Problem with Rolleiflex

<p>Hi all-<br>

Recently, when developing film, I noticed that the film I had used with my Rolleiflex was turning out extremely gray and cloudy. I know this is not an issue with my development process, because the film I used with my Hasselblad that I developed at the same time came out perfectly. I took the different rolls from each of the cameras on the same day and using the same light meter, so I deduced it was a problem with the camera. Doesn't look like typical light leak stuff, and I don't think it was simply overexposed, because even the parts of the film between the frames looks unusual. Any ideas as to what's wrong?</p>

Non-specific or generalized fogging usually

indicates something other than light leaks inside

the camera.

 

First thing I'd check would be the fixer. Be sure

it's not exhausted, mixed to film strength, etc.

 

Second, I'd check my developing tanks, lids,

darkroom or changing bag for light leaks. I once

forget the spindle in a plastic tank and reel

system. Opening the pour lid to pour in/out

chemicals caused fogging. It only affected the

top roll of the two-reel tank.

 

Then, check the film to be sure it's fresh, not

exposed to high heat (car trunk or glove box).

Yup, done this too.

 

Then be sure the film was spooled up tightly and

not changed in bright light (although this tends

to cause only edge fogging, unless using film

with no anti-halation backing, or infrared).

 

The most likely camera fogging would be from a

warped film door, or if the door was prevented

from closing properly, resulting in a bulge. This

can be checked pretty easily just by inspecting

and feeling the seams. TLR doors can be sprung by

letting them flop open, straining the hinge. And

the Rollei can be finicky to get the hinges

aligned after detaching the door.

 

There's a remote chance of fogging through the

viewfinder, but something would have to be

seriously awry for light to get around those

baffles and seams to the film area.

<p>Lex Jenkins - <br>

Thanks you so much for your detailed response!<br>

I'm pretty sure it's not the chemicals, the darkroom, or the equipment, since I developed the roll from my Hasselblad and the roll from my Rollei in the same tank at the same time. The film was always stored in the same place, too, so I doubt it got over heated. I'll check out the film door.<br>

Thanks again!</p>

<p>Please post a frame, edges and all, if you can, Emily, it may help. One thing to look for is if the "fog" extends all the way to the rebate edges or not. If the edges are fogged/grayed there may be issues outside the camera, if the edges are clear, there may be issues inside the camera.</p>