Developing help?

[photophorous]

Hi everyone. I'm relatively new to developing my own B&W film, and I just messed something up. This is the first time I've done TMAX 400, but I've done several rolls of TMAX 100. The film still has a purple look in the middle area, when I pulled it out to dry. Does that mean I didn't let it Fix long enough? I developed 1:1 with D76 for about 14 mins, which is just a little longer than recommended, but I did that on purpose. I used the regular Kodak fixer, which was mixed on 10/8. Could it be too old?

Thanks,
Paul

[another view]

Could be, but I've used fixer a little older than that and it's been OK (although I've fixed for about 10 minutes). I usually shoot Tri-X which is very forgiving, and have always heard that Tmax is more likely to stay purpleish unless you fix for a long time. I guess it's near impossible to over-fix, and I've never had a problem with 10-12 minutes other than boredom...

It's only purple in the middle? Something strange there...

[mjs1973]

It sounds like a fixer issue to me, but I'm no expert. You should be able to "fix" it again to get rid of the purple color. If your fixer is exhausted, it might not help tho. How old is your fixer? I don't remember how long it's suppose to last, but it might be time for some new fixer.

[photophorous]

Thanks guys. I rolled it back up and fixed for another 5 minutes and it took care of it. I guess I only fixed for about 6 min. the first time, when I usually go longer. The fix is getting a little old, but I think I mostly just didn't leave it in long enough. Everything seems fine now.

Thanks for the tips.

Paul

[magoo]

An easy way to test the fixer before use is to take the tag end of the film that you cut off to spool it onto the developing reel and dip it into the fix for a little bit. If it makes the film go clear then the fix is still good, if it takes to long or done fix properly then it's time to mix up some more.

Magoo