Stains on my E-6

[Daniel Lawton]

I just processed a roll of 120 E-6 (E100 VS) and found that there is a sizable brownish/yellow streak that runs down the middle of the roll. It takes up the middle third of each frame and seams to be especially prominent towards the last half of the roll. I'm sure I screwed something up somehow but I don't know what. Any suggestions on where I went wrong based on the symptoms?

 

[Photo Engineer]

Assuming it is not a development problem, you can usually clear up 'tail end' errors by starting with the step following the color developer and repeating all steps to the final rinse. This usually will completely fix up the problem, provided the original solutions are not bad.

It sounds like it might be a bleach, fix or wash problem. If you are not using Kodak or Fuji chemistry, it might be due to a lack of preconditioner, use of a blix, or something like that leading to uneven silver retention. Just a guess.

If it is a developer problem or reversal step problem, you are SOL. Sorry.

PE

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Thanks PE. I was using all Kodak chemistry and the working solutions were all mixed fresh prior to processing. I read on Kodak's site that stains can result from insufficient aeration of the bleach. Does this mean lack of agitation? I'll try repeating the steps after the color developer as you said.

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Well I did as you said PE and the streak doesn't appear as prevalent but it's still there and it now appears as if I have some brown spots throughout the roll that I didn't notice before. I'm starting to think maybe I cross-contaminated the chemicals somehow so I'll probably just ditch everything and start with new. Thanks again for the reply.

Dan

 

[Photo Engineer]

I doubt if cross contamination would cause spots unless the contamitation was in the form of drops falling into the solution. If so, then they are well mixed into the final result and should cause no serious further problem (if the contamination is small).

If the result is 'better', try again. It may be that you over diluted and the reprocessing is 'weakened'.

Be patient. Don't give up. Just rerun the tail end and see if it improves again. If so, then there is a dilution problem.

PE

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Well it's good to know that contamination isn't the likely culprit. I'll try again and pay extra attention to my measuring. I'm assuming you are refering to the over dilution of the bleach bath. Also the stock solution of bleach I used had been in a half empty bottle for a little over a week. Would the solution be weakened from oxidation in such a short time? I figured not but I might as well ask anyway. I have been using a 50 ml graduated cylinder as my measuring device but perhaps it isn't accurate enough for fine measurements.

 

[Photo Engineer]

I really don't know what is going on. Sorry.

I'm trying to draw on my experience but it is difficult to tell as so many things can go wrong. Sorry I cannot be more specific, but chemistry is a fickle b***h.

PE.

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Well I've found out what my problem is and thought I'd share so other E-6 beginners can learn from my impatience. I did a couple rolls of Fuji and had no problems but when doing my next roll of Kodak I saw the same stain after processing. It seems that Kodak E-6 films have some sort of brown coating that ,as it drys, appears as spots and streaks. Once fully dry however, the brown cast disappears all together. Fuji doesn't seem to have this with their films but at least now I know to allow the film to dry completely before getting concerned with spots and streaks.

 

[Photo Engineer]

Well I've found out what my problem is and thought I'd share so other E-6 beginners can learn from my impatience. I did a couple rolls of Fuji and had no problems but when doing my next roll of Kodak I saw the same stain after processing. It seems that Kodak E-6 films have some sort of brown coating that ,as it drys, appears as spots and streaks. Once fully dry however, the brown cast disappears all together. Fuji doesn't seem to have this with their films but at least now I know to allow the film to dry completely before getting concerned with spots and streaks.

Daniel, this effect is due to the haze created by the droplets of dye in the Kodak film. It has been well documented for years as a translucency appearing in all Kodak products when wet.

They even gave instructions for eliminating it before drying for previewing purposes.

I did not realize that your film was still wet.

PE

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Thanks PE. Obviously this well- known trait was lost on me due to inexperience. I should have mentioned that the film was wet, but at the time it never entered my mind that this would be an important element of the equation. Oh well, as with anything else in this craft you learn the most through trial and error I suppose. Other than that minor snafu the slides have come out great though. Thanks again for your help.

Dan