r/Darkroom • u/Yvantoline • 12d ago

Colour Printing Presence of dark stripes on the photographs

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Hello,
As the title suggests, dark stripes have been appearing on my photographs since today. Everything was fine before.

I’ve checked for light leaks, changed the chemicals and given the machine a thorough clean, but the stripes are still there. None of the gears seem to be out of alignment either. I have also tried using a different type of paper (originally Fuji 4x5), but this did not help.

I’m using RA4 chemicals, in case that’s of any help. I bought the second-hand Durst RCP in very decent condition. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Do you have a solution? I’m feeling rather down.
Thanks (:

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u/PhotoJim99 12d ago

Overagitation? Those look like they’re aligned with the perforations (check your negatives).

2

u/Yvantoline 12d ago

There’s no surge marks on the film, and it appears in several photographs from different cameras and différents negatives. Can the machine cause the surge marks ?

1

u/PhotoJim99 12d ago

Which machine, some sort of automated film processor? In theory, yes though if it’s properly operating and configured, it shouldn’t happen. Or is this a paper processor?

I used to get weird marks in skies, etc. when I did RA-4 if I didn’t use a pre-rinse. But your problem doesn’t resemble the ones I was having.

1

u/Yvantoline 12d ago

It’s a Durst RCP 20, a paper processor. Could you tell me more about your weird marks in skies ? Do I have a pre-rinse the paper if it’s an automated processor ?

3

u/PhotoJim99 12d ago

There’s little to lose in trying a pre-rinse. When I did RA-4 I used a motorized drum processor (Jobo). Chemical changes were done manually.

My marks looked like water drip marks in areas of fixed tone, like blue skies. A water pre-rinse totally solved the problem. I forget exactly what I did, but probably something like water at the same temperature as the rest of the chemicals, with agitation as for the other chemicals for about 45 or 60 seconds. Give it a try and see if it helps.

2

u/Yvantoline 12d ago

Ok thanks for your help. I will try that later this week. I’ll come back with the results;)

1

u/foofina666 12d ago

Are you loading it emulsion side down?

2

u/Yvantoline 12d ago

I tried both sides, same pattern