GA645: Problem On Negs

photogdave · 09-01-2009

On the last roll of film I put through the camera, the last two frames each have a solid vertical line running across it just to the left of center.
I can't figure out what it is - the line is white on the neg. The only other unusual thing I've noticed is some exposed holes that correspond to small pock marks on the rails that the film runs across. This is visible at the top of the frame with the shopping cart in it. It leads me to believe that the film moved during transport. Maybe it wasn't taut enough?
Anyone see this before or have any theories? Thanks.

photogdave · 09-02-2009

Bueller?...Bueller?

sevo · 09-02-2009

The marks look very, very much like a development problem.

The scratch line could also be created in development - if there is one thing wrong, others might be no better. But all GA645 variants are prone to problems with film slack, which might in its turn cause scratches as the film is tightened after removal from the camera. The springs in the GS film chamber usually are on the loose side and can do with some bending up.

photogdave · 09-02-2009

Thanks for the reply Sevo.
What looks odd to me is that the line doesn't appear to be a scratch. It's too perfect. It looks more like an object blocking part of the film.

sevo · 09-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by photogdave

Thanks for the reply Sevo.
What looks odd to me is that the line doesn't appear to be a scratch. It's too perfect. It looks more like an object blocking part of the film.

There is nothing more perfect than a well-made scratch in gelatin - it can outresolve film grain by several magnitudes...

photogdave · 09-02-2009

Thanks! I'll take it up with the photo lab!

Matus · 09-02-2009

Have a look at it with a high magnification loupe, if possible. Scratch will have sharp edges and may even look a bit like a "ridge" - if was created when the negative was still wet. If this line was created during exposure (like a hair inside the camera) it will not have so sharp edges.

What may have happened - if the lab was in a hurry and handled the film (cutting, etc.) before it was dry.

photogdave · 09-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matus

Have a look at it with a high magnification loupe, if possible. Scratch will have sharp edges and may even look a bit like a "ridge" - if was created when the negative was still wet. If this line was created during exposure (like a hair inside the camera) it will not have so sharp edges.

What may have happened - if the lab was in a hurry and handled the film (cutting, etc.) before it was dry.

Good advice. Thank you Matus.