Topic: Help! - what's going on here?

[Nigel]

I've taken these for a project rephotographing painted scenes of Greenwich, on my new, to me, Yashica Mat-124G (and as I'm writing this I'm saying to myself why did you use a camera you've not used before - yes stupid). A number of us are doing it and I need to send them in later this week. I've developed two films, in a small tank on separate days, and they all have this dark patch down the right hand side on the negative. I could really do with some suggestions - is this the camera or in the developing.

Either way I don't have time to take them again sh*t, sh*t, sh*t, sh*t.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Nigel


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[LT]

You've got development problems. I noticed them in another of your pictures before, but I didnt say anything as I thought you might have been aware of it and liked the effect?  I'm guessing your isolette used here takes the film from right to left or vice versa and your new yashica takes it vertically .... anyhow you can see it here on your pic from a few weeks ago



You need to use more developer in your tank as it's not covering the film sufficiently.  If you are using the tank manufacturers recommended quantity, then perhaps you are missing a clip or something similar to hold the reel further down the spindle? My jessops tank has a plastic o-ring that has that function and I get uneven development if I dont use it with 120 films.

Also, as you can see clear frothing on the frame, I reckon your agitation is possibly far too vigorous- try a gentle roll rather than a literal shake.

As for the films, there is nothing you can do other than crop it out I'm afraid

[Nigel]

Hi Leon

Thanks very much I really appreciate the advice. You're right about the film travel on the two cameras - a very analytical mind you have there!

I did notice that effect on the previous shot but because it wasn't so pronounced I didn't realise there was a problem. As you say maybe there's a part missing from my old Paterson tank - i need to check that out.

Although there is nothing I can do on for these films at least it's not a fault with the camera that's one piece of good news.

A waste of my weekends efforts but I suppose that's life.

thanks again
Nigel

[LT]

I dont think paterson tanks have clips like the jessops one does (my two dont anyway).  If I'm dev'ing 120 in my paterson, I use 600ml developer per reel- I think the paterson advice is 560ml, but I like to be sure. 

[cpierce]

I agree with Leon, there is nothing in the Paterson tanks that would cause this sort of issue, I make sure I have more then the specified amount of developer (overfill per Leon) Also Slow mixing is best.  Over fill the cans and slow your agitation, should solve the problems in the future.  In a 1000ml Paterson I use 1200ml.

[Nigel]

Leon & Chris

Thanks, I just checked my tank and it says 500ml for a 120 film and I've been using 500ml, I'll increase that next time. Mine is an old tank I think I'm going to get a new one just in case there's a part missing, it's just not worth the hassle and wasted couple of days.

I thought my agitation was OK - but it looks like I need to practice my technique! 

Thanks again for the advice. Tomorrow's another day (says he trying to be philosophical about it and failing!)

Nigel

[Francois]

I know most people use the inversion technique... I never did. I find it too vigorous for nothing and prefer using the Tai-Chi "orbital" method.

You might also want to use more chemistry. Often, the volumes are punched on the bottom of the tank. If not, just use an empty reel and measure it yourself.

[Heather]

Make sure you're shoving that film reel down on the "stem" middle bit as far as it can go. The really old paterson tanks did have some sort of clip/band to go on the "stem" to keep the reels from moving up and out of the developer but most modern reels have a sort of bump of plastic on the inside of the centre that shoves against the "stem" to keep it in place.
I've wondered if the old paterson systems missing clip could be solved just by wrapping a rubber band around the stem after you've smushed on your reel to keep it in place.... Don't own one though so have never tried it.

[Francois]

I don't think it's that necessary when you use the orbital agitation method since the tank is never upside-down...

With rubber bands, I'd be afraid of cross contamination of the chemicals... though it probably wouldn't do much.

Maybe using a short piece of PVC pipe of smaller diameter with one side split would make a better clip.