Use of X-ray film: technical discussion with example images

Hi Bazz, thanks for that. I think in the interim I'll go with the glass plate, as scratching is intolerable. I've always developed all my sheet film in trays, but spurred on by this experience I'm looking into making a tank and hanger system for the 5x12 x-ray film I'm using, using acrylic sheeting - something like the Combi Plan system. If it works out I might build something for other formats. I'm not thinking of making it daylight capable, as I'm quite happy developing in darkness of under safelight. Keep you posted. Cheers.

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Originally Posted by Bazz8

Barry The sheet of glass placed in a 8x10 tray eliminated three dense lines in a traditional tray, no scratches and I rock the tray side to side then switch to rocking end to end.
The film does not stick to the glass,as a aid to pick up the film I cut all corners at 45deg which enable quite easy removing the neg from the developer.
I use Fuji HRT 1:100 rodinal as a developer.
I have been testing some Kodak R-Min x-Ray and this develops quite nicely in Rodinal 1:100 and LC 29 13mm +1000 which is giving a slightly denser neg Dev times 6-8 Minutes
Bazz with a Croweaters greeting

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Hi axs, yes they look a little too distinct to be developing probs? I know on one of my films I had fine circular lines, like a Fresnel screen? But was usinga 10x12 wit no fesnel in sight? Could just be one of those things. I got sick of tray developing because of all the mottling. After months of drooling over sergei's results I got a drum developer, still get a few scratches but the difference is chalk and cheese in the outcome. Not saying its the answer for all, but it worked for me. Do you use photo paper or scan?

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Originally Posted by andrewch59

Hi axs, yes they look a little too distinct to be developing probs? I know on one of my films I had fine circular lines, like a Fresnel screen? But was usinga 10x12 wit no fesnel in sight? Could just be one of those things. I got sick of tray developing because of all the mottling. After months of drooling over sergei's results I got a drum developer, still get a few scratches but the difference is chalk and cheese in the outcome. Not saying its the answer for all, but it worked for me. Do you use photo paper or scan?

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I do both. Darkroom print and scan.


Yeah...I'm getting tempted to get a Jobo drum. I just feel nervous manually rolling it lol...and Jobo Processors are a bit out of my price range for now (but eventually I would like to pick one up)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/628/31...ef366c01_b.jpgAttachment 160662
Korona Camera (1932), Wollensak Optical Co, 8x10 f/8 High Grade Symmetrical Brass Lens Pat 1900-1901, AGFA X-ray, Blue film, R09, 10min, contact print on Ilford MGIV RC DE Luxe pearl paper,

Through buying old darkroom lots I have managed to pickup two old electric rollers, then bought the mod54 and modified it a bit. Try Sergei's site, http://sergeirodionov.com/x-ray-film-photography/ I follow his technique to the letter and have had great results. Though I developed a couple of sheets last night, it was 35 degrees (95f) at 9 pm, so the developer would have been a little more active then normal. There were some very distinct flow marks visible.

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Originally Posted by DeKlari

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/628/31...ef366c01_b.jpgAttachment 160662
Korona Camera (1932), Wollensak Optical Co, 8x10 f/8 High Grade Symmetrical Brass Lens Pat 1900-1901, AGFA X-ray, Blue film, R09, 10min, contact print on Ilford MGIV RC DE Luxe pearl paper,

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Subject matter is pretty awesome!

Subject matter is pretty awesome![/QUOTE]

thanks I have one more:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/577/31...da8fac8f_b.jpg

OK gurus, what about DeKlari's processing caused the density variations in the sky? I'm assuming that it has something to do with agitation. Too much? Too little?

Too little agitation is the most likely cause. I find that with tray development, xray film requires constant (gentle) agitation and frequently turning the film over so that both sides receive equal and even development. I rock the tray gently sideways 4 or 5 times, then flip the sheet over and keep doing that until it's done.

Also, by the look of those images and particularly the second one, I wouldn't be surprised if he used a ribbed tray. Any unevenness on the bottom of the tray will result in uneven development and/or scratches.

Yes, tray cause this. I try to constant agitation but still get this density. I guess my tray too small, not much room for film moving during developing.