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Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:28 pm
by David Malott
In our lab we've enIountered a problem with a new 35mm ortho film we're trying (MACO ORT25c), where the emulsion separates from the base. This happens before or during developement. I've never seen this occur with any film, roll or sheet format. Any comments?

Re: Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:02 pm
by Keith Tapscott.
David, could you explain which B&W process that you are using and how the MACO ORT25c films are processed? e.g, Dip & Dunk tank, small-tanks, rotary-tube, specific temperature of the solutions etc. This information could be useful to help to find out what might be causing the problem.

Re: Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:14 am
by David Malott
Thanks for your attention to this matter Keith. We process the film in a small tank in D19 and rapid Fixer. The problem occurs before developing though. Even when unrolling the film from the bulk roll, separation of the emulsion has occured. It seems to happen at the ends of the film strip but can occur randomly along the length after running through the camera. Areas as large as 2 to 3 exposures can be involved.

Re: Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 11:01 am
by Keith Tapscott.
David Malott wrote: The problem occurs before developing though. Even when unrolling the film from the bulk roll, separation of the emulsion has occured. It seems to happen at the ends of the film strip but can occur randomly along the length after running through the camera.
That seems to be a manufacturing fault to me. Have you tried contacting Maco? They should be able to advise on the matter and perhaps offer either a refund or another batch of film for free.

Re: Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:15 pm
by David Malott
Unfortunately, so far the supplier denies any other reports on the phenomenon and the manufacturer has yet to respond. I've never seen a film behave like this unless it was abused during processing.

Re: Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:27 pm
by Keith Tapscott.
The description of Maco ORT25C appears to be a suitable replacement for the old Agfa Ortho 25 Professional film. If the film you bought is as faulty as you said, then the quality control people at Maco films really need to respond to your questions very soon.
In the meantime, I would try contacting the more well known companies to see if there is a suitable alternative available.

Re: Separation of film emusion from base

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:53 pm
by Keith Tapscott.
David,

Kodak still make some special application B&W films, but I don`t know much about them or if they are readily available to buy. They might be worth checking out.
http://graphics.kodak.com/GB/en/Product ... efault.htm