Uneven edge development with Jobo 2509n reel?

Hello,

I’ve been having a recurring issue when shooting large format. It doesn’t always show up, but when it does, it’s pretty frustrating.

I sometimes get overexposed/overdeveloped edges on my negatives, which seem to match the spiral track of the Jobo 2509n reel I use in my Jobo CPE 2.

I’ve started composing with extra space around the image so I can crop if it happens - but that’s getting annoying, and it also doesn't allow for nice contact prints.

Has anyone experienced something similar, or found a solution? Is it a common Jobo 2509n problem?

All my holders have been flash tested, and I doubt it’s a light leak from the camera.

I’ve attached a couple images where the light striping is visible in the top and bottom left areas - quite narrow, but still enough to interfere.

If it helps, here are some additional details:
Ilford HP5+ 4×5 shot at box speed, developed for 14 minutes in D-76 1+1 at 20°C. I clean the reels thoroughly between runs and use the agitation flaps to help distribute the chemistry.

Thanks in advance!

Yes, this is a problem. You can adjust rotation speed and apply a pre-soak; either or both can make a difference. But I've personally never been able to get rid of the problem. I do sheet film in trays, which gives perfect results, always.

I always Pre-soak with a Jobo on all drums.

Some may not, but I do.

Yes, it's a common problem with the 2509 reels, either with or without the plastic spacers.

Personally, i always pre-soak for 3 mins as it not only washes out most of the anti halation but also warms the tank.

You can get rid of those marks if you interrupt the flow of the developer while on the rotary processor by tilting the tank regularly.

Mike

Very recognisable and annoying at the same time. I tried presoaking, different developers, different rotation speeds, but nothing seems to solve the irregularities. I finally decided to stop with rotation development. I now use the classic reversement developement with XTOL in replenishment to limit the amount of developer i have to use with these big tanks. That solved the issue.

Presoaking doesn't help. Dilute developer more than 1+1 and extend development time. I used 1+3 dilution and never had such problems

I've used 2509n for 20 years now, and I've never seen this problem. I wonder what I do differently? I use 5 min presoak and 70 rpm.

I presoak, dilute developer 1+1, load only 4 per reel using the outer slots, and use a Uniroller which reverses. Plus lift it off and gently shake the tank from side to side a few times during development.
Never a problem with my negatives.

Developing only 4 sheets at a time is for my convenience.

Huub said:

Very recognisable and annoying at the same time. I tried presoaking, different developers, different rotation speeds, but nothing seems to solve the irregularities. I finally decided to stop with rotation development. I now use the classic reversement developement with XTOL in replenishment to limit the amount of developer i have to use with these big tanks. That solved the issue.

Click to expand...

That might end up being my solution. I just hate useing so much developer, when rotation is more economical. But good negatives are still the priority.

Thanks everyone. There are a lot of good suggestions I’ll have to try next time. I’ll start with a pre-soak and hand agitation every few minutes.