Help with uneven development of 5x7 in SP 8x10

[citychicago]

Hello community, I need guidance. I continually get uneven development processing my 5x7 film in the SP 8x10 and I want so badly for this to work!

This is Kodak Tri-X 320, processed with HC-110 Dilution B. I am using about 400ml of chemistry, carefully lifting the SP 8x10 about an inch on each side randomly, continuously throughout development. I have read up on the different suggestions and watched the videos and still get faint uneven processing. Any further advice for me? THANK YOU!

[Kino]

You should be using a total of 500ml chemistry as per their instructions.

Are you using the water pre-soak with good, periodic agitation for at least 2 minutes before starting the development cycle? If you don't, the film may "float" on the surface of the developer and get uneven development until it sinks below the surface.

Also, don't be afraid to lift the entire tray up and tilt it in all directions. If it sloshes-out developer, just adjust your tilt. Those bands look like insufficient agitation in only ONE direction. Slosh the developer toward each corner and each side of the tray. No need to be afraid! I am not saying get violent, but DO sufficient agitation for the period it is required for your developer, or you will have artifacts.

I actually like to hear the "tick, tick, ticking" of film sheets tapping the dividers as I agitate. I have never had a scratching or abrasion issue either...

Not trying to lecture; pardon if it comes off that way...

I have developed 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10 in that tray and have always had good results (if I didn't screw something up on the exposure).

I find a couple of stout rubber bands to put around the lid eases my fears of it popping-off during a processing session. Try it.

[Dugan]

I second what Kino posted.
I use 600ml of developer.
Presoaking is a necessary step.
I use blue painter's tape to tape the lid down.

[citychicago]

Thanks for your quick reply. I'm not reading this at all like a lecture, so please don't read the below like excuses.
Quick answers:
I have tried both pre-soaking and not, and do not get a different result.
The film floating idea is an idea, however there are holddown tabs for the film and I'm agitating immediately and continuously. I do hear the ticking of the sheets tapping the edges and/or tabs of the tray.
The 400ml of chemistry comes from the creator, Tim, who in another post on this forum says that, due to wave dynamics, less is more, and he uses 350ml. I've used 500ml in the past and get the same results, unfortunately.
Using rubber bands is what I do, too, which helps soley to ease my mind. Thanks for recommending this so I can second this idea!

Any more ideas on what I am/not doing?

[MartyNL]

How long is your pre-soak?

What are you using for stop, and for how long?

Are you using the same volume quantities, agitation and temperatures for all chemicals, dev. stop and fix.

What is your washing regime?

[Kino]

Hmmm..

Holddown tabs? Not sure what you mean there; the film floats inside the partitions.

Kind of out of ideas; would start to suspect the film itself ( or the camera light tighness) if you are doing all of the above.

Is it only with this film you see the problems?

[MartyNL]

As a general note, if the anomalies tend to occur in the same place, then the issue is more "mechanical" the design and configuration of the equipment.

And if the anomalies are totally random and unpredictable, then it's often considered more of a "chemical" related issue.

[Kino]

As a general note, if the anomalies tend to occur in the same place, then the issue is more "mechanical" the design and configuration of the equipment.

And if the anomalies are totally random and unpredictable, then it's often considered more of a "chemical" related issue.

Yes, this!

[Alan9940]

I process only 8x10 film in my SP 8x10 and I remember some update Tim did where he said that they found removing the film hold-down tabs contributed to more even development. You might try this with your 5x7 film having only the center divider present to keep the two sheets separated. Please report back when you find a solution that works for you.

[citychicago]

How long is your pre-soak? 1-2 minutes. I've tried with and without a pre-soak and get similar results.

What are you using for stop, and for how long? I'm using indicator stop bath, 30 seconds continuous agitation.

Are you using the same volume quantities, agitation and temperatures for all chemicals, dev. stop and fix. Yes, although the temperature of stop and fixer may vary ~±5ºF from the HC-110.

What is your washing regime? 1-2 minute water rinse, 2-3 minutes of hypoclear, then 5-10 minute final water rinse.