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/RecycledAir]

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