How hard can it be to use an SP445?

[Steven Ruttenberg]

HC110 is considered to be linear so in theory yes. in practice I preferred double minus 1 minute with Delta 100 and HP5 because they seem to extend the contrast more.
There is also 1:47 dilution so 1.5x your normal time. 1:44 would be close enough if you want 450ml of solution.

Thanks!

[Bob Salomon]

What are you doing to dislodge air bells?

[Steven Ruttenberg]

I tap the tank on the counter after I install the caps. Give it a good bump. I then tap it to counter just prior to each agitation cycle to be sure no bubbles got are present (although, this may not help)

[Steven Ruttenberg]

Got email from Timothy from Stearman. He thinks the swirls may be from doing complete inversions 360 degrees with short edge facing me. This could give developer, etc the chance to drain in and out of the baffles which could cause the issue. He says to only do the agitation and inversions with long edge facing you.

[IanBarber]

If the 450ml fill tab is getting in your way - file it off.
Leave some air for proper agitation, don't fill to top measure 450 or 475ml

How much developer are you mixing for the SP445

[Steven Ruttenberg]

I use between 450 and 475

[Steven Ruttenberg]

So, I filled the tank with water and observed water. Even though I had cleaned tank previously by rinsing thoroughly, I noticed an oily film on the surface. I washed al parts with soap and water, rinsed thoroughly and it was still there. I then thoroughly rinsed with 91% rubbing alcohol and the oily looking fim was reduced quire a bit. Could be issue, maybe not.

I then observed water as I tileted forward and back with shirt edge towards me and the water level and location matched the shapes of swirls I am seeing on negatives

Next development, I will use a very dilute developer like 1:9 of Tmax dev or lkke 1:62 HC-110. Same for 2-bath part B. I will also try minimal agitation as well.

[Peter Collins]

I use an SP-445 with HC110 developing HP5+. I use a 3-min water soak before developing. Usually using times of 7 - 20 min at various dilutions because I cannot control temp easily. I invert/agitate every 30 sec. On the "long axis" of the tank. I have had no problems such as those described by the OP.

[Steven Ruttenberg]

Thanks Peter. It sounds more and more like rotating on short axis is problem..

[Ulophot]

I'm a bit confused about short and long edges and axes, but to clarify my previous post, holding the tank in front of me so that the two caps are at left adn right, not in a line like a lens axis from behind the camera, I perform the somersault inversions.

The residues you note, Steve, sound troubling. Any idea what they came from?