hi everybody: I have been using hanger to developing my T-max 100 4x5 film over 100 sheets.I always encountered dichroic fog (an ugly white metallic stain )on my print especially on the sky area.i ran so many test on my developing process try to find out which step was went wrong.but the problem still going on. it is really killing me. if anybody know how to solve the problem please hlep me. thank you!

-- john (photocage@hotmail.com), February 27, 2001

Answers

Don't use ordinary T-Max developer (use RS or D-76 1:1 for example), do use a stop bath, and use rapid fixer three to five minutes with continuous agitation.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), February 27, 2001.

What developer are you using?

-- Jeff White (jeff@jeffsphotos.com), February 27, 2001.

John

You say that you have an ugly white "stain" on your print. If it were a stain on the print, I would think that it would be caused by someting other than the negative. However, if it is not a "stain" it certainly could be what I call surge and what others refer to as bromide drag. It comes from excess agitation through the holes in your hangers, and the reason it shows up in the sky is because the sky is a smooth area that is right next to the holes in the hanger. If you look real closely I am sure that it will also be on the sides and bottom of the negative as well. it is basically an excess density in the negative which will translate to a lighter spot or line on the print. Others may be correct in suggesting a different developer. that may work. But I am betting that you will either have to refine your technique in using hangers to develop film, or you will have to do what so many have done and that is to go to round tanks such as those made by JOBO and others, or perhaps just plain tray develop your negs, which is what I do. Good luck. Kevin

-- Kevin Kolosky (kjkolosky@kjkolosky.com), February 28, 2001.

Change your hangers!
I'm confused too, whether you're refering to a stain on the neg or on the print, but I'll assume you mean a surface sheen on the negative. This could be caused by corroded hangers.
In any case, this 'surge' problem shouldn't occur with wire frame and clip type hangers. They leave plenty of room around the film, and if you agitate too vigorously, or incorrectly, the film falls out! It's a hard lesson well learned, when you have to go fishing in the bottom of a slimy deep-tank for your film.
There's absolutely no need to waggle the film about like a frustrated shark. Simply lifting the hanger(s) gently out of the dev every half minute, and draining for a few seconds to one corner then the other, is all that's needed. No surge, no problem.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), February 28, 2001.

As I understand it from Kodak, their replenishable TMax developer was conceptualized and designed to prevent the problem you're experiencing. It has to do with the surface area of 4x5 sheet film, versus that for roll film. They also indicate that, should you encounter the problem, it's possible to "scrub" off the fog if the negative hasn't yet dried. (With a soft sponge?) Once it dries though, it's too late.

-- Neil Poulsen (neil.fg@att.net), February 28, 2001.

I have to agree with Pete. I'm not 100% sure (without actually seeing your film) but it doesn't sound like an agitation problem exactly. One thing I've noticed with hangers is if you don't have a sufficient water flow rate (providing you're washing them on the hangers) sometimes scum from the wash will cling to the edges of the clip on a hanger. If you don't provide a little agitation in the wash tank as well, this stuff will dry as a deposit on your film...and will eventually leave a stain (not good). Several years ago we had an intern here who kept getting these odd marks on his film, that weren't agitation marks. In the end, this is what it turned out to be. At the time, though, it took a while to figure out. Good luck with whatever it is.

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.dcr.state.nc.us), February 28, 2001.

Yeah, you need to be using TMAX RS too. I haven't used TMAX dev. with the sheet film, so I can't comment on what this "fog" is that you all are talking about, but TMAX RS works great in a tank (replenished). Very clean.

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.dcr.state.nc.us), February 28, 2001.

You might consider HC110 dil. B in a tray and see if you get the same results. I've been using this for a while and am pleased with the results.

-- Richard Hill (richdee@drizzle.com), February 28, 2001.