Developing problem?

[pufy]

I have been developing film for a while now, but recently i started to notice a problem. I seem to be getting lighter areas on the top part of the pictures, but only on the ligher zones. I don't know if i made myself understood, i hope the pictures will help.
There have been 2 changhes recently:
1. i bought a new camera, a leica m6, and i hope this is not causing it...
2. i reduced my agitation even more (have only been using rodinal).
Do you have any ideas what might be causing this?

 

[Chris101]

Are you putting enough developer solution in the tank? It looks like perhaps there is only barely enough to cover the film, and so the top edge is getting extra agitation.

 

[pufy]

hmmm..... i think so, i didn't n have this problem before. i will double check though.
any other ideas?

 

[coelacanth]

If you are doing semi-stand (a lot less agitation, longer dev time) with Rodinal, you can end up something like this. What's your typical dev time/agitation method after the change you mentioned?

 

[pufy]

i use 1+50 normal dev times, i just reduced the agitation for less contrast. when i first started it was something like 5 inversions in 10 seconds, then pretty quickly moved to 3, and now i tried doing only 1.

 

[charjohncarter]

i use 1+50 normal dev times, i just reduced the agitation for less contrast. when i first started it was something like 5 inversions in 10 seconds, then pretty quickly moved to 3, and now i tried doing only 1.

You don't say how many minutes are between inversion cycles. I have found that With Rodinal 1+50 I have to agitate 3 inversions every 3-4 minutes. I think I use 3, but I don't have my notes with me. I do know that 5 minutes between cycles is too long (and causes similar effects as you show), at least for me.

 

[pufy]

i use the 'standard' method (or so i think) 10 seconds every minute. In this case one agitation takes bout 10 seconds, so it's really really slow.

 

[coelacanth]

Did you give a good continuous agitation for the first one minute?

 

[pufy]

i use the following method: 20 degrees C, standard times, agitation for the first 30 seconds, and then 10 seconds every minute. i have been doing this for 2-3 years, without any problems.
thanks

 

[charjohncarter]

i use the 'standard' method (or so i think) 10 seconds every minute. In this case one agitation takes bout 10 seconds, so it's really really slow.

That seems reasonable, especially if you do an initial agitation. I have found that Rodinal for me is finicky when it comes to agitation cycles. Even though I like the stuff I have really stopped using it as primary developer. I do mix it with another developer though.

 

[Thardy]

I would also test the new camera by shooting a c41 roll and having it developed at a local lab.