Tray developing problem - 8x10

[TimeShare]

I have been having ongoing issues with tray developing my 8x10 negatives.

First, using a tray with a grooved bottom which seemed to cause lines to form on the negative where the grooves in the tray are located.

I then switched to a flat bottom tray but my most recent negative seems to have a "hot spot" in the middle of the negative.

Can an experienced eye out there lend a hand or offer some suggestions ?

Thanks !

Negative with lines (grooved tray) ...


Negative with hotspot in middle (Flat bottom tray) ...

[MIke Sherck]

What is your film, developer, and technique (agitation, temperature, etc.?) What trays are you using?

I've never seen a central hotspot as a result of development before. Not saying it can't happen, just that I've never managed to make that particular mistake before.

Mike

[TimeShare]

What is your film, developer, and technique (agitation, temperature, etc.?) What trays are you using?

I've never seen a central hotspot as a result of development before. Not saying it can't happen, just that I've never managed to make that particular mistake before.

Mike

Well I have made a few mistakes Mike ... LOL ... and thank you for your interest.

I have been using Arista EDU Ultra 100 film (Foma) which I develop in HC-110 B or H and sometimes D-76 1:1.

For HC-110, I agitate for 1st 30 seconds and then 5 light rocks of the tray on every 30 second interval.

For D-76, I agitate for 1st minute with 10 light rocks of the tray on every minute.

I develop one negative at a time with emulsion face up in tray and try to ensure the negative is well immersed in the developer.

Temp is always at 20'C.

When I was using the tray with grooves, my assumption was that the grooves where causing some type of turbulence and there was a lack of development where the grooves are located or the grooves were causing some type of a buildup.

[Jon Shiu]

You may want to try brush development. Gives more even development.


Jon

[Regular Rod]

Are developing emulsion side down or up?

RR

[TimeShare]

Are developing emulsion side down or up?

RR

I develop emulsion side up, what is strange is that when I develop my 4x5 negatives in the same grooved tray, I didn't get any lines or uneven development happening.

[TimeShare]

You may want to try brush development. Gives more even development.


Jon

Brush developing ??? I am not familiar with that technique Jon.

[Jon Shiu]

It's a way of agitating the developer in tray development. Essentially the negative is face up on the bottom of the smooth tray and you use a wide foam brush to gently brush the surface, one swath at a time. Then you turn the tray, or film 90 degrees and brush again, etc. Wear gloves as you will be getting your hands in the developer. Forgot to say, use your normal depth of developer.

Jon

[Light Guru]

what is strange is that when I develop my 4x5 negatives in the same grooved tray, I didn't get any lines or uneven development happening.

This statement makes me wonder what size tray you are using. Are you using a 8x10 tray to develop 8x10 negatives? I have always heard it recommended to use a tray one size larger then the negative you are developing.

[TimeShare]

It's a way of agitating the developer in tray development. Essentially the negative is face up on the bottom of the smooth tray and you use a wide foam brush to gently brush the surface, one swath at a time. Then you turn the tray, or film 90 degrees and brush again, etc. Wear gloves as you will be getting your hands in the developer.

Jon

Interesting, I may have to try that !