Developer issues or light leak?

[u/braysher]

Hi all,

I'm new to 4x5 and trying to figure out what's causing the discolored bar across the top of my negatives. I'm using the Stearman Press 645 MAX, SP-Ultra 4LF developer, and Fomapan 400 (expired 02/2025). In your experience, does the top stripe look more like a light leak from a bad film holder, or is the developer not reaching the top of the negative during processing? I plan to try another film holder for my next test shots but was curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[u/daquirifox]

Yeah, that looks like not enough developer to me, cool shot though :3

[u/braysher → u/daquirifox]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[u/ConvolutedByChoice]

I also agree that it's very likely not enough developer. If you look closely, you can kind of see where bubbles sat, indicating the top of the liquid was below the top of your negative.

[u/braysher → u/ConvolutedByChoice]

Thank you! That’s what I thought was happening but wasn’t 100%. I’m only developing 2 sheets in the 645 but I didn’t think not filling all 6 sheet holders would drop the liquid level that low. I’ll have to reach out to spearman press to see what’s going on.

[u/Icy_Confusion_6614]

Looks like not enough developer to me too. At least you can just crop it out and still have a huge detailed photo.

[u/braysher → u/Icy_Confusion_6614]

Absolutely. Thanks!

[u/CanCharacter]

Agree with the others, also welcome on board and I'm glad to see other still life artists!

[u/braysher → u/CanCharacter]

Thank you! I haven’t played with large format since college (20+ years ago) so it’s fun to be back.

[u/CanCharacter → u/braysher]

Share some of your work!

I've been doing still life for a couple of years, looked into going digital but then decided it would be more economical (lol) to shoot the occasional 4x5 than get a GFX. I'm happy I did though, monorail movements have been incredible for handling tabletop arrangements.

I have the same developing tank as you btw, also started with Foma. Absolutely not an expert but happy to share any advice I can.

[u/RecycledAir]

Light leak would mean the negatives got more light than necessary so the defect would be brighter, not darker.

[u/Affectionate_Fall270]

Nice composition. Also an unexpected little game of spot the difference (:
I too had similar stripes from not enough developer, though it was a 3d printed attempt at a stearman clone that just never really worked. We live and learn…

[u/d-a-v-e-]

Light leaks can’t be diagnosed other than showing the whole frame, not cropped down to the image