Today I examined the Tri-X negatives that I developed in DiXactol and found they had what appeared to be a chemical fog most noticeable around the sprocket holes of the negative. I am wondering what could have caused this. Before I develop another test roll I was wondering if anyone has experience with DiXactol. I'm not quite clear on what could cause chemical fog on negatives except leaving the developer in contact for an extended period of time. DiXactol is capable of being a one-shot or two bath developer. I used the former. My ideas on what could have caused this may be impurities in water supply, possible temperature shift somewhere during the processing? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

-- Brian Jefferis (bcjjr@udel.edu), February 29, 2000

Answers

Lighter areas or streaks around the sprocket holes are usually put down to semi-exhausted fixer, which lets development carry on slightly instead of arresting it. Did you use a stop bath?

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), March 01, 2000.

No I didn't use a stop bath. I never use a stop bath when processing film as I have had problems in the past with pinholes on LF negs. (I normally just give a generous water rinse in between developer and fix) The next roll I'll process with a weak stop. I'll post the results of the nest roll. Thanks for your help.

-- Brian Jefferis (bcjjr@udel.edu), March 01, 2000.