Ghost images of spiral holder

[TallBill]

I have noticed a kind of pale ghost image at the edges of some of my negatives, which might be from the ribs in the spiral. Has anyone else seen this? What's the remedy?

 

[HowLarge]

Possibly less or more random agitation?
We need more description of the tank/method/timing really , if it’s happened before and if anything has changed?
If I wanted to reproduce the effect would short duration rotary processing be a candidate?

 

[TallBill]

Thanks for the reply. I get the feeling that more agitation makes for more even development because you dont get zones of stale chemicals hiding in amongst the ribs. The other possibility is stray light getting into the tank and casting shadows of the ribs, or even being reflected from them. This is something I have only seem quite rarely, so it may be tricky to identify.....

 

[HowLarge]

Yes more exhausted chemical lingering next to the ribs , but there is the possibility of extra turbulence having a washing replenishing effect , but if all is consistent and the effect seen intermittently a mechanical issue such as a crack/split seems more likely

 

[thronobulax]

I have noticed a kind of pale ghost image at the edges of some of my negatives, which might be from the ribs in the spiral. Has anyone else seen this? What's the remedy?

What sort of reel. I have never had problems with the Nikor style stainless reels that have a low profile, well spaced spiral. All the problems I've ever seen have been with plastic reels with high walled grooves. I thus abandoned those decades ago.

For 5x4 I only use open tanks with minimal contact clip style hangers so that there is an absolute minimum amount of contact with the film, and thus very little opportunity for developer trapping. I will say that the frame style hangers do work well with 5x4 and 3x2 sheet films so long as you agitate properly and regularly.

Agitation, of course, has been suggested, but don't also forget to gently tap the tank after each agitation. It's done to minimize the risk of air bells, but it also serves to provide an additional jolt of agitation that may dislodge stuck developer.

 

[TallBill]

Thanks for that insight. Yes, it could be the plastic reel I'm using. I will see if I can get hold of one of the flat tanks.