Help with uneven development of 5x7 in SP 8x10

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Originally Posted by Kino

Hmmm..

Holddown tabs? Not sure what you mean there; the film floats inside the partitions.

Kind of out of ideas; would start to suspect the film itself ( or the camera light tighness) if you are doing all of the above.

Is it only with this film you see the problems?

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The holddown tabs are what snap into the lid of the SP 8x10. They have an angular edge facing down toward the film.
The film is Kodak Tri-X and T-Max purchased from Keith Canham. My camera is light tight- I don't have issues with C-41 when processed at a pro lab (Prause in Rochester, NY).

I had similar issues and found that more aggressive agitation evened things out.

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Originally Posted by Alan9940

I process only 8x10 film in my SP 8x10 and I remember some update Tim did where he said that they found removing the film hold-down tabs contributed to more even development. You might try this with your 5x7 film having only the center divider present to keep the two sheets separated. Please report back when you find a solution that works for you.

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I have not heard this before, but I will try! Thanks for the suggestion! Will report back.

Right on, I will try being more aggressive and will report back.

Here is TMY with the same problem (please ignore the bellows getting in the way of the image)...
Attachment 259729

I develop 8x10 and 4x5 with no issues using 500ml. Presoak and agitate first, make sure the tray is level when resting, agitate with a circular motion enough to hear the film hitting the sides. Try agitating every 30 secs if dev tim is short.


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I have used the same set up with my SP mostly 5x7 I use only the center dividers, with the lights on I fill the SP with distilled water 500ml then I turn out the
lights and slip both sheets of 5x7 film in and rock until i hear them ticking back and forth, the i gently move both sheets to the edges of the tank and put the
lid on. I use 600ml of developer and agitate continually for the first minute rocking the tray listening for tick tick of the film moving back and forth, then every
1 minute for 10 seconds... I always get beautiful even negatives :)

I use SP810 for 5x7 negatives, only the middle dividers. 600mm of developer seems like a lot to me, I use 350-400ml and only lift the tank slightly for agitation.

I follow what Tim wrote:

https://shop.stearmanpress.com/blogs...essons-learned