development film

L

Louis

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Feb 11, 2026
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Hello
Can anyone help me?

When developing my 4×5 Kodak Tri-X 320 sheet film in HC-110 using a Stearman SP-445 tank, I consistently get this band along the top edge of the sheet that doesn't seem to develop like the rest of the negative.

Does anyone know what could be causing this?

I'm using a Zone VI 4×5 camera with a Rodenstock APO 210mm lens.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
If you can post an image of the affected area, it'll make it easier to diagnose.

Mike
 
hereafter image see up the image
 

Attachments

  • 741DD618-3D7A-4557-AAC7-FE8E212201E1_1_201_a.jpeg
    741DD618-3D7A-4557-AAC7-FE8E212201E1_1_201_a.jpeg
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If the band looks the same or nearly the same on all the sheets it could be that it’s a light leak to the film in it’s bag/box - check where the notch is in the packet
 
HowLarge said:
If the band looks the same or nearly the same on all the sheets it could be that it’s a light leak to the film in it’s bag/box - check where the notch is in the packet
Click to expand...
It's a dark band on the image so it's not going to be a light leak.

One option is that you're not using enough liquid in the development tank to fully cover the film, if the dark band corresponds to the top of your tank. But the Kodak lettering is there so maybe not. Doesn't look to eat into the rebate either.
 
I've read that incorrect agitation can be the culprit of this kind of banding in Stearman SP-445 tanks.
It certainly looks like the banding could be the result of over/under development.
 

Attachments

  • SP-445_BEGINNER_INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
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My mistake - dark light leak.. yes agitation, maybe check volume of developer used with same measure of water and a spare exposed sheet with the lid off to see if there is a possibility that the sheets are barely covered?
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I made two test sheets against a white background, one at f/5.6 and the other at f/11. I developed both films, and the dark band has completely disappeared.

I'm using a Stearman processing tank, and I also checked that the level of the chemicals was correct. before I use to job tank 2523 and I has same defect.
Could the bellows lens hood be the cause of this when using the 210mm APO-Symmar?
 
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