"Grey" film base after Stoekler 2-bath development

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Hi. I have noticed that after using Stoekler 2-bath film dev my 35mm films seem to lose their usual base colour and become a light, dull grey colour. In some cases there is an overall lack of contrast apparent, too. Is this normal? Some films I develop using the same routine (no pre-rinse, 5 mins bath A, no rinse, 5 mins bath B, water rinse, fix in hypam 1 + 9 for 3 mins, rinse, fill tank with tap water and 3 mins on uniroller, dump refill and repeat for twice, fill tank with distilled water and photoflo and repeat cycle twice more, dry under cool air)appear normal (ie not dull and grey) and print with normal contrast on G2 or 3. Thanks, Neil.

-- Neil MIller (nkd-miller@thefreeinternet.co.uk), May 28, 2002

Answers

Hmmmm, it sounds like the developer is too active and starts to develop the unexposed parts of the film. Maybe the B bath is too basic? I would try to dilute it a little more, 2+1 or so. I'm not an expert, so maybe someone else can give you a better suggestion.

-- Patric (jenspatricdahlen@hotmail.com), May 30, 2002.

If this happens after a certain length of timme it may be underfixing. Ihave no experience with your chemicals, but I was reading in another discussion here (first time developing HP5+ problems) about fixing. The general concensus seems to be that a standard fixing solution at a 1:9 dilution should be sued for about 6 mins. Refer to discussion. James Cox

-- James Cox (mobiustraveller@yahoo.com), May 30, 2002.

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