The purple is the result of inadequate fixing and/or washing. It can be rectified by fixing in fresh fixer and then proper washing. Rather inconvenient if they're cut into strips, but possible.
This is independent of anything that might have gone wrong with the developing.
In what way are they terrifying? Both the Tri-X and the Delta3200?
Maybe the guys at the lab are in a conspiracy with the lecturer.
Stick with film! You really should be developing your own film though.
(The purple/pink is more of a problem with some films such as TMax100, "new technology" films. Tri-x is probably in this category now since it has been revised slightly to be made in a different factory (a couple of years ago, if I remember corectly)
Last edited by john_s; 03-03-2005 at 06:06 AM.
Reason: additional info
In my (admittedly limited) experience with these films the colour disappears in strong alkaline solytion. So using "modern" low-alkali developers, acid stop and acid fix preserves the maximum colour. Try an "old-style" carbonate or hydroxide developer, and the film is colourless!
You could even try washing it in a nice strong alkali, and see if it helps...
__________________
-- Ole Tjugen, Luddite Elitist Norway
You could even try washing it in a nice strong alkali, and see if it helps...
I think that even sodium sulphite at rinse aid concentration helps a lot in clearing it. (about 20g/L)
Wouldn't a nice strong alkali soften the emulsion, leading to increased likelihood of damage?
A neutral fixer, such as those for colour neg process (e.g. Agfa FX-Universal and there's a Kodak one too which is quite cheap) helps. However the magenta mask in TMax100 is very persistent, but I don't like it for other reasons.
The TriX 400 film has come back with Purple tinting throughout.
I had need recently for a clear 4x5 negative. I fixed a sheet of FP4+ in NEW Ilford Rapid fixer for about 20 minutes. The negative came out with a slight tinge of pink/purple. I was expecting clear. Is this just the colour of the base material maybe? Possibly on yours as well?
The main reason I'm glad to have made my own darkroom, along with flexibility, cost, quality, etc. This type of problem lets you know that a little bird is chirping on your shoulder.
"Pssst Nicole, you need to start developing your own film and then printing the images. You won't regret it, you will learn more in a short time than you can imagine. The worst part of this is worrying about it, not doing it."
Sponsored Ad. (Subscribers to APUG
have the option to remove this ad.)
I have just started developing my own (too late for the shoot with the purple negs though) and love it! Should've started a lot earlier! After this shoot even my DH is motivated to help me finish the darkroom.
But, I just still don't understand why just this batch of negs (11 rolls!) is purple.
I might have to ask the lab how they developed the negs. Keep you posted.
I think they aren't properly fixed and washed, too. I haven't used TRI-X in awhile, I notice that the HP5 is still usually a little pink after the fix, but then after a thorough washing that tint is largely gone.
FWIW, I think that lecturer is someone you won't learn much from!
If John and Suzanne are right and the cause is inadequate fixing (I wouldn't know!) then it could be that the lab is overusing their chems and on this occasion your films were the last ones through the fixer... In any commercial operation there is always the temptation to squeeze as much as possible (or more) out of any material used. I think it highly unlikely that the lab will admit it though.
Now you're souping your own it's academic. Congratulations on making the leap and all the best for your new darkroom!
(Tell the lecturer, "Because I want to!" (or keep schtum and pass!))
I never had an avatar pic. But I did put some thumbnails in the thread you started with our own old photos! I've been meaning to do a proper self portrait for some time now. If I get something I like, I'll put it in as the avatar. Actually, I may have time later today!
Linear Mode
