honeycomb effect on negs - what has caused this?!

<p>Hello I was wondering if anyone may be able to help...<br /> I recently bought a Leica M6 and have been really enjoying using it, and getting some great results. however I just got back 2 rolls of film from the lab (with scans) and notice a strange 'honeycomb' type pattern across many of the scans and the overall quality is not as it usually is/should be (more grainy, less sharp). I was wondering what you think may be the cause of this? I tried re-scanning them and it showed up again so the problem is obviously on the negatives. I have attached a close up shot here to show you the problem (particularly obvious on the skin).<br /> As it is a fairly new camera I am obviously somewhat concerned, though I have had a few rolls of film developed before (both colour and black and white) that have been fine. Do you think it is an issue with the camera, the developing, or the film itself?<br /> Thanks in advance!<br>

<p>Actually upon closer inspection I do see the honeycomb pattern you are referring to. Its hard for me to tell, but it almost looks a little like film reticulation. This happens when there is a dramatic temperature difference somewhere in either the developer, fixer or washing steps. The emulsion contracts or expands causing weird patterns to develop. The patterns can vary depending on the film type used. Film from decades ago would have it happen more easily, but most modern products are more resistant to it. Even still, modern films that utilize older manufacturing technology (EFKE/Adox and maybe some others) can reticulate easier if temperature control is lax. I have always heard about this but never experienced it so maybe others who have had it happen to them can chime in.</p>

<p>The honeycomb effect is due to reticulation. This is defined as appearance like shattered glass. This defect is caused by an abnormal temperature difference between any two of the various solutions of the process. As an example, suppose the temperature of the developer was 20⁰C (68⁰F) and the next fluid, the stop bath, was 25⁰C (77⁰F). Such a sudden temperature change likely will induce reticulation. Reticulation is normally more pronounced than the example you posted. Your film shows a budding or insipid reticulation.<br>

<br /> This phenomenon is caused by the fact that photo film is comprised of many layers on a film base. Each layer has a different coefficient of expansion and contraction. A temperature change, even between the fixer and hypo rinse or rinse - to wash, can induce reticulation.</p>

<p>Additionally, the hardness of the emulsion is a factor. Some fixer formulas call for the addition of a hardening agent to toughen the film so it will be less susceptible to scratches and abrasions. Most modern films are pre-hardened. If the film is over treated, it will be more likely to reticulate with a temperature change</p>

<p>Thank you for your comments, that's very useful.<br>

A roll (different film stock) I got developed in the same place a few weeks before came back very very grainy with a slight honeycomb effect possibly, though not as pronounced. I put this down the film being expired but is it possible this is also due to film reticulation? <br>

<p>So this is not self developed then? What film is this? I have heard that Neopan 400 was very susceptible to reticulation.</p>

<p>No both rolls were developed in a lab. And yes the one with the obvious 'honeycomb' is indeed Neopan! The other is Ilford HP5...<br>

Thanks</p>

 

<p>Clay and Kate.... that's handy to know. I've only experienced reticulation once before when developing my own film and that was indeed with Neopan 400. I've still got about 10 rolls of it in the fridge so now I know to be especially careful with the temps.</p>

 

<p>It's definitely reticulation (temperature shock).</p>

<p>Alan, is it more pronounced if the film goes from cool to hot or the opposite? I ask because I'd like to make it happen sometime, if possible. <br>

Kate, I'd find a different lab or do it yourself - it's really not difficult to do B&W. </p>

<p>Ugh! Of all the things I never wanted to happen to my customer's film or mine.</p>

<p>To make it happen in spades!<br /> Place the film in a water bath 130 - 150 degrees Fahrenheit (54 - 65 degrees Celsius). Soak for 5 minutes. Pour off the hot pre-soak, pour in normal temperature developer and proceed as usual. Shazam! Now you have yucky reticulation.</p>

<p>No nastigrams! I know art has no rules; you are free to follow your heart.</p>

<p>Thank you all again for your comments. It's a real shame it happened in this instance but fingers crossed, now I know what the problem is, it won't happen again!</p>

<p>Your second example actually looks like normal film graininess to me.<br>

We had a student assignment at Art Center to produce reticulation by intent, and modern films (this was in the 70's) were so resilient, that it was necessary to go from ice-water cold to almost boiling heat to produce the result. I find it hard to imagine that a commercial lab would be able to reproduce this result accidentally.</p>

<p>Could it maybe be it was scanned with ICE turned on? B&W and ICE are a bad combination, it does wacky things on B&W. Just a thought....</p>

<p>I'd suggest looking at the actual negatives, preferably with a loupe, to see if the defect is there, or is just an artifact of scanning.</p>

<p>Thanks all. I rescanned some of the images using a drum scanner (no auto corrections/ICE etc) and unfortunately, when viewed at 100%, the defect is still loud and clear so it is definitely a problem in the negs rather than the scan.<br>

The second example wasn't shown at 100% so it looks less pronounced.<br>

The lab have acknowledged it could possibly be a problem there but said it was strange as they process in batches of the same ISO film. Will take the negs in for them to see...<br>

Unless the film stock (though bought new online, i don't know how it had previously been stored...) was damaged/badly stored?! </p>

 

<p>Not sure why, but I think it's a rather cool effect and I may try this intentionally. Not so cool if you don't plan it, however. Good info.</p>

<p>Ahhhh ok, I just had this same exact effect in a pair of rolls of Neopan 400 I developed last night, and was wondering the same thing. Funny I just stumbled upon this thread tonight. I do remember when I started the rinse I kind of lost control of my water temp, I felt like it hit 80-85 degrees or so for just a few seconds until I corrected it, but I guess that's all it takes with Neopan.<br>

<br />Luckily it's not too obvious except when viewing the scan at 100%. And weirdly enough, doing a multisample scan (I used 4x) smoothed out the pattern.</p>