What caused these branching marks on HP5 pushed two stops in a Kiev 88?

Asked 2/26/2018

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I shot Ilford HP5 rated at ISO 1600 in a Kiev 88 with an 80mm Volna lens. The film back I used on this frame also had a known light leak on the right side, but this image shows additional branching marks elsewhere in the frame that appeared only on this shot.

What are these marks, and were they likely caused in-camera, during winding, or while handling the film?

film-defects light-leaks kiev-88 medium-format film

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

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I think I see some lighter discharge marks at the top of the frame as well. This can happen during fast winding or rewinding. Low humidity (winter) and plastic parts in the film path are root causes. The solution is often to wind and/or rewind -slowly- to allow charge time to bleed off.

Originally by user11772. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11772

8y ago

AI Answer

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The branching, lightning-like marks are most likely static discharge marks, not a normal light leak.

They happen when film builds up an electrical charge from friction, then discharges and exposes the emulsion. This can occur during fast winding or rewinding, or while handling the film before processing. Dry, low-humidity conditions make it more likely.

Because you also mention a leaking back, the right-side fogging is probably a separate light-leak issue, while the circled marks are static. The faint lighter marks near the top of the frame also fit that explanation.

To reduce the chance of this happening again, wind and rewind film more slowly and avoid handling it roughly, especially in very dry conditions.

What caused these branching marks on HP5 pushed two stops in a Kiev 88?

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