Regarding the Yashica Atoron film, is it due to uneven development?

Hello everyone, I've recently been trying out some photos with a Yashica Atoron. I split a roll of 35mm FOMA Pan 200 film into two 9.3mm films and shot them in bright afternoon sunlight. The results were great, and I really like them. However, there's a small problem: a narrow strip with lower density appears at the edge of the film compared to other areas. I'm wondering if this is due to uneven development. So, I modified an old Paterson developing tank spool to process these negatives. This tank was originally designed for 35mm and 16mm film; I added grooves to the spool to allow it to process 9.3mm film. I usually use a semi-static development method: agitate for the first minute, then let it stand for the rest of the time. I use a Fuji Microfine at 20 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. This works very well for developing 120 and 135 photos, but I'm having problems developing 9.3mm. This is the first time I've encountered this issue. I'm curious whether it's due to my modification of the spool causing difficulties in chemical flow, or if it's caused by my development technique. I welcome any discussion. Thanks

This result looks as if the developer didn't cover the entire reel. Ensure that the reel sits all the way at the bottom of the tank (also after agitating), and use a volume of developer that is guaranteed to cover the reel in its entirety. Using a more frequent agitation routine will also help reduce this problem (and avoid other possible problems).

Another issue I've read about for Minox film in conventional reels is that the film contacting the rail on the plate slows development there -- this isn't noticeable in 35 mm or 120, but on 16 mm and especially Minox format this underdeveloped area will impinge on the image frame. I've heard that one solution is to push the film to the center of the reel and wedge something in behind it so the film is pushed out with the base side against the rails, rather than the emulsion side -- but since a 36 exposure roll of Minox film is only about as long as 14 exposures of 35 mm, this might be a little tricky to actually do (and I haven't tried it; I got a Minox tank when I got my camera and haven't had a chance to use it yet).

It is the reel. I've had the same problem with modified reels. You need to use very aggressive agitation if you are going to use reels. A better method if you want to stand develop the film is to tape the film to a fixed out roll of 35mm then load that onto a regular 35mm reel. It has been a long while since I have done that but I think you can get 4 rolls of Minox to one 35mm roll.

Thanks everyone. I tried developing my Minox B film again with this developing tank today, and I encountered the same problem. It seems I need to consider other developing methods.

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spookyphoto said:

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