So I'm new(ish) to large format, and I'm having some trouble diagnosing my problem. This is my second time shooting with my 8x10 camera, and my first time tray processing. My first batch of negatives (sent to a lab) turned out horribly fogged, and I thought I had fixed the issue but I still appear to be having a bit of a problem. I've attached a scan of the negative (and quick photoshop positive, I don't have a proper negative scanner so it's not great), and a couple of shots against light. I'm wondering if it's just my film carriers? I thought my problem last time was a safety light on a light switch I overlooked in the room I loaded my film in. I fixed that, and this batch is MUCH better but still not great. I just can't tell if it's a problem with loading or processing (I was also using HC-110 for the first time, dilution B). My camera is a used Orbit monorail (I haven't seen another one like it anywhere, it's pretty clunky but the price was right. I checked the bellows for leaks and they're light tight. The ground glass is cracked on the side but holding in there, but I don't think this would cause a light leak.)
The processing itself was obviously not as perfect as it could have been (not the fingerprints) and since this was just a test I didn't use photo flo after the wash. Most of the marks on the scan that look like scratches are actually just a result of my dirty scanner, so sorry about that. The sheet that served as the background had some embroidery on it, which I realize could be mistaken for a problem with the negative as well. Better subject matter next time: check.
I know this may be too vague to accurately diagnose, but any help would be greatly appreciated! Overlooking the incredibly dull subject matter of the image, any ideas? Also, if anyone knows of any 8x10 workshops in the NJ area I'd love to check them out, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to figure this all out on my own.
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