What causes faint crescent-shaped marks across multiple film negatives?
Asked 9/10/2016
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2 answers
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I have a roll of Ilford XP2 negatives that was developed years ago, and many or all frames show faint transparent crescent-shaped marks. The crescents are irregularly spaced, about the same size, and all face the same direction, but they appear in different places on different frames. They are only barely visible.
A different roll shot in the same camera, using the same film brand and scanned on the same equipment, does not show this problem. What is the likely cause of these marks on the negatives?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
1
It might be cracks in the gelatin emulsion from rolling and unrolling, particularly if the humidity was low. Examine the negative under a microscope to see if they're physical cracks.
Another possibility in low humidity is static-caused discharges, though I would think those would be more random.
Originally by user35542. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user35542
9y ago
0
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The most likely cause is physical damage to the emulsion rather than a scanning issue, especially since another roll scanned the same way looks normal.
Based on the pattern, one possibility is tiny cracks in the gelatin emulsion caused by the film being rolled and unrolled, particularly in low-humidity conditions. If the emulsion was stressed, similar crescent-shaped marks could appear across many frames.
Another possible cause is static discharge from handling or advancing the film in very dry conditions, although static marks are often less uniform and more random in appearance.
A good next step is to inspect the negative closely, ideally with strong magnification or a microscope. If the marks are physical defects in the emulsion, you should be able to see texture or cracking on the film itself.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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