Random half blank frames - Kodak tri-x

Bit of an odd one.

I was was developing some Kodak Tri-x 400 and in a row in the middle of the film there are 4 frames which are half exposed half black, from side to side, not top to bottom. Then another two frames nearer the end then another couple at the end.

the only correlation between the shots is that they are all outdoors, possibly at the top end shutter speed and f-16.

Though the shots either side of the dodgy ones are also on the same days and roughly at the same times.

I've just had the camera cla'd so assume it can't be that?

the only other possibility I thought of and don't know was that I have a digital circular polariser. Though again the other frames are ok with the same filter on.

I developed with Kodak HC110 Dilution H for 14 minutes with new chemicals.

Any ideas?

for the next batch of films I'll be taking them to a chap who offered to develop them and give me tuition.
but I am curious to know if this has happened to anyone else?

sounds like the camera

It's the camera. Which one did you use?

Shutter issues with the camera.

If it is your Canon SLR it is probably the shutter.

Try firing the shutter with the back open and the lens removed both blinds should run uniformly any hesitation half blank frames it would me most apparent on high speeds.

Low temperature can upset cameras.

shutter curtain(s) not working correctly. camera likely needs a tune-up.

Hatchetman said:

shutter curtain(s) not working correctly. camera likely needs a tune-up.

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Agreed, particularly if you were using a fast speed. I had a similar issue many years ago with an old Exakta camera.

It was cured by a good repairman, who mentioned that the 1960's Exakta Varex models were prone to this problem. If I recall correctly, he said that the fault might not be identified by someone unfamiliar with the cameras, as a basic speed test of the shutter might seem OK, but the uneven exposure would still appear when the camera was tested with film.

filmnumpty said:

I've just had the camera cla'd so assume it can't be that?

Click to expand...

that doesn't bode well. I'd be asking the people who did the supposed CLA why it isn't working properly ///

Show them the results. They might have messed something up.

Did you allow a neck strap to get in the way from time to time?

If you are using a Leica, or a camera with a similar shutter, the following curtain is not working properly.

It's a Canon FTBn.

Neck strap. Hadn't though of that. Doh.
Though I've never had this issue before, I've never used a neck strap before either until this camera which has one.

I have two of these bodies and will check which had the CLA. I have my suspicions that it will be the other one now. I have taken both of them in and I remember one of them was a complete overhaul, the other was just a meter check.

Thank you for the advice so far. I thought it would be typical that my developing hand't got any better and or I had done some new issue I had no clue about.

At least I have something to point at the problem now.

With Leicas faulty shutters also affect the slow (1/8th and slower) speeds. After you finished a film don't reload but operate your camera at these speeds while checking how the shutter works.