I've noticed what appears to be a rather prominent grain pattern on my type 52 prints. The pattern is similar to what you'd see on an enlarged 35mm print. I wasn't expecting to see grain on a 4x5 direct print! My best guess is that there is something on the rollers, but inspection doesn't show any gunk or other residue. Can anyone suggest another source of the grain, or otherwise describe a very thorough method of cleaning the rollers? Thanks.

-- Josh Wand (josh@joshwand.com), April 04, 2000

Answers

Josh,

There shouldn't be visible grain in a T-52 print. Could the pattern be reticulation? This could result from processing at extreme temperatures. Were the shots made outdoors in winter, by any chance?

---Carl

-- Carl Weese (cweese@earthlink.net), April 05, 2000.

No, the prints were all processed indoors at 70-75 degrees.

-- Josh Wand (josh@joshwand.com), April 05, 2000.

Perhaps the film is too old, or poorly stored. Polaroid materials do not seem to me to be very forgiving.

But, I would never expect to see obvious grain on the direct print.

Perhaps your camera is dusty inside and needs to be cleaned out?

Charlie

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), April 10, 2000.