I just tested a new to me B&W film, the Bergger Pancro 400 in 120 roll, twice actually...
The developer was the Bergger Berspeed and I used it as prescribed: prewash, dilute 1+1, 8 min @ 24°C with the advised agitation and finish as usual.
The 5 litre stock dilution was mixed two days before, in demineralised water, while carefully respecting the imposed steps, left it stand in amber bottles so it could 'acclimatise' a bit, anyway it should keep for 4 months.
The first test came out wel developed but showing a very dense and 'ugly' base fog.
As I am far of being perfect and commit mistakes regularly, I tested again, carefully paying attention.
Alas, the same 'ugly' and too dense base fog came out.
I held the lead-in of the film against a 0.3 ND filter, I use these in the enlarger to lengthen the exposure times so to have the time for carefully dodging and burning (*), and the film's base looked even a tad denser.
The film isn't expired, and was bought a week before and kept (by me) at room temperature.
In the 48 years of darkroom practice, I have never seen this dense (and ugly) fog on a film exposed and processed at 'box speed', unless I made a mistake...
I haven't printed nor scanned the negatives as these aren't fully dry yet.
Does anybody has an enlightening thought?
(*) printing at F 8 with a Rodagon is sacred to me.
Bookmarks