Strange marks on film.

Ming Rider · Jul 25, 2014

Hi all,

I hope you'll be able to help please?

I bought a new lens for my Leica M2 and shot a test roll to check focus.

After processing and scanning the FP4 in Adox Adanol, I found these strange regular lines in nearly all of the frames, such as can be seen in the dark areas of the attached picture.

I haven't noticed these ever before and my processing technique was the same (1:25, 9 min's, agitate every minute for 10 seconds) except for the developer temp being 23.5c (hot day) and that the fixer solution I used was about 2 years old and basically exhausted (I had no new concentrate available and they were only test shots).

Any ideas gratefully received.

Cheers, Kev

AgX · Jul 25, 2014

I see perpendicular arrays of lines (fine, accentuated and wide, hazy lines).

snapguy · Jul 25, 2014

eyeballs

I have strained my eyeballs and cannot see any "strange regular lines" in the photo. I see some squiggles that look like tree branches. The M2 is a fabulous camera and you're lucky to have one. Good luck.

Kirks518 · Jul 25, 2014

Not that I have a clue why they are there, I do see what the OP is referring to. I did zoom my browser quite a bit to see it though.

Ming Rider · Jul 25, 2014

snapguy said:
I have strained my eyeballs and cannot see any "strange regular lines" in the photo. I see some squiggles that look like tree branches. The M2 is a fabulous camera and you're lucky to have one. Good luck.

Hi Snapguy,

If you look at the darkness in the upturned rowing boat (yep it is) over the bench, there are thick horizontal lines with what I could best describe as a tartan pattern.

Thanks, the M2 is a great instrument and something I treasure.

Cheers,

Ming Rider · Jul 25, 2014

AgX said:
I see perpendicular arrays of lines (fine, accentuated and wide, hazy lines).

That's the ones. I hope it is the temp or the fixer cos it's got me stumped.

Hatchetman · Jul 25, 2014

Dirt on the scanner glass?

Ming Rider · Jul 25, 2014

Hatchetman said:
Dirt on the scanner glass?

Humm, now there's an idea. I did give it a quick wipe with an old t-towel beforehand and it might not have been the freshest.

Think I'll give it a going over with some lens cleaner and try it again.

Hope you're right and thanks,

scapevision · Jul 25, 2014

Looks like a scanning issue to me, check the negative with the loupe maybe?

Ming Rider · Jul 25, 2014

scapevision said:
Looks like a scanning issue to me, check the negative with the loupe maybe?

The one thing I didn't think to check was the neg'.

It's been a long day.

AgX · Jul 25, 2014

The vertical ones I saw seem to be the seams of the bench... Though with one line seemingly caused by a defective scanner.

rubyfalls · Jul 26, 2014

My experience is that when the flaws are symmetrical/straight/square it is a scanner problem. Good luck!

Ming Rider · Jul 28, 2014

Thanks for all the tips but I've taken a quick look at the neg' through the loupe and the marks are actually on the neg'.

If it helps, it is on the last 3 frames on the roll.

It's FP4 that expires the end of this month (July) but can't imagine that would have an effect as it should be good for a while after that?

Cheers,

Xmas · Jul 28, 2014

Hi Ming

On front or back of film?
Simon would normally want you to post negs to him If you don't identify an own fault.
FP4+ should be ok for a decade after expiry date before slight fog increase, there should be no marks. My HP5+ is older than that...

Noel

blue4130 · Jul 28, 2014

Your fixer is 2 years old?!?!?!?!?! That could be a problem.

Strange marks on film.

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