Strange problem with processed negatives

[doug_harhai]

Hi All,

I just developed 2 rolls of tri-x in Hc110. I rated the film at

320,and cut development 15 seconds short. I processed in a Paterson

plastic tank. I have processed over one hundered rolls in this

tank. For the first time ever, I did not use the center post that

comes with the tank.

 

The negatives are so dense that they are nearly black, especially the

first 10 negatives that were first loaded into the tank. Each roll

was shot in a different camera with good meters. The leader edge is

dark, as is the negative(s). My thought is that the problem is light

leak in the tank from leaving out the black center column--this would

explain the total darkness of the negative, as well as why those

loaded closest to the center of the reel would be darker than those

on the outer edge of the tank.

 

I guess I am just looking for somebody to confirm that this may be

the cause of my problems. Anybody else ever have this experience

with omitting the center column in the Paterson tanks?

 

Thanks...

[frank.schifano]

I don't use the Paterson plastic tanks, but I did give them a good look over at a camera store. Yes, they will leak light whe you don't haave the center post installed. My question is, what ever were you thinking when you did that?

[kng]

Yes, the centre post is a crucial component in the Paterson tank's light trap. Leaving it out would expose your film.

[lex_jenkins]

Yup, the center post is indeed part of the lightfast kit for the Paterson and other plastic tank systems.

 

I've never tried developing without the center post but the first time I used my Spanish made sorta-Paterson tank system I didn't quite get the lid/baffle system and center post aligned properly. Parts of the negs were fogged. No problems once I figured out the trick.

[chris_waller]

The spigot of the funnel goes into the central column and completes the light seal. Leave the central column out and every time you take off the lid you light up your negs with glorious daylight. It's occurrences like this that fix things in our memories.

[doug_harhai]

Chris, I agree. This experience will be indelibly etched in my memory until my last breath. The good thing is that one roll was just a test roll of a used camera's exposure meter that I bought the day before. The man that I had bought the Paterson tanks from a few years ago (a former pro) said that he had made every mistake imaginable in the darkroom, and said that I probably would too. I am getting there slowly but surely.

 

Frank--fair question! Actually, I had major back surgery 2 weeks ago. I can't bend over, but couldn't keep out of the darkroom! I dropped the darn center column on the floor, and thought "Hmmm, I think the light is light-tight, what's the worst that could happen if I don't use it?"...

 

Now I know.

[chris_waller]

Doug,

 

When loading film I recommend you put everything into a deep

plastic tray (I use a horticultural gravel tray). Check all the parts in

to the tray - tank, funnel, reels, central column, lid. If you drop

anything it can't roll far. And when you've finished there should be

nothing left in the tray. Rather like the way that surgeons check

and count all their instruments at the end of an operation to

make sure the patient isn't still carrying a retractor!

[ellis_jordan]

�Yes, the centre post is a crucial component in the Paterson tank's light trap.�

�Yup, the center post is indeed part of the lightfast�.

 

NO WAY! you guys are both wrong. Please inspect your Paterson tanks carefully.

 

Chris is right. It never occurred to me that someone may use the tank without the central column (black) and use just the reels.

[triblett_lungre_thurd]

friends,

 

i'm gonna give you a tip. rid yerselves of those patterson tanks. if you can, find a modern version of the old costar. yes, you'll still need to use the center post but you'll thank me. also, when rinsing with the old costar-style tank, loosen the lid so the threads get a good washing.

 

with love and kisses,

 

me