Processing and developing photographic film is a precise and often difficult process. Numerous problems can occur, especially for amateurs learning to develop film and depending on what exactly the issue is---from loading or exposing the film to misuse of the chemicals in the dark room.
Exposure Problems
If the film has been overexposed, the film will come out completely dark or black, including the spaces that would border the negative's images. One must remember that any exposure to light after taking the picture will overexpose the film. Underexposed film will be faint to completely clear. This can only happen from taking the picture, perhaps because the film wasn't properly loaded or perhaps the shutter didn't work. This will also happen if the fixer was added before the developer.
Development Problems
If the film has been properly exposed, it can still come out too light or dark from improper development. The developing chemicals' amount and temperature must be precise, along with the time and agitation. If the developer was too cold or diluted, or if the film was not developed long enough with insufficient agitation, the film will come out faint. The film will come out dark if it was in the developer too long or over-agitated or if the chemicals were too hot or over-concentrated.
Uneven Development
Other improper development methods can result in an uneven development. If there wasn't enough chemicals for the amount of film, it will be underdeveloped and lighter on one side. Agitation that was too vigorous can cause the developer to rush through the film's sprocket holes, leading to dense patches on the negatives. Underdeveloped patches are a result of the film coming into contact with itself; this is because the film was improperly loaded onto the reel.
Fixing Problems
Even after proper exposure and developing, the fixing solution can cause problems. The film will look cloudy if it wasn't exposed to the fixer long enough or if the fixer was too old or diluted. This problem can be corrected, however, by placing the film back into the fixer and using fresh solution.
Damaged Surfaces
If you used dirty water in the chemicals or dust got on the film while drying, the dust will embed on the surface. Handling the film roughly can scratch and scuff it, especially on the front emulsion side. Even a piece of dirt can scratch the emulsion and will cause a straight, long scratch if dragged across it. If water droplets form on the film while drying, they will leave circular residue marks. If the film was kinked while loading it onto the reel, this will result in clear, crescent-shaped marks on the film.
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