Development issue? Uneven?

I have began developing my own film at home, 4x5, in trays and been experiencing what seems to be uneven development but only in the skies. It may be in other areas but I cannot see it. It is very apparent in the skies. I presoak in water and constantly agitate in the developer. I am running out of ideas. Any input will be greatly appreciated!

 

I have attached an example. I brought down the highlights and raised the contrast to exaggerate the problem.

 

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=178917&d=1528069627

 

I posted it another forum and some have suggested chemical carryover, humidity, and blix problem. Wanna see if someone can provide more insight here.

 

Thanks!!

Hello. Your picture is not showing. See about getting it within the 1k pixel sizing & repost. What is the "other forum". . ?? Aloha, Bill

We were not able to see your posted sample however, lack of uniformity is common. Most images that suffer from a lack of uniformity are difficult if not impossible to spot due to the busy nature of the subject matter. Blue sky can be quite mundane thus is shows this defect readily. First rule out improper fixing. Re fix and re-wash exiting negative to make sure the fix is not responsible. If this does not remedy, try increasing developing time. Development is an infusion of chemicals that preform this task. Lower the solution temperature, this will allow a longer developing time and this may do the trick. If the developer you are using is too strong, developing time might be too short. Change to a different developer that features a longer developing time or dilute your current formula to allow lengthening time in fluid. Hope this helps.

sorry. here is the file

 

Hello. Your picture is not showing. See about getting it within the 1k pixel sizing & repost. What is the "other forum". . ?? Aloha, Bill

 

I have posted the file. Thank you and the other forum is "large format photography forum"

We were not able to see your posted sample however, lack of uniformity is common. Most images that suffer from a lack of uniformity are difficult if not impossible to spot due to the busy nature of the subject matter. Blue sky can be quite mundane thus is shows this defect readily. First rule out improper fixing. Re fix and re-wash exiting negative to make sure the fix is not responsible. If this does not remedy, try increasing developing time. Development is an infusion of chemicals that preform this task. Lower the solution temperature, this will allow a longer developing time and this may do the trick. If the developer you are using is too strong, developing time might be too short. Change to a different developer that features a longer developing time or dilute your current formula to allow lengthening time in fluid. Hope this helps.

I have posted the file. Thanks for the reply. Maybe seeing the image can give you a better idea.

I have posted the file. Thanks for the reply. Maybe seeing the image can give you a better idea.

@ nayvinchew -- I was able to view your image. Seeing the picture did not change my mind. I am still recommending re-fixing for your films and that future films be processed using a longer developing time. Why not re-fix and re-wash and report results. Also, tell us the developer you are using and solutions temperature and immersion times.

@ nayvinchew -- I was able to view your image. Seeing the picture did not change my mind. I am still recommending re-fixing for your films and that future films be processed using a longer developing time. Why not re-fix and re-wash and report results. Also, tell us the developer you are using and solutions temperature and immersion times.

Thank you! I will do that and report back. I am using unicolor c41 kit. at 102F, immersion time of 3.5 min in developer and 6.5 min in blix

Thank you! I will do that and report back. I am using unicolor c41 kit. at 102F, immersion time of 3.5 min in developer and 6.5 min in blix

@ nayvinchew -- You are developing to specification, don't change time or temperature. However, in the C-41 process the bleach can go bad or be dilute etc. I recommend you attempt to salvage some negatives by putting them through all the steps except the developer. If the bleach is responsible, re-bleach and re-fix will salvage. Good luck.

It certainly looks like under-fixing/bleaching to me.

 

Tray development isn't very reliable. There's a high chance of airbells or 'tide lines'. I suspect that your agitation isn't vigorous enough, and stale chemicals are being held underneath the film against the emulsion. Try lifting the film clear out of the tray and draining it for a few seconds every half minute or so. But I really recommend you get a Jobo rotary tank or something similar.

 

Just slopping the tray about isn't a good agitation technique, especially during the short C41 processing times.

especially during the short C41 processing times.

 

The C41 kit that I use has alternative (i.e. longer) times for use at 30 deg C, and I have always used those, just in order that a second or two error in development time matters less. It's also easier to maintain the lower temperature accurately.