Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Uneven pyro stain.

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    6

    Uneven pyro stain.

    Hello everyone. I need some help.

    I have recently started using Pyro PMK with FP4+ and the results have been wonderful; sharpness/edge effects/tonal separation etc etc. Just as everyone over the years has said, it really does combine abilities in a unique way. I intend to stick with it -and here's the but you've all been waiting for- but I am getting an uneven stain. In detail filled negs there is no problem, only in the sky, and only then when you burn-in, does it show. A clear blue sky fills with a mottling effect, reminiscent of the undersides of high grey clouds, eg there seems to be a subtle change in tone when there isn't one. Sometimes it forms diffuse snaking lines, but usually it's blotches. Sorry I don't have a scanner to show.

    Here's how I process: Pre-soak/dev/wash x2 for a stop/fix in hypo/wash for 30 mins. I filter all water, use the PMK at 1:2:100 @ 21 celcius in a Combi-Plan tank and agitate every 15 seconds. I have tried randomising the agitation direction and have been slightly more aggressive with it to no avail. I find the post-soak in used dev. just adds aerial oxidation so have given it up, the negs still print perfectly on grade 2 Galerie.

    I would like to stick with the pyro so do you have any suggestions for altering my protocol? Have you had to find a remedy too?

    All help most gratefully received. Take care, have fun, Neilski.

  2. #2
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    SF Bay area, CA
    Posts
    18,337

    Re: Uneven pyro stain.

    FP-4 develops quite evenly in PMK, although it also scratches easily when wet. Your problem is probably the Combi-plan, which is infamous for uneven results. I always use trays, but other people have successfully used drums with a revised pyro formula.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    16

    Re: Uneven pyro stain.

    Good answer Drew Wiley it will helps me also ...thanks for sharing ur Knowledge to every one.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    10

    Re: Uneven pyro stain.

    I used a Combi Plan to process some negs which took some hard physical labor to get, then I got bad negs because I used the Combi Plan. I learned if you used it in the dark as a dip and dunk tank you won't have any problems.

  5. #5
    C. D. Keth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    2,089

    Re: Uneven pyro stain.

    Is it possible that the edge-effect part is taking slight variation in the sky and enhancing it, which is being enhanced by your burning-in?
    -Chris

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    28

    Re: Uneven pyro stain.

    I use a combi plan with pmk pyro, but not fp4, and have not had the trouble you describe.

Similar Threads

  1. is it possible to remove pyro stain?
    By false_Aesthetic in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 30-Oct-2007, 15:55
  2. Pyro stain v catechol stain re: VC paper
    By Jay DeFehr in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 7-Jan-2007, 07:42
  3. Photo Techniques and Pyro Again
    By sanking in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 21-Aug-2004, 22:22
  4. Pyro and Stain Fading by variation in processing steps
    By Kirk Keyes in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 15-Apr-2004, 20:07
  5. Discussion: Pyro stain, silver rich film & thick emulsion
    By Pete Caluori in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 22-Nov-2003, 04:39

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •