Smudge along Rebate area, TriX

[TomR55]

Processed a few rolls of TriX, when I noticed what appear to be several, apparently randomly distributed “smudges,” almost as if they were done with a paint brush, along the bottom of the rebate areas (images attached). These do not interfere with the image in any way, but are concerning. I know that we have more than a few contributors on this Forum who have real-world experience with film manufacturers and would be happy to hear any feedback as to what this might be. My equipment is well-maintained, and I keep a pretty clean and consistent workspace. Naturally, I will expose a different film (manufacturer) through this same camera body within the next day or so … just as a sanity check.

Thank everyone, in advance, for any information/advice they might provide. [FWIW, I don’t have the exact batch numbers for this roll, but none of my stock expires any sooner than April 2027.]

 

[koraks]

Yeah, that's typically caused by a number of things:
1 On bulk loaded film, there can be some fogging along the edges due to imperfections in the bulk loading process. This does not apply to factory-confectioned film that comes ready to use in cassettes.
2 During processing esp. in reels in small tanks, the emulsion tends to touch the processing reel in some places. In these places, the developer and/or fixer may not be able to penetrate the emulsion. The result is remaining patches of undeveloped and/or unfixed emulsion. Over time these will 'print out' into metallic silver of high optical density.

The first effect is harmless as long as it doesn't extend within the image area, but of course any means of fogging to light in a bulk loading process should be investigated (and ideally excluded). The second effect is by definition harmless as it never extends into the image area. It may be a concern if you want to scan/print the entire film including sprocket holes and the patches bother you. In that case, you need to adjust the development process and/or equipment to avoid this.

The quick, easy and honest answer is: don't worry, it's fairly normal and harmless.

 

[TomR55]

Thank you for the quick and informative reply. I use Paterson tanks/reels. I use PhotoFlo, and have heard (on this forum) that wetting agents sometimes cause problems with plastic reels (although these problems appear when loading reels … sticky bearings?) . And I do use Claytons Darkroom Cleaner and a soft toothbrush as part of my clean-up. These reels are pretty old, perhaps it’s time to switch them out?

 

[loccdor]

I also use Paterson tanks and reels and I see this pretty often. It's no big deal. One of my reels even has a hairline crack through it but it still works fine.

As far as wetting agents go you can clean the reels of any residue with a toothbrush.

 

[koraks]

Thank you for the quick and informative reply. I use Paterson tanks/reels. I use PhotoFlo, and have heard (on this forum) that wetting agents sometimes cause problems with plastic reels (although these problems appear when loading reels … sticky bearings?) . And I do use Claytons Darkroom Cleaner and a soft toothbrush as part of my clean-up. These reels are pretty old, perhaps it’s time to switch them out?

If you have no trouble otherwise with your reels, then I see no reason to switch or replace them.
The reels I have are pretty old and run-down as well; I have a Jobo reel that's even cracked in one place. Most of my reels have some degree of remjet much sticking to them. All of them have been dunked in photoflo at some point, usually many times. I never clean them, really. Just rinse and let dry. No problems so far.

 

[TomR55]

I thank all for your quick and expert response to my inquiry!

I also use Paterson tanks and reels and I see this pretty often. It's no big deal. One of my reels even has a hairline crack through it but it still works fine.

As far as wetting agents go you can clean the reels of any residue with a toothbrush.

Someone (maybe on this Forum) had suggested using a soft, #2 pencil to lubricate/treat the ball-bearings on these types of reels in order to reduce friction when loading; I am unsure that this would help much with this particular problem … but maybe does no harm.

 

[koraks]

No, this will not affect this phenomenon (I would not consider it a problem). I've never felt the need to do so, personally. The Paterson reels in my experience work just fine used as they are.

 

[MattKing]

One thing you might try is to re-fix a small portion of that film that exhibits that effect.
Sometimes that occurs when the film sticks to the reel through the development, stop and fixer stages, resulting in those chemicals not actually getting to the emulsion. Re-fixing with the film off the reel will clear the smudge.
Be sure to re-wash the film after re-fixing.