dpn
26-Mar-2014, 19:42
Hi all,
I've been lurking for awhile here, and finally got the courage up to buy an inexpensive LF kit. I'd appreciate some advice on how to improve my large format development technique. I process my film using the Taco method in a Paterson tank -- four sheets of 4x5 to the tank, emulsion side in, and the elastic ties don't have any metal bits. I try to be gentle, but I've been surprised at the number of deep scratches I seem to be producing in my negatives. The weird thing is that the scratches aren't uniform; in my last batch, one negative had many bad scratches, one a couple of deep ones, and two were pretty much okay. I haven't found any spurs or rough spots in the tank, and the scratches aren't in any pattern. Here's a quick example:
112793
Any ideas? I'm tempted to order a Mod 54 adapter, but would like to save the cash if there's an easy solution. My suspicion is that there isn't a quick fix, but that I just need to keep practicing!
Thanks all in advance for whatever thoughts you might have.
-- Dan
I've been lurking for awhile here, and finally got the courage up to buy an inexpensive LF kit. I'd appreciate some advice on how to improve my large format development technique. I process my film using the Taco method in a Paterson tank -- four sheets of 4x5 to the tank, emulsion side in, and the elastic ties don't have any metal bits. I try to be gentle, but I've been surprised at the number of deep scratches I seem to be producing in my negatives. The weird thing is that the scratches aren't uniform; in my last batch, one negative had many bad scratches, one a couple of deep ones, and two were pretty much okay. I haven't found any spurs or rough spots in the tank, and the scratches aren't in any pattern. Here's a quick example:
112793
Any ideas? I'm tempted to order a Mod 54 adapter, but would like to save the cash if there's an easy solution. My suspicion is that there isn't a quick fix, but that I just need to keep practicing!
Thanks all in advance for whatever thoughts you might have.
-- Dan