RA4 low Dmax and mottling

[ilikecameras1010]

I'm having an issue with RA4 chemistry. I'm using a Kreonite 32" processor and Kodak Ektacolor RA-RT chemistry. Prints with current Crystal Archive stock are coming out with slightly mottled blacks which are not as dense as they should be, with a very slight red cast. I am making analog prints, not using a Chromira, etc.

I've tried adding a significant amount of developer replenisher with no change.

Older Crystal Archive paper (the kind that used to come in a brown box) looks fine when processed.

Any ideas?

 

[Photo Engineer]

Is the label the same? Fuji continues to tinker with their paper as does Kodak. At one time, Fuji had two versions on the market.

PE

 

[ilikecameras1010]

Thanks for the quick reply. I believe the older paper which produces a good result (from the brown box) is Super C from 2010 or earlier. The paper in question I believe is Type II recently purchased from B&H. I have seen many complaints from other color darkroom printers about Type II, but I have had decent results in the past using the same machine & paper combo.

I am suspecting that there might be some blix contamination in the developer, but heavy replenishment did not make a difference. I guess the next step would be to mix up a full tank of new developer, but I hate to throw away ~$50 of chemistry.
Would very much appreciate any other ideas you may have. Thanks!

 

[Photo Engineer]

In about 2004, Fuji published a new process recommendation for their Type II paper. It used a new developer mixture and gave more rapid processing. However, I don't think that is your problem, as Type II could go through the older RA4 developer with some changes.

A tiny amount of blix in the developer will kill development even with heavy replenishment. It has the effect of fog and lower Dmax.

You might try some developer straight and see if you can get a good image. If you can, then the developer is bad.

PE

 

[DREW WILEY]

You need to be more specific about the paper you're using. The box color is not enough, nor new versus old. Crystal Archive is a brand which covers a
wide range of products. Most of the people using a Chromira use exactly the same paper selection that I do with an optical enlarger. But there are a
few odd papers out there adapted to special applications.

 

[Henry Williams]

Hey guys, was there ever a solution to this? I work in the photo lab at the California Institute of the Arts. Our prints all come out with red mottling. We use a 52 inch Kreonite RA4 processor with Kodak RA-RT chemistry. I've determined that the developer is not the issue, as we've dumped and flushed the devo tank. Temperature is also not an issue, nor is time per tank. We suspect that the blix could somehow be the problem, but want to be sure before dumping 30 liters of it. Does anyone know what could be the problem? Please and thank you!

Best,
Henry

 

[Photo Engineer]

Henry, there can be mottling due to a manufacturing defect. Kodak had solved it, but IDK if Fuji did. It has to do with the paper (RC) support and the electron bombardment (electrostatic charge) put on it during coating. I have no idea if this is related.

PE