Developing or Camera problem?

Hi Guys.

 

I have a situation and I can't really figure out where the problem lays. I have a Mamiya RB67 that I try to use, but the negatives are coming out with some funny patterns (see below). I've already changed the light seals, which made the situation better, but still it isn't solved. Where does these pattern come from? They don't really look like light leaks to me, so I suppose I do something wrong while developing, but then there are some completely clear frames.... I'm simply out of my depth. I would really appreciate your input!

Thank you in advance!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 13, 2018 by janesmith1234

developing problem.

 

clear frames, well maybe you double advanced and skipped those frames? Otherwise with the back open, fire the camera at different speeds to be sure its not a shutter problem.

 

As far as light leaks... nothing looks consistent enough frame to frame to say its got a leak. BUT if you want to be sure... put a bright light inside, extend the bellows all the way out and examine it in a dark room to see if the bellows has any leaks. You can do the same form the front with th lens off to see the rear seals are good.

 

Tell us more about how you processed the negatives?

Edited May 13, 2018 by paul ron

Definitely a processing issue.

Or rather a whole batch of them.

 

Looks like a combination of drying marks, insufficient agitation, film stuck together in the tank and poor fixing or solution contamination. It could hardly be worse really.

 

Sorry, but you really need to completely overhaul your processing technique.

Thanks for both of you for the answers. I suppose I've made several mistakes during the developing, but that's just learning. I'll try the light test, just to be sure and make some changes of the developing process. I suppose I haven't turned the tank quickly enough and I might have underdeveloped the film. I'm using a monobath solution, so fixing is kind of included, but I might have drained the solution too quickly and haven't washed the film well enough.

Ditch the monobath. It's obviously not working too well. A separate developer and fixer isn't too arduous to use, and will allow you to control contrast by varying the development time. Those monobath negs appear far too dense, where they're fully processed.

 

Questions:

Are you using sufficient solution? Those examples look typical of film that's not fully immersed in developer.

What sort of tank are you using?

And does it load smoothly?

Are you loading the tank in total darkness?

A changing bag is practically mandatory.

Are you using an accurate thermometer to ensure the processing solution is at the right temperature?

 

I have other queries, but that'll probably do for now.

Far be it from me to discourage experimenting, but I agree that it's best to get the fundamentals down with known, established procedures before going out with unconventional stuff like monobaths.

 

As Joe said, tell us what you're doing AND try developing with a conventional separate developer+fixer.