Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Streaks in negatives

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    127

    Streaks in negatives

    Hi

    I use a combi-plan tank, and now I am finally getting exposures right and development times nailed down, time to get more critical. I am noticing on some images there is a hint of uneven development or streaking. It takes an age to fill up the tank with developer, so I am wondering if this is the problem? I don't pre-soak - would this help?

    Have a look at the attached image, and any advice much appreciated. Is there anything else that would process negs more consistently, or is it just my rubbish technique with the Combiplan?

    I am shooting T-max 100, developing in D-76 undiluted for 8.5 mins @68 degrees. I think the streaking/uneveness seems worse if I develop several sheets at the same time. What do other people do (just a couple of sheets or more?).

    Thanks in anticipation

    Steve


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Chateauneur sur Loire, France
    Posts
    34

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    Hi,

    I develop up to 6 sheets, almost never less than 4 (not sure I even did less than 4 once).

    I shoot Tri-x, developed in HC110 for 10 minutes, without such streaks.

    Filling the tank takes me about 1 minute, I start counting time when it is full, and start emptying it about 30" before time is up.

    Hope it helps

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    1,456

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    I no longer use my Combi Plan (I've been a tray developer for a very long time) but when I used the tank, I would pre-fill it with developer. I would use an old Kodak tank for a pre-soak, then transfer the Combi Plan holder to the already-filled tank, put the cover on, agitate once, then turn the lights on for the remainder of processing. My understanding was that the main source of streaking was pouring in the developer over the negative carrier. Of course, this approach means you are doing a little more in the dark. (This is still the way I develop 120 film in PMK, only using Patterson roll-film tanks instead of the Combi Plan.)

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    macon GA
    Posts
    146

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    I also switched from the Combi-Plan tank due to uneven development, and now use BTZS tubes. I think pre-soaking or filling with developer then dropping the film in will help. I still use the combi tank for final fixing and washing, and even drying of six sheets.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    127

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    Thanks for the responses. I think it's time to sort out blacking out my kitchen and trying some darkroom developing as suggested.

    Regards

    Steve

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    239

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    I use a pre-soak with the Combi-Plan to avoid uneven development.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    127

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    How long do you pre-soak for (stupid question, assume with water!)?

    I think I will try this before giving up on the tank.

    Regards

    Steve

  8. #8
    おせわに なります! Andrew O'Neill's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Coquitlam, BC, Canada, eh!
    Posts
    5,136

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    Pre-soaking will most likely help. Try it. I pre soak for 2 minutes.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Van Buren, Arkansas
    Posts
    1,941

    Re: Streaks in negatives

    Some films are very prone to streaking in the developer, and some films are almost bulletproof to streaking. Example. Forte 200 just doesn't seem to get streaks no matter the agitation (or lack of), while Fomapan 200 is the streakiest film I have ever used unless agitated vigorously and often. I am speaking about 4x5 & 5x7 negatives, here. I always presoak for 4 minutes in water before going to developer.

Similar Threads

  1. A cloud-like pattern on my negatives
    By Thomas Greutmann in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 18-Oct-2007, 09:43
  2. TMAX RS vs Pyrocat HD Negatives and POP
    By Michael Heald in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 26-Nov-2005, 09:01
  3. Marking 4x5 negatives
    By Calamity Jane in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 30-Mar-2005, 08:32
  4. 60 Year Old Negatives - Impressive!
    By Michael J. Kravit in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 3-Oct-2003, 17:33
  5. Digital enlargement of 4x5 negatives
    By James Phillips in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 20-Sep-2003, 17:49

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •