120mm uneven development

Merelyok

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Oct 2, 2008
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Hi all,

I've moved from 35mm B&W self-processing to 120mm self-processing. I haven't had much problems with 35mm but i seem to be getting uneven development issues with my 120mm developing.

I use a Paterson tank which states 500ml of developer for one 120mm reel.I use exactly that amount. i use HC-110b (usually with T-max 100, one off. I tried FP4+ once and got the same problems again). I'm getting nice tones (or rather i think i do, but the uneven edge is really bugging me.) There seems to be some purplish left-over on the film edge, which i believe could be anti-halation resiude.

My agitation technique is to inverse the first 30 seconds for the 1st min and 10 seconds for every min thereafter. I use ilfotec rapidfixer thereafter for 6 mins, washing for 10 mins under cool water.

Some sample pics:

3912707388_25ee051d5a.jpg

(note uneven contrast on left)

3892657957_ecd62b46ff.jpg

(on right)

3892653647_b77f5dd594.jpg

(ditto)

I'm starting to think i need abit more than the 500ml of developer recommended by Patterson. Also, i reckon its not a camera problem since i've used a Mamiya, a Minolta and a Bronica and get the same results.
 
I have had the same problem when I use less developer than required. I usually add a bit more than 500ml. 600 should work fine depending on the tank that you are using.
 
I have had the same problem when I use less developer than required. I usually add a bit more than 500ml. 600 should work fine depending on the tank that you are using.

Thanks for the tip, will try it with the next roll i shoot.
 
I must say I'm stumped because the last photo you show (girl w/hands in hair) shows a wide dark band but also a sliver on the other side of it that looks the same density as the rest of the frame. So if it's insufficient developer levels, how could this happen ?

Puzzling...
 
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