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Streaky C41 negatives


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I have had on-going problems with my C41. I use Digibase C41 kit in patterson tanks. I am developing at 30 degrees C in a stable temperature water bath. I invert once every 30 seconds and rinse twice between stages with 30 degree water.

 

Developer is mixed as per instructions and at the correct temperature and it's not old or over used.

 

Any clues as to where I am going wrong would be much appreciated. I seem to able to replicate this issue every time I develop a film!

 

I have attached two examples....One 645 and one 35mm

 

AAP18261.thumb.jpg.009a7007ef6f928022924de5b093e87e.jpg

 

AAP17982.thumb.jpg.d1ced4be6da802a3c8044bc5997c8231.jpg

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How do you pour the developer into the tank? Marks similar to yours can occur from developer pouring on the film before the tank is filled.

 

I take care to pour, using a funnel, into the center of the Paterson tank. The tank should be vertical, so the film is covered as uniformly as possible during pouring.

 

Do you use a pre-soak? This helps avoid marks in my experience.

 

Also consider the strength of your chemicals. How fresh are they and how many rolls have been put through them?

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Plastic reels, right? With plastic reels film tends to randomly lie against the grooves so that vortex marks aren't as pronounced as stainless.

 

I'm still surprised were seeing this with c41. Since the streaks are dark im suspicious this is a bleach issue. Developer streaking produces lighter regions than the surrounding base. Bleach issues cause a cyan shift in those areas.

 

Providing we rule out bleach step issues I strongly suggest anybody using small tanks to slow down their inversion speed and rotate the tank aggressively in your hand while inverting. This helps reduce edge vortexing.

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Thanks for the responses - I tend to pour in the chemicals quickly without a funnel. I also only bleach for 30 seconds or so and that also gets sloshed in quickly. maybe I need to slow down with my approach and try to avoid 'vortexing' with more careful agitation
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