emulsion has physically separated from the support will be apparent by visual and tactile examination. Use a loupe for visual inspection, and feel the emulsion with your fingertip. If there are surface irregularities, then you have separation. If not, then something else is wrong. That something else could be as simple as dust settling onto the emulsion before exposure, though that is unlikely considering the almost perfectly round shape of the spots.
In my opinion, the most likely cause of your problems is air bells. Small air bubbles attach themselves to the film and are not dislodged by agitation. Developer doesn't reach the emulsion, and no development takes place. Result - clear spots on otherwise undamaged negatives that print black.
I've found that it's best to use water that has at least rested, and this is especially true if your tap has an aerator, so that some of the dissolved gasses dissipate. Heating the water will drive off most if not all the dissolved gasses. Just be sure to let it cool before use. Always stir, never shake, to mix chemistry. Shaking always introduces air into the mix and that's never good on a couple of levels. And don't forget agitation. Proper agitation wil dislodge any air bells clinging to the film. There are a lot of folks who advocate gentle agitation. Don't buy it. I have never seen surge marks caused by vigorous agitation. I have never seen uneven development come out of a rotary processor, provided it contained a sufficient volume of chemistry, like the Jobo which agitates constantly. I have seen what looks like surge marks around sprocket holes on 35mm film from insufficient agitation.
I have never used an alkaline fixer. The closest to it is Kodak's C-41 fixer which is near neutral. I alway use an acid stop bath unless the developer specifically calls for its replacement with a water rinse, as is the case with Diafine. Despite all that, I have never seen a pinhole that was caused by using an acid stop. A true pinhole, where the emulsion has physically separated from the support will be apparent by visual and tactile examination. Use a loupe for visual inspection, and feel the emulsion with your fingertip. If there are surface irregularities, then you have separation. If not, then something else is wrong. That something else could be as simple as dust settling onto the emulsion before exposure, though that is unlikely considering the almost perfectly round shape of the spots.
In my opinion, the most likely cause of your problems is air bells. Small air bubbles attach themselves to the film and are not dislodged by agitation. Developer doesn't reach the emulsion, and no development takes place. Result - clear spots on otherwise undamaged negatives that print black.
I've found that it's best to use water that has at least rested, and this is especially true if your tap has an aerator, so that some of the dissolved gasses dissipate. Heating the water will drive off most if not all the dissolved gasses. Just be sure to let it cool before use. Always stir, never shake, to mix chemistry. Shaking always introduces air into the mix and that's never good on a couple of levels. And don't forget agitation. Proper agitation wil dislodge any air bells clinging to the film. There are a lot of folks who advocate gentle agitation. Don't buy it. I have never seen surge marks caused by vigorous agitation. I have never seen uneven development come out of a rotary processor, provided it contained a sufficient volume of chemistry, like the Jobo which agitates constantly. I have seen what looks like surge marks around sprocket holes on 35mm film from insufficient agitation.
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