Print problem

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I'm just getting back to Black and White after a thirty year break and I'm starting to be reminded of some of the problems I had the first time around but still don't know the solution. I did some small prints that I was happy with and then using the same chemicals tried to make larger ones. All of the larger prints have pinkish clouds in them-not all pink but tinges of pink. What causes the clouds?

-- Phil Joycey (pjoycey@hotmail.com), March 10, 2002

Answers

Could be insufficient agitation in fixer. Larger prints have more surface area to show up agitation problems more readily. Agitate the fixer tray constantly. Check the fixer packet for its maximum capacity.

-- rebecca (rebecca@antart.com.au), March 11, 2002.

Sounds as if the prints are not staying in the chemicals long enough or getting enough agitation, or if more than one print is in the tray, they are sticking together a bit. This applies mostly to the developer, although much underdevelopment shows up first as extremely washed out, no contrast prints. At least 90 seconds, with continuous agitation, should overcome all that. Also, be sure your chemicals are not exhausted.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols1@mindspring.com), March 11, 2002.

Use a 11x14 tray for 8x10,16x20 tray for 11x14 etc; it helps with the agitation.Don,t skimp on your chemicals.Use fresh mixed every session.

-- Melvin (bramley@nanaimo.ark.com), March 12, 2002.

Just curious. Are you using the same fixer for prints that you used for the negatives?

-- bigmac (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.

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