Light and Dark regions

[zauhar]

I am sure this is a great big FAQ, but I could not immediately get the answer via search.

I've just started developing my own film. The first roll turned out beautifully, so I can clearly do this -

BUT, the second roll is ruined - light a dark regions across the length of the film. I am going to assume I did not get the film on the reel correctly?

I have a small changing bag, it is warm and humid today, and the f--king bag wanted to stick to me and the film - I think that is not helping.

Appreciative of any insights,

Randy

P.S. I guess I answered my own question - examining the film I see faint sprocket holes going across some frames. Pisses me off as there were some nice images on this roll. I have a dark spot in the basement, I think I will use that instead of the bag.

[sonofdanang]

Don't give up on the bag, brother. But I understand your frustration.
Do your self a favor: sacrifice an un-shot roll of film and practice loading the reels outside the bag. Do it 50 times looking, another 50 with your eyes closed, and another 50 in the bag - all with that same "trainer" roll.

If you're still having problems, message me or re-post and I'm sure lots of support and tips will come your way. Until this year, for the last two decades, I've had a portable darkroom with me during my 6-9 months of the year that I'm on the road.
We'll get you going.
Persist.

Shane

[zauhar]

Originally Posted by sonofdanang

Don't give up on the bag, brother. But I understand your frustration.
Do your self a favor: sacrifice an un-shot roll of film and practice loading the reels outside the bag. Do it 50 times looking, another 50 with your eyes closed, and another 50 in the bag - all with that same "trainer" roll.

If you're still having problems, message me or re-post and I'm sure lots of support and tips will come your way. Until this year, for the last two decades, I've had a portable darkroom with me during my 6-9 months of the year that I'm on the road.
We'll get you going.
Persist.

Shane

Shane, thanks for the kind words of support. Although I didn't do it fifty times, I DID practice a lot with a wasted roll, and felt I had it down "OK", so this was frustrating.

One issue - even when looking at the damn thing in the light, it is sometimes a little difficult to get the the whole length of 36 exposures on the reel. Gets really stiff toward the end. I have a Paterson three-reel tank and a one-reel tank. I was trying to get a single reel in the bigger tank today, mainly because neither of these is sealed and the small one tends to spew fluid when I agitate (just twirling, not inverting!)

Also, I gotta say that the changing bag I acquired (purchased a fellow's entire darkroom setup) is a little snug, especially with the bigger tank.

Anyway, I will persevere, and will gladly take you up on the offer of advice.

Thanks!

Randy

[sonofdanang]

A bigger bag helps, indeed. The one I had was originally for loading 4x5 sheet film - a little roomier.

The other thing is the plastic reels regard any moisture as anathema. If there's a drop of sweat or even the faintest hint of condensation the film starts to stick and it will drive you to tears trying to get the plastic reels to accept film.

I switched to Hewes stainless steel reels - discovered them quite by accident. I then got some knock-off stainless steel reels and they were as bad as the plastic, but for different reasons. The Hewes are fantastic and not very expensive.

I don't know what to suggest regarding the spewing tank. Are you missing the rubber gasket?

[zauhar]

Shane, I could not go to sleep without making a successful roll.

I made numerous attempts with the bag - was able to get loading started, but always had the film balk about midway though.

Finally set up a little work area in the front of my basement, where it is absolutely dark. With some "breathing room", I could load the reel with no trouble, and use my big tank.

Now I have another nice set of negatives.

Next step is to start printing!

Thanks for the encouraging words.

Randy

[sonofdanang]

Excellent.
I'd say, until you have a bigger bag, stay with your "breathing room"! It's working for you.
Post the results when you can.

Best,

Shane

[zauhar]

Thanks Shane! I need to get a scanner - I have been relying on the photo lab for scans.

(I am strongly considering Canon 9000, which will do negatives and prints.)

Will post soon.

Randy