Streaks on the negs

steamer

steamer

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I am getting these streaks on my negatives, It seems to be in the same place on a couple different rolls of film, and runs across the blank line that spaces the frames. Wondering if it is happening in the camera or the developing reel?
Any ideas?
 

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What type of camera? Could be a light leak from the shutter. What type of reel are you using? What about a film washer, are you using one?

B2 (;->
 
dnk512 said:
Scratches on the emulsion should look dark on print. These look like light leak marks.
Click to expand...

^ I agree. The marks would look dark on the negative to show up light in a scan or print, so they probably aren't scratches. Maybe some chemical residue from processing? Seems odd that chemical residue would show up in similar streaks like that, but maybe if you used a squeegee?
 
This one have me stumped. I was thinking it was a old Kiev or horizontal shutter, not the case. Do all of the frames have it? Does it show up when you shoot a roll and have it processed elsewhere (e.g. local lab). Do you get the same streak when you soup (develop) a roll from another camera?

B2 (;->
 
Thanks everyboby
You've helped me narrow this down. It happens often not always. The problem must be with the camera, it happens in almost the same spot and it does look like a leak. I have 2 Contax Ts, now I just have to remember which one took what.
 
Perhaps with a seal on the back of the camera? Perhaps if there is a film window (to show the type, ISO and #of exposures, the felt in one area might be bad.

You might try using a flashlight on different areas of the camera (you will need to waste one roll of film). Take good notes as to what frame you use when you put the flash light next to what areas of the camera. Try taking the camera outside on a sunny day, leave it turned over on the back, on the front. Try taking some pictures with flash in a dark room (about four), you should not get the streaks on the middle frames.

You might be able to fix it (temp fix) with some black electrical tape.

Good luck.

B2 (;->
 
I have trouble finding light leaks, you always think you know where they are. One thing I did was to tape the film door area using blue masking tape (two layers). Then with a cheap roll of C-41 take a few shots remove some of the tape and repeat until the end of the roll. Then check the developed film. Also, I got a repair kit from someone on the Ebay store. It was six dollars and his instructions really made the repair easy. I can't remember his name but you should be able to find it. If not it will come to me.
 
Thanks Charjohncarter, I've got the foam seal set and I can't remember the guy's name either, nice fellow though, so I will replace the seals and see.
 
Ooops! It was not the camera, Had the same thing happen with a roll from another camera, I now believe it has to do with the film rubbing on the plastic reel during agitation. The reel sits on a spindle that has a sort of cam on the bottom and when the spindle is turned around the reel moves up and down in the tank. I'm still pretty green when it comes to developing, wondering if someone with more experience has anything to say about my latest theory?
 
It's been a few years and I used metal reels from the very begining so I only saw stuff a school or the few times I really messed up (first few months of working with metal reels).

Did this pattern go through all of the frames on the role? If you reloaded the roll on the reel once dried, where are the frames with this pattern on them (in the middle, outside (the film could be coming in contact with the inside of the tank during fixing or some)?

Does this happen with every roll?

Have you thought about learning to use steel reals and tanks? It's a pain at first, but once you get it they are solid like a rock.

B2 :)->
 
Tuff, that is a disappointment. When you do everything from start to finish, you start getting very picky. I'm ready for the therapist, over B&W processing. Forty years ago I just let it come, now I have B&W processing obsessive compulsive disorder.
 
BillBingham2 said:
Did this pattern go through all of the frames on the role? No just some, but almost[ always on the last few frames, which are on the outside, and it only happens to the good photos ;-) If you reloaded the roll on the reel once dried, where are the frames with this pattern on them (in the middle, outside (the film could be coming in contact with the inside of the tank during fixing or some)?

Does this happen with every roll?Seems to be happening with every roll now

Have you thought about learning to use steel reals and tanks? It's a pain at first, but once you get it they are solid like a rock.

B2 :)->
Click to expand...

Steel looks like the way to go but they are insanely expensive here in Japan
 
I doubt it is the developing or tanks - the pattern is too clear and since it "waves" it would be "fuzzy" )and I have never seen developing marks like that). You could look for steel reels and tanks on Yahoo Aucions in Japan. I did buy some at Yodobashi Camera and they were not that expensive new.

Do you use bulk loaded film? It could be the bulk loader or the cartridges.
 
As it is the last few frames on every roll now, I think the film is loosing tension and floating or moving into contact wtih the outside of the tank. This might keep the fixer from clearning the anii-hellation (spelled wrong) layer. This layer that keeps the light from bouncing off the pressure plate and rexposing the silver.

One thing that might work, try refixing and washing the film. This might clear it, try doing it in a tray as I bet you have cut your negatives already. you might try putting the film back on to the reel, more towards the inside and fix it in the tank.

Steel reels take a bit of practice. Get a cheap roll of film and practice loading it while watching TV over several nights. You will crap up the edges at first, just cut off the crapped up bit and practice with it some more. Buy a roll of over age film or three to try. One way to test to make sure you do not have any crimps in the film (film not sitting in the reel correctly) is to run your fingers on the top and bottom, moving from inside to outside of the reel. Kind of tracing the wire that supports the turns. Like cutting a pie. If you feel film, you have a crimp. Look through it and you will see it.

I learned to do it with my eyes closed, but IMHO, it's better to learn with your eyes open, BUT NOT LOOKING AT IT. It takes practice, but I know you can do it. Just get two reels for 36 exposure and a two reel tank at first. If you are shoting a lot, its easy to add more. If you buy used, make sure the are not bent, it can really mess you up. I would recomend getting two new ones and perhaps a used tank. Another great thing about steel is they dry very quickly and if you get crazy, they can be loaded wet. Not recomended, but when on deadline, you gota do what you gota do.

Let me know if refixing works.

Good luck.

B2 (;->
 
Refixing did not work But ... I practiced with the steel wheels and then tried a film I wanted to develop and ... it was an exercise in patience which failed, so I loaded up the plastic reel, wound up exposing several shots in the process and then paid special attention to agitation by sliding the the tank back and forth--Yes the streaks are gone and the 2 shots I really wanted off the roll looked good, I'll post tonight.

So let's call this a qualified success and I'll be spending some time practicing with the steel reels.

Thanks Bill, Charjohncarter and Finder for your suggestions.
 
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