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©Eastman Kodak Company, 2005
Processing KODAK Motion Picture Films, Module 8
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Table of ContentsPROCESS CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Mechanical Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3Chemical Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3Photographic and Sensitometric Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5Correlation of Mechanical, Chemical, and Sensitometric Data . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6Effects of Mechanical and Chemical Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Developer Mechanical Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7Effects of Time and Temperature Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Developer Chemical Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8Effects of pH and CD-3 Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8Effects of NaBr and AF-2000 Variations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9Effects of Na2SO3 and Under–/Over Replenishment Variations . . . . . 8-10Effects of Prebath Contamination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11Effects of CD-2 and Stop Bath Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12Effects of Bleach Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13Effects of F-34a Fixer and FR-1 Final Rinse Contamination . . . . . . . . 8-14Effects of KI Contamination and Water Dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15Effects of Bacterial Na2S and Na2CO3 Contamination. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
DIAGNOSTIC SCHEMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17Color Negative Film Diagnostic Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Verification Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18Problem Sorting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19Low Developer Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20High Developer Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21High D-min (Blue Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22Retained Silver (Ferricyanide and UL Bleaches) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23Retained Silver (Persulfate Bleach) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-24Retained Silver Halide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25
SPECIAL TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26Retained Silver Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27Retained Silver Halide Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27Cyan Leuco Dye Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-28Solution By-pass Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-28Process Omitting Prebath Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-29
PROCESSED FILM PROBLEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30
-2 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
8 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
PROCESS CONTROLThe successful processing of KODAK VISION2 and EASTMAN EXR Color Negative Films requires a good process control system. The essential phases of such a control system include mechanical, chemical, and photographic control, plus correlation and interpretation of results. The philosophy and a recommended system of process control are given in Module 1, Process Control. The following sections are specific for Process ECN-2.
Mechanical ControlMechanical control includes items basic to any chemical reaction, such as temperature, agitation, and time of reaction. The developer temperature for Process ECN-2 should be maintained tightly within specifications. The temperatures of other solutions, while not quite so critical, must nevertheless be carefully controlled. Recirculation and replenishment rates must be regulated to maintain the required chemical activity of the various solutions. Turbulated solutions should be piped through devices that indicate the rates of flow and pressures so that the jet-agitation action of the solution at the film surface can be controlled. A method for calibrating and measuring flow rates is given in Module 2, Equipment and Procedures. The operating speed of the processing machine should be checked frequently. All such factors, whether regulated automatically or manually, constitute the physical or mechanical aspects of control. See Table 8-2, Checklist for Daily Operation of a process machine running Process ECN-2.
Chemical ControlMaintaining the proper composition of the processing solutions is one of the most important elements of control. Maintain the chemical composition of the solutions within the published tolerances to achieve satisfactory process control. Do not compensate for chemical imbalances by altering mechanical parameters. This action is not good process control procedure and is not recommended.
Use the Analytical Methods recommended in Module 3, Analytical Procedures, to determine the chemical composition of each processing solution. Some of the methods require the use of a pH meter to accurately measure solution acidity or alkalinity. An automatic titrator or pH meter is required for potentiometric titrations. A spectrophotometer is required to measure constituents in some processing solutions. With these three instruments plus chemical reagents and the assorted glassware (pipets, burets, hydrometers, beakers, etc,) usually found in analytical laboratories, all of the solutions used in the process can be
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process EC
analyzed. Table 8-1, Critical Chemical Analyses for Process ECN-2 shows the method number for each analysis that is performed on each Process ECN-2 solution.
Table 8-1 Critical Chemical Analyses for Process ECN-2
Solution Analyses Tank Replenisher MethodNumber
Prebath pHSpecific Gravity
D, FW, F
FF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1
Developer pHSpecific GravityTotal AlkalinityCD-3BromideAnti-Fog, No. 9Sulfite
D, FD, FD, FD, FD, FD, FD, F
FFFFFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-0001/1ECN-0003/1ECN-926CECN-157OCECN-1305B
Stop pH D, F F ULM-191-2
Bleach,Ferricyanide
pHSpecific Gravity Ferricyanide Bromide
D, FW, FW, FW, F
FFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-00021/1ECN-0004/1
UL Bleach*
* Alternate Bleach
pHSpecific Gravity BromideIron II, IIITotal Iron
D, FW, FW, FW, FW, F
FFFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-0022/1ECN-2-3275ECN-2-3263
KUL Bleach* pHSpecific GravityBromideIron II, IIITotal Iron
D, FW, FW, FW, FW, F
FFFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-0005/1ECN-0007/1ECN-0006/1
Accelerator (Persulfate Bleach)*
pHSpecific GravityMetabisulfiteBuffer CapacityPBA-1
D, FW, FW, FW, FW, F
FFFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-1340ECN-2-755ECN-2100B
Bleach Persulfate*
pHSpecific GravityPersulfateChlorideBuffer Capacity
D, FW, FW, FW, FW, F
FFFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-0024/1ECN-0009/1ECN-0019-01
Fixer pHSpecific GravityHypo IndexThiosulfateSulfite
D, FW, FW, FW, FW, F
FFFFF
ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECN-0002/1ECN-0002/1ECN-0002/1
D=Daily W=Weekly F=Each Fresh Mix
N-2 8-3
Table 8-2 Checklist for Daily Operation
Steps Spec. Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
1.Was shutdown strip in control?
2.Turn on power, air and water supplies, and the exhaust system.
3.Check solution levels* in machine tanks.
* Solution levels must be high enough in the weir boxes to prevent air from being drawn into the recirculation systems when recirculator pumps are turned on.
4.Check replenisher supply tanks and make fresh replenishment solutions if necessary.
Prebath
Developer
Stop
Accelerator (if used)
Bleach
Fixer
Final Rinse
5.Turn on recirculation pumps.
6.Adjust wash-water flow-meters to proper setting.
7.Turn on and check air supply to squeegees.
8.Turn on temperature control systems.
9.Turn on replenishers. Use leader rates until film is being processed.
10.Turn on dryer fan motor and heater.
11.Start machine and check machine speed.
12.Check final squeegee for cleanliness and adjustment. Make corrections if necessary.
13.Check leader for twists.
14.Check solution time. Prebath
Developer
15.Use KODAK Process Thermometer, Type 3. Check solution temperature.†
† Start-up and every two hours.
Prebath
Developer
Accelerator (if used)
16.Check recirculation rate. Prebath
Developer
Stop
Accelerator (if used)
Bleach
Fixer
Final Rinse
17.Run control strips.
18.Proceed to production if in control.
19.Check replenisher flow rate.† Prebath
Developer
Stop
Wash
Accelerator (if used)
Bleach
Fixer
Wash
Final Rinse
8-4 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Analyze all fresh chemical mixes, as the first defense against mixing errors. The tank solutions should be checked on a regular basis to monitor any changes in the chemical composition. The most useful analysis is pH. It is relatively easy to measure and must be done on a daily basis. A drift in developer pH is usually the first warning of a process about to go out of control. When such drifts are observed, it is important to try to find the cause, rather than to blindly adjust the pH and continue processing. In most cases, this will require a complete developer analysis.
Table 8-1, Critical Chemical Analyses for Process ECN-2 indicates a starting point for the frequency of analysis. The schedule of analysis can be customized by a particular installation to keep its process in chemical control. The customized frequency will depend on the amount of film being processed, and the historical stability of the process.
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN
Photographic and Sensitometric ControlThe chemical reactions involved in processing color films are so complex that it is impossible to evaluate and control the process completely on the basis of mechanical and chemical data alone. The end results are photographic and include the characteristics of the sensitized material and the chemicals of the process. Actual picture tests demonstrate how the process behaves photographically. It is possible, although cumbersome, to use such tests for photographic control. Apart from rigorous photographic control, however, viewing printed picture work off a process is important because it is an indication of the overall photographic condition of the process, both sensitometric and physical.
The best process control methods furnish quantitative information about the process. Sensitometric control strips provide a rapid, accurate and greatly simplified means of evaluating the process photographically. Introduce strips into the process with regular production footage every one or two hours. Evaluate visually, or more precisely, by densitometric methods. Examine the strips immediately after processing and plot the results on the same charts where the mechanical and chemical data are recorded. This information gives a time related check on whether accidents have occurred causing the process to drift away from the process aim. See Module 1, Process Control, Figure 1-7 Typical Control Chart for examples.
For your convenience, sensitometrically exposed control strips are available from Eastman Kodak Company. KODAK VISION2 Color Negative Control Strips, Process ECN-2, are exposed on KODAK VISION2 200T Color Negative Film 5217. They are packaged in 100-foot rolls containing at least 120 exposures and a processed reference strip. The exposures on the roll are spaced at 9.5-inch intervals. Each exposure has 21 gray-scale steps at 0.20 log H increments (2/3 camera stop). The reference strip is exposed exactly as the control strips and is subsequently processed under well-controlled conditions. The instruction sheet contains correction factors that are required to establish your process aims. A four-digit code number appears on the carton, can, control strips, reference strip, and instruction sheet, identifying each production batch of strips. The procedures for using control strips are found in Module 1, Process Control.
-2 8-5
Correlation of Mechanical, Chemical, and Sensitometric DataRecord and interpret all mechanical, chemical, and photographic results, to monitor whether the process is in or out of control. If the process drifts out of control, your control records should indicate what corrective action was taken to reestablish control.
As your experience increases with Process ECN-2, you will accumulate mechanical, chemical, and sensitometric data under many conditions. This reference will indicate what photographic results to expect when various mechanical and chemical changes occur.
Until experience is gained with Process ECN-2, it is important to know generally what photographic effects to expect as a result of chemical or mechanical variations, and approximately what magnitude of change produces a noticeable photographic effect. This information can help you diagnose a photographically off-balance condition.
8-6 Effects
Effects of Mechanical and Chemical Variations—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 DeveloperSample Control PlotsThe sample control plots in this section illustrate some of the major photographic effects of mechanical and chemical variations on KODAK VISION2 200T Color Negative Film 5217 and KODAK VISION Color Intermediate Film / 5242. Each plot shows the effect of a change in a process variable (horizontal axis), on the dye density of the processed film (vertical axis). These density plots are deviated against the standard level for each variable (i.e. standard level for the variable is represented by zero density).
The magnitude of the changes shown in these plots should not be considered to be process control limits. Also, the data presented are qualitative, not quantitative. The plots were derived from experiments using small laboratory machines in which all constituents were held constant except the variable being studied. Hence, the figures should be used only as trend charts and guides. If two or more process variable are changed, the resulting photographic effect illustrated may not be additive. Interactions can occur that produce effects other than those predicted by addition. The plots in this publication are representative only; they do not contain all possible solution problems. Most of the important photographic effects take place in the developer.
The Color Negative Film Diagnostic Charts are diagnostic schemes for the process and highlight the importance of not only the developer, but also the stop, bleach and fixer.
of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Developer Mechanical Factors
Figure 8-1 Effects of Time and Temperature Variations—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
HD-LD
D-min
LD
0000
HD
MD
5217
Temperature
102
110
108
104
106
102
˚ F
Time
5217
.20
.10
.15
.25
+.05
0
.05
.15
.20
.25
.10
.20
.10
.15
+.05
0
.10
.05
AIM
STRIPCODE NO.
REFERENCE
VALUES
RED
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
RED
340
.15
.10
.20
+0
.05
.05
300
240
.10
+0
.05
220
.05
.10
.10
320
RED
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
GREEN
B/W
BLUE
sec F˚
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
RED
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
h2408_1_V2
110
108
102
104
106
220
180
200
˚ F
160
140
sec
R
B
RGB
G RGB
RGB
B
RG
R
G
B
GB
R
RGB
RBG
B
R
GB
GR
B
G
BR
RGB
RGB
R
BG
GR
GB
R
R B G
G
B
R
RGB
52425242
R
GB
G
R
RBG
R
BG
G
BR
B
RB
B R
G
BGR
GBR
R
B GR
B
RGB
R
GB
B
RGB
BG
R
G
RG
BG
GB
R
GR
B
B
RG
G
R
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-7
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-2 Effects of pH and CD-3 Variations—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
G
BGR
B
RRB
GRB
G
RGB
BRG
R
RBG
GB
R
GB
R
B
GR
R
BG
RB
G
RGB
BRG
GB
G
BR
RG
B
BGR
B
RG
B
G
G
R
B
R
GB
BGR
R
GR
B
RGB
B
RG
RBG
BGRR
RGB
RGB
RG
B
BGR
RGB
BG
R
BG
R
RGB
G
BR
GB
R
GBR
HD-LD
D-min
LD
0000
HD
MD
52425217
CD-3
5.50
3.25
4.00
4.75
2.50
pH
5217
.20
.10
.15
.25
+.05
.05
0
.10
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.05
.10
+0
VALUES
REFERENCE
CODE NO.
AIM
STRIP
GREEN
BLUE
RED
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
.10
.20
.15
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
.10
+.05
0
.05
10.4
5
10.2
5
10.1
5
10.0
5
10.3
5
.10
B/W
GREEN
RED
B/W
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
.05
5242
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
RED
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
g/LpHH2408_2_V2
4.40
4.15
3.65
3.40
3.90
g/L
10.4
5
10.2
5
10.3
5
10.1
5
10.0
5
pH
8-8 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-3 Effects of NaBr and AF-2000 Variations—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
MD
HD
0000
LD
D-Min
HD-LD
5217
AF-2000
7.50
3.75
5.00
6.25
2.50
1.6
1.0
1.2
1.4
0.8
NaBr
5217
.20
.15
.10
.25
+.05
.05
0
.10
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.05
.10
+0
VALUES
CODE NO.
REFERENCESTRIP
AIM
BLUE
GREEN
RED
B/W
RED
BLUE
GREEN
.10
.20
.15
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
.10
+.05
0
.05
g/L
.10
B/W
GREEN
RED
B/W
BLUE
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
RED
.05
ml/L
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
RED
H2408_4_V2g/L
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.6
1.4
5242 5242
mL/L
7.50
3.75
5.00
6.25
2.50
RGB
R
BG
R
BG
B
GR
B
R
BRG
G
BG
RBRG
RBG
RGB
B
GR
GB
R
G
BR
B
RG
BRG
B
GR
B
GR
BRG
BR
G
RG
BR
G
B
RB
G
G
BR
G
BR
G
RB
B
G
R
GR
B
G
B
R
GR
B
RBG
GR
B
GB
R
BGR
BGR
GR
B
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-9
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-4 Effects of Na2SO3 and Under–/Over Replenishment Variations—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
ReplenishmentUnder and Over
HD-LD
H2408_3_V2
52175217
.20
.15
.10
.25
+.05
.05
0
.10
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.10
.05+
0
AIMVALUES
STRIPCODE NO.
REFERENCE
RED
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
RED
BLUE
GREEN
.10
.15
.20
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
.10
+.05
0
.05
.10
B/W
RED
GREEN
B/W
BLUE
B/W
RED
GREEN
BLUE
.05
g/L
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
1.5
1.0
2.0
2.5
3.0
-20%
+20
%
0.00
GREEN
BLUE
B/W
RED
Na SO2 3
MD
HD
0000
LD
D-min
g/L
1.0
2.0
1.5
3.0
2.5
-20% 0.00
+20
%
52425242
GRB
R
RBG
BG
G
R
GB
R
B
G
R
BG
G
GBR
RB
BR
GBR
GRB
B
G
R
G
RBG
B
G
R
B
R
GG
B
B
R
B
R
G
R
R G B
B
G
R
B
G
GR
B
R
GB
BGR
R
GR
B
RG
BBR
G
RB
G
BGR
R
GB
RG
B
R
GB
BGR
R
GB
B
GR
BG
R
RG
B
GB
R
G
BR
G
BR
8-10 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-5 Effects of PB-C1 and PB-2 Prebath Contamination—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
MD
HD
0000
LD
D-Min
HD-LD
52425217
Prebath
PB-2
200.
0
150.
0
50.00.0
100.
0
mL/L
200.
0
50.0
100.
0
mL/L
150.
0
0.0
200.
0
100.
0
150.
0
PB-C1
5217
.20
.10
.15
.25
+.05
.05
0
.10
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.05
.10
+0
REFERENCE
CODE NO.STRIP
VALUESAIM
GREEN
BLUE
RED
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
.10
.20
.15
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
.10
+0
.05
.05
50.00.0
200.
0
100.
0
50.0
mL/L
0.0
150.
0
.10
B/W
GREEN
RED
B/W
BLUE
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
RED
.05
mL/L
5242
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
RED
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
RG
B
GB
R
BG
R
RGB
RG B
R
G
B
R
BG
BRG
RGB
G
B
R
H2408_5_V2
RGB
G
B
R
R
BG
RB
G
R
BG
R
GB
BGR
G
BR
RBG
GRB
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-11
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-6 Effects of CD-2 and Stop Bath Contamination—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
HD-LD
D-min
LD
0000
HD
MD
.10
+0
.05RED
.05
.10B/W
BLUE
GREEN
Substitute CD-2 for CD-3
.05
BLUE
GREEN
RED
B/W
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
RED
B/W
.10
1.5
0.0
0.5
g/L
1.0
2.0
.05
.05
0+
.10
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
.20
.15
.10
GREEN
BLUE
RED
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
REFERENCE
CODE NO.
VALUES
STRIP
AIM
0+.05
.10
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.10
0
.05
.05+
.25
.10
.15
.20
5217
0 75
mL/L
5025 100
Stop Bath
5217
H2408_6_V2mL/L
50.00.0
25.0
75.0
100.
0
g/L
0.0
0.5
1.5
1.0
2.0
5242 5242
B G R
BG R
RGB
G BR
BG R
B
G
R
BGR
B RG
BGR
R BG
RGB
R
GB
B RG
GR
B
RG B
RG
B
RG B
B RG
B
RG
BGR
8-12 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-7 Effects of Bleach Contamination—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
RGB
RGB
R
GB
RBG
BR
G
G
R
B
R
B
G
R
RGB
BG
G
B
R
HD-LD
D-Min
LD
0000
HD
MD
.10
+0
.05RED
.05
.10B/W
BLUE
GREEN
BLUE
B/W
GREEN
RED
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
RED
.10
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
.05
.05
0+
.20
.10
.15
RED
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
RED
AIMVALUES
CODE NO.
REFERENCESTRIP
.05
.10
0
.05+
.15
.10
.20
.10
.25
.20
.15
.05
0
.05+
.25
.15
.10
.20
H2408_7_V2mL/L
4.0
0.0
2.0
6.0
8.0
mL/L
0.500.
0
0.25
0.75
5217
UL Bleach
5242
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-13
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-8 Effects of F-34a Fixer and FR-1 Final Rinse Contamination—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
MD
LD
D-min
HD
0000
HD-LD
52425217
Final Rinse
100
25 500
mL/L
F-34a Fixer
5217
.20
.10
.15
.25
+.05
0
.05
.15
.20
.25
.10
.20
.10
.15
+.05
0
.10
.05
AIM
STRIPCODE NO.
REFERENCE
VALUES
RED
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
RED
0.75
.15
.10
.20
+0
.05
.05
0.250.0
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
.10
0.50
mL/L
RED
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
GREEN
B/W
BLUE
5242
GREEN
BLUE
B/W.10
.05
RED .05
0+
.10
H2408_8_V2
400.
0
300.
0
0.0
100.
0
200.
0
mL/LmL/L
0.500.0
0.25
0.75
R
G
B
G
BR
B
GR
GBR
RGB
BRG
GR
B
R G
RGB
B
G
R
B
R
BG
R
BG RG
B
R
BG
R
BG
RG B
B GR
BG
R
B
R G
RG
B
8-14 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Developer Chemical Factors
Figure 8-9 Effects of KI Contamination and Water Dilution—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
HD-LD
D-min
LD
0000
HD
MD
.10
+0
.05RED
.05
.10B/W
BLUE
GREEN
.05
RED
GREEN
BLUE
B/W
BLUE
B/W
RED
GREEN
B/W
.10
5.0
mg/L
0.0
2.5
7.5
.05
.05
0+
.10
.10
.05
.05
0+
.10
.15
.20
.10
RED
BLUE
GREEN
B/W
RED
BLUE
GREEN
AIM
STRIP
VALUES
CODE NO.
REFERENCE
0+
.10
.05
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.10
0
.05
.05+
.25
.15
.10
.20
5217
Kl
0.0
300.
0
200.
0
mL/L
100.
0
400.
0
Water Dilution
5217
H2408_9_V2
5242
2.5
mg/L
0.0
5.0
7.5
200.
0
mL/L
0.0
100.
0
300.
0
400.
0
5242
R
G
B
RGB
RG
GBR
BR
G
RG
R B G
RGB
B
GR
GR
B
BB
5.0
0.0
2.5
7.5
R
B
GB
RG
B
GR
B
GR
RGB
GR
B
R
BG R
B G
R BG
RGB
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-15
Figure 8-10 Effects of Bacterial Na2S and Na2CO3 Contamination—5217, 5242 Film in Process ECN-2 Developer
5217
Na CO2 3
g/L g/L
15.65.6
45.6
35.6
25.6
15.65.6
45.6
35.6
25.6
HD-LD
D-min
LD
MD
HD
0000
2Na SBacterial
5217
.20
.10
.15
.25
+.05
.05
0
.10
.20
.15
.25
.15
.20
.05
.10
+0
REFERENCE
CODE NO.
VALUES
STRIP
AIM
GREEN
BLUE
RED
B/W
GREEN
BLUE
RED
.10
.20
.15
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
.10
+0
.05
.05
.10
B/W
GREEN
RED
B/W
BLUE
B/W
BLUE
GREEN
RED
.05
mg/L
3.0
0.0
mg/L
1.0
2.0
4.0
0.0
1.0
3.0
2.0
4.0
GREEN
BLUE
B/W.10
.05
RED .05
0+
.10
H2408_10_V2
RGB
RG
RB
B RG
G
B RG
RGB
GBR
GB
R
R
BG
G
RB
B
5242
0.
5242
GRB
GRB
GRB
GR
B
GR
B
G
BR
GRB
G
BR
BR
G
RB
G
8-16 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
DIAGNOSTIC SCHEMESColor Negative Film Diagnostic ChartsThe flow chart procedures illustrated in this section will aid in determining the source of an out-of-control process. There are eight major schemes:• Figure 8-11 Verification Process
• Figure 8-12 Problem Sorting
• Figure 8-13 Low Developer Activity
• Figure 8-14 High Developer Activity
• Figure 8-15 High D-min (Blue Only)
• Figure 8-16 Retained Silver (Ferricyanide and UL Bleaches)
• Figure 8-17 Retained Silver (Persulfate Bleach)
• Figure 8-18 Retained Silver Halide
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-17
Figure 8-11 Verification Process
F002_9010EC
of c
ontr
ol s
trip
ste
st w
ith a
noth
er b
atch
Con
firm
; Run
cro
ssov
erS
tora
geLi
ght l
eak
Dam
age
Con
trol
Str
ip
chec
k fo
r co
nsis
tenc
yst
rips
at th
e sa
me
time
toC
onfir
m; P
roce
ss 2
0S
tora
geE
xpos
ure
varia
bilit
y
Con
trol
Str
ips
Var
iabl
e
NO
Con
tinue
to S
how
?D
oes
Dev
iatio
n
YE
S
Pro
cess
Ano
ther
C
ontr
ol S
trip
Pro
blem
Den
sito
met
er
Den
sito
met
er m
alfu
nctio
nD
irty
Filt
ers
Plo
tting
err
orW
rong
sta
tus
filte
rsC
alib
ratio
n er
ror
Con
tinue
to S
how
Dev
iatio
n?D
o D
ensi
tom
eter
ed R
eadi
ngs
NO
YE
S
cinc
h m
ark,
scr
atch
, etc
.C
heck
for
fog,
fing
erpr
int,
proc
esse
d co
ntro
l str
ip.
Rer
ead
prev
ious
ly
NO
YE
S
Dia
gram
Pro
cess
Tro
uble
shoo
ting
Go
to a
ppro
pria
te
Ver
ified
Pro
cess
Pro
blem
deci
sion
can
be
mad
eco
ntro
l str
ips
until
aC
ontin
ue to
pro
cess
and
"Afte
r"R
eadi
ngs
"Bef
ore"
Ver
ify D
ensi
tom
etric
NO
YE
SC
ontin
ue to
Sho
w?
Doe
s D
evia
tion
Con
trol
Str
ipP
roce
ss A
noth
er
Pro
cess
Con
trol
Str
ips?
Do
Pic
ture
s A
gree
with
App
aren
t Pro
cess
Pro
blem
Con
trol
Str
ips
Sho
w
8-18 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Figure 8-12 Problem Sorting
YE
S
NO
NO
YE
S
YE
SHal
ide
Tes
t
NO
Ret
aine
d S
ilver
Hal
ide
Ret
aine
d S
ilver
Dev
elop
erH
igh
Act
ivity
Dev
elop
erLo
w A
ctiv
ity(B
lue
Onl
y)H
igh
D-m
inB
Hig
h D
-min
(Blu
e O
nly)
B
(Red
Onl
y)Lo
w D
-max
RD
ensi
ties
Low
erH
ighe
rD
ensi
ties
Det
erm
ine
Sen
sito
met
ric D
evia
tion
from
Pro
cess
Con
trol
Aim
Pro
cess
Pro
blem
Ver
ified
Cya
n Le
uco
Dye
Reb
leac
h S
trip
toV
erify
Pro
blem
See
the
Cya
n Le
uco
Dye
Tes
t
Is it
Cya
nLe
uco
Dye
?
and/
or R
eble
ach
Str
ip to
Ver
ify P
robl
emS
ee th
e R
etai
ned
Silv
er T
est
Che
ck IR
Den
sity
Is it
Ret
aine
dS
ilver
?S
ee th
e R
etai
ned
Silv
er
Che
ck S
trip
for
Opa
que
Str
eaks
/Ref
ix S
trip
toV
erify
Pro
blem
Is it
Silv
erR
etai
ned
See
Fig
. 8-1
8
Per
sulfa
teS
ee F
ig. 8
-17
Fer
ricya
nide
or
UL
See
Fig
. 8-1
6
See
Fig
. 8-1
4S
ee F
ig. 8
-13
See
Fig
. 8-1
5
F002_9017EC
Hal
ide?
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-19
Figure 8-13 Low Developer Activity
F002_9011EC
Rat
eIn
crea
se R
epl.
Leve
l on
Film
Sto
ckC
heck
Exp
osur
e
(low
pro
babi
lity)
Film
Sto
ckLa
rge
Vol
ume
of
Nec
essa
ryR
epl.
Rat
e if
Che
ck a
nd A
djus
t
Too
Low
Rep
leni
sher
Rat
e
Rep
leni
sher
Mix
Adj
ust
Pro
cedu
reC
heck
Mix
ing
Err
orR
eple
nish
er M
ix
Sol
utio
nM
ix F
resh
Com
pare
Con
tam
inat
ion
Dev
elop
er
Nec
essa
ryP
aram
eter
ifC
heck
and
Adj
ust
BG
R
Con
tam
inat
ion
(incl
.E
limin
ate
Sou
rce
of
reci
rcul
atio
n &
repl
enis
her
lines
)
Dev
elop
er; R
unB
y-P
ass
Tes
t
with
Fre
shB
ars/
Noz
zles
for
Rec
ircul
atio
nP
lugg
ing;
Che
ck
Che
ck
Low
Agi
tatio
nT
ime
Too
Sho
rt
Set
Too
Low
Mal
func
tioni
ng o
rC
ontr
olT
empe
ratu
re
Are
the
Che
mic
al A
naly
ses
ofD
evel
oper
Tan
k O
ff S
pecs
?
Mea
sure
men
ts O
ff S
pecs
?A
re th
e D
evel
oper
Phy
sica
l
NO
YE
S
NO
YE
S
NO
YE
SDev
elop
er R
eple
nish
er O
ff S
pecs
?A
re th
e C
hem
ical
Ana
lyse
s of
8-20 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Figure 8-14 High Developer Activity
Adj
ust S
top
Rep
l.C
onc.
& R
epl.
Rat
eto
Mai
ntai
n S
tabl
eT
ank
Che
mis
try;
Che
ck O
pera
tion
ofC
ross
over
Squ
eege
e
Are
the
Dev
elop
er P
hysi
cal
Mea
sure
men
ts O
ff S
pecs
?Y
ES
NO
YE
SN
O
RG
B
Hig
h S
top
Bat
h pH
Are
the
Che
mic
al A
naly
ses
of D
evel
oper
Tan
kO
ff S
pecs
.? A
lso
see
Fig
s. 8
-16,
8-1
7 &
8-1
8
Con
tam
inat
ion
Dev
elop
erT
empe
ratu
reC
ontr
olM
alfu
nctio
ning
or S
et T
oo H
igh
Che
ck p
H
Com
pare
with
Goo
d D
evel
oper
:R
un B
y-pa
ss T
est
Mix
Fre
sh D
ev.
Elim
inat
e S
ourc
eof
Con
tam
inat
ion
(incl
. rec
ircul
atio
n&
rep
l. lin
es)
Par
amet
er if
Nec
essa
ry
Che
ck &
Adj
ustTim
e to
o Lo
ng
Rep
l. M
ixE
rror
Rep
l. R
ate
Too
Hig
h
Dev
elop
er R
eple
nish
er O
ff sp
ecs?
Are
the
Che
mic
al A
naly
ses
of
YE
S
Che
ck &
Adj
ust
Rep
l. R
ate
Che
ck M
ixin
gP
roce
dure
Sol
utio
nM
ix a
Fre
shA
djus
t Exi
stin
gT
ank
Sol
utio
n
Dilu
tion
from
Exc
essi
veC
arry
-in
Che
ck &
Adj
ust
Rem
-jet W
ash
Buf
fer/
Squ
eege
eif
Nec
essa
ry
Aer
atio
n/O
xida
tion
ofS
olut
ion
(low
sulfi
te o
nly)
Che
ck fo
r A
irLe
aks/
Foa
min
g
Elim
inat
eS
ourc
e of
Oxi
datio
n
Larg
e V
olum
e of
Und
erex
pose
dF
ilm P
roce
ssed
Che
ck E
xpos
ure
Leve
l on
Film
Sto
ck
Dec
reas
e R
epl.
Rat
e
F002_9012EC
NO
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-21
Figure 8-15 High D-min (Blue Only)
F002_9013EC
Add
AF
-9 to
Rep
l. an
d
to S
tand
by T
ime.
Rev
ise
AF
-9 C
onc.
inR
eple
nish
er A
ccor
ding
(tan
k &
rep
l.)C
heck
Lev
el o
f AF
-9
(Dev
)Lo
w A
F-9
Lev
el
lines
)re
circ
ulat
ion
& r
epl.
Con
tam
inat
ion
(incl
.E
limin
ate
Sou
rce
of
Run
By-
pass
Tes
tP
reba
th:
Mix
Fre
sh P
reba
th
Com
pare
with
Goo
d
Mix
Fre
sh D
ev.
Run
By-
pass
Tes
tD
evel
oper
:C
ompa
re w
ith G
ood
Oth
erF
ilter
s U
sed
Vis
cose
Ray
onG
row
thB
iolo
gica
lO
ther
Pre
bath
Con
tam
inat
ion
Dev
elop
er C
onta
min
atio
n
Nor
mal
Blu
e D
-min
?S
trip
Exh
ibit
Doe
s
B
(Blu
e O
nly)
Hig
h D
-min
NO
YE
S
Pre
bath
Tes
tR
un P
roce
ss O
mitt
ing
Filt
ers
Use
dV
isco
se R
ayon
8-22 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Figure 8-16 Retained Silver (Ferricyanide and UL Bleaches)
F002_9014EC
Dis
card
a S
mal
lP
ortio
n of
Rep
l.&
Adj
ust
Che
mic
al L
evel
s
Rep
l. R
ate
Too
Low
Che
ck S
peci
ficG
ravi
tyA
djus
t Rat
e if
Nec
essa
ry
Che
ck R
epl.
&
Too
Hig
h(r
egen
erat
ion)
Sul
fate
Bui
ldup
Adj
ust
Rep
leni
sher
Mix
Che
ck M
ixin
g/R
egen
erat
ion
Pro
cedu
re
Mix
/R
egen
erat
ion
Err
or
Sol
utio
nM
ix a
Fre
sh
& r
ecirc
ulat
ion)
Con
tam
inat
ion
(incl
. rep
l.E
limin
ate
Sou
rce
of
Tes
tR
un B
y-pa
ss
Con
tam
inat
ion
Ble
ach
Par
amet
er if
Nec
essa
ry
Che
ck &
Adj
ustS
hort
Tim
e to
o
or S
et T
oo L
owM
alfu
nctio
ning
Tem
p. C
ontr
ol
Rec
ircul
atio
nC
heck
for
Plu
ggin
g;B
ars/
Noz
zles
Che
ck
Agi
tatio
nLo
w
of B
leac
h O
ff S
pecs
?A
re th
e C
hem
ical
Ana
lyse
s
Ret
aine
d S
ilver
Mea
sure
men
ts O
ff S
pecs
?A
re th
e B
leac
h P
hysi
cal
NO
YE
S
NO
YE
S
NO
YE
SBle
ach
Rep
leni
sher
Off
Spe
cs?
Are
the
Che
mic
al A
naly
ses
of
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-23
Figure 8-17 Retained Silver (Persulfate Bleach)
F002_9015EC
Agi
tatio
n
Mix
a
Sol
utio
nF
resh
Exc
essi
veA
erat
ion
ofA
ccel
Mix
Rec
onst
itutio
nE
rror
Old
Acc
elM
ix a
nd/o
rT
ank
Kee
p M
ixin
gan
d S
tora
geR
ecor
ds
Che
ck M
ixin
gIn
stru
ctio
ns
Che
ck fo
r A
irLe
aks
and
Exc
essi
ve
Che
ck &
Adj
ust i
fN
eces
sary
Che
ckS
p G
r
Rep
leni
sher
; A
djus
t Sol
utio
n
Dis
card
Par
t of
YE
SY
ES
NO
NO
YE
S
Sol
utio
n
Par
amet
er if
Nec
essa
ry
Che
ck &
Adj
ust
Mea
sure
men
ts O
ff S
peci
ficat
ions
?A
re th
e B
leac
h T
ank’
s P
hysi
cal Lo
wT
emp.
too
Sho
rtT
ime
too
Con
tam
.B
leac
h
Con
firm
ed,
Mix
a F
resh
Tan
k
Con
tam
.S
ourc
e of
Elim
inat
e
Run
Byp
ass
Tes
t
Che
ck &
Adj
ust
Par
amet
er if
Nec
essa
ry
Tem
p. to
oH
igh
YE
S Tim
e to
oS
hort
(Hyp
o)C
onta
m.
Acc
el.
Tan
k an
d R
epl.
Off
Spe
cific
atio
ns?
Are
the
Che
mic
al A
naly
ses
of A
ccel
erat
or
Ret
aine
d S
ilver
Mea
sure
men
ts O
ff S
peci
ficat
ions
?A
re th
e A
ccel
erat
or T
ank’
s P
hysi
cal
NO
YE
S
(Fer
ri)
Rec
onst
itutio
n
Sul
fate
Bui
ldup
inB
leac
hor
Acc
el.
Rep
leni
shm
ent
Low
Rat
e B
leac
h
8-24 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Figure 8-18 Retained Silver Halide
F002_9016EC
Sol
utio
nM
ix a
Fre
sh
Che
ck U
nit
Mal
func
tion
Cor
rect
Rep
l. R
ate
Incr
ease
Che
ckR
epl.
Rat
e
Sys
tem
Rec
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Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-25
SPECIAL TESTSIntroductionThis section explains how to run the following special tests mentioned at various places in the Diagnostic Charts:• Retained Silver Test
• Retained Silver Halide Test
• Cyan Leuco Dye Test
• Solution By-pass Test
• Process Omitting Prebath Test
8-26 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Retained Silver TestRetained silver is the result of ineffective bleaching. The symptoms are:• Increased density in the high-density areas of the film,
particularly D-max, with no changes in lower densities (such as D-min). It may be seen as increased contrast.
• The infrared density of the D-max patch increases. Normally, an infrared density (at 1,000 nm) of less than 0.07 is acceptable, between 0.07 and 0.14 is marginal, and greater than 0.14 is unacceptable. A sound track densitometer is a suitable instrument for this measurement.
Verification Test:
1. Prepare a small volume of fresh bleach, or use a known good solution of bleach replenisher.
2. Immerse the processed film with suspected silver retention in the bleach for 1 to 2 minutes. Agitate by moving the film strip manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds under running water.
3. Fix the strip for 1 to 2 minutes in a small volume of a good fixer solution, again agitating manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds.
4. Dry the film and reread the infrared density. An infrared density within the acceptable region (which had formerly been marginal or unacceptable) confirms silver retention. Lower optical densities also confirm retained silver.
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN
Retained Silver Halide TestRetained silver halide is the result of ineffective fixing. The symptoms are:• There are large increases in density (i.e., greater than
+ 0.10 R, G, and B) in both the D-min and D-max steps of the control strip. The overall contrast is only slightly increased.
• The infrared density of the D-max patch is normal. Normally, an infrared density (at 1,000 nm) of less than 0.07 is acceptable, between 0.07 and 0.14 is marginal, and greater than 0.14 is unacceptable. A sound track densitometer is a suitable instrument for this measurement.
• Opaque streaks are generally visible when the strip is viewed with reflected light.
Verification Test:
1. Re-fix the processed control strip for 1 to 2 minutes in a small volume of a fresh fixer replenisher solution or known good fixer replenisher. Agitate by moving the film manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds under running water.
2. Dry the film and reread the densities. If the D-min and D-max readings are down to normal control levels after refixing and/or the opaque streaks disappear, the problem can be attributed to retained silver halide.
-2 8-27
Cyan Leuco Dye TestCyan leuco dye is a colorless form of cyan dye. The sensitometric effect is exclusively in the red layer, with the red D-max being lowered by as much as 0.30 units. In Process ECN-2, the effect on cyan dye results in artificially low red contrast. Leuco dye can be produced by several fixing or bleaching conditions.
Extended fix time (longer than 4 minutes) or high-current density in on-line silver-recovery cells can cause leuco dye in Process ECN-2. The extended fix time is not likely to occur unless the film has been stopped in the fix tank. The leuco dye can be converted into its colored form by reprocessing through a fresh bleach.
Verification Test:
1. Re-bleach the suspected strip in a small volume of fresh bleach for 2 to 3 minutes. Agitate by moving the film strip manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds under running water.
2. Dry the strip and reread the red D-max step. If the red D-max is raised to its normal control level by re-bleaching, the problem is verified since the cyan leuco dye is converted back to its colored form.
8-28 Effects
Solution By-pass TestUse this test to check out any processing solution when it is suspected of causing a photographic deviation. It is particularly useful in avoiding unnecessary dumping of a suspected processing solution. Although the test is often used with secondary solutions, it can also be used to check out prebath and developer problems if an adequate “sink-line” process (i.e., with a controlled temperature bath) is available. The test procedure is outlined below
1. Obtain a sample of the suspected solution.
2. Mix a fresh sample of the solution in question or use a known good solution of the same type, i.e., from another processing machine.
3. In a sink-line process, run one set of control strips through the suspected solution, and the other set through the known good solution. Use normal processing times and temperatures. If possible, process both sets together at the same time. Use the same solutions for both sets of strips for all other processing steps.
Note: For secondary solutions, strips can often be processed in the machine up to the point in question. After cutting out the strip at the crossover, proceed as described above in a sink-line process. The strips may be spliced onto machine leader at the exit of the suspected solution and processed together for the remaining steps.
4. Compare the photographic results from the suspected solution and the known good solution. If the set of strips processed in the suspected solution deviates in the same direction as the actual photographic deviation, the suspected solution is causing the photographic effect. If the results between the two solutions are similar, the test can be repeated checking the other processing solutions, one at a time.
Note: Since sink-line tests may not give exactly the same results as machine runs, it is important to look at the difference between the sets of strips, even if they do not exactly match normal control strips.
of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Process Omitting Prebath TestThis test can be used to help indicate the source of development-related high blue D-mins in Process ECN-2.
1. Process a strip of KODAK VISION2 Color Negative Film omitting the prebath. This can be done right on the film processor by skipping the prebath rack.
Note: The rem-jet backing can be removed manually either before or after processing, using a plush pad and denatured alcohol.
2. Read the D-min of this film with a densitometer and compare the results with the D-min of a normally processed strip.
3. Results/Action:
a. If high blue D-mins persist, check the developer for contamination.
b. If high blue D-mins become normal when omitting the prebath, check for prebath contamination.
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN
-2 8-29PROCESSED FILM PROBLEMS
Problem Appearance in the Film
Appearance in Projected Print or Telecine Transfer
Possible Source of Problem Suggestion Corrective Action
Black lines and comets
Short, black lines and comets on emulsion sur- face. Shiny in reflected light.
Short, white lines and comets.
Under certain conditions, the electrolytic silver cell in the fixer recirculation systems produces small, flocculent silver flakes. These flakes get into the fixer tank, attach to the emulsion, and then go through the fixer squeegee, where each one is smeared into a line or comet.
Use a 10- to 15-micron filter in the fixer return line from the cell, or correct operation of the cell.
Curtains Faint vertical streaks of non-uniform density.
Moving curtains in large uniform density areas.
Improper developer turbulation. Follow specifications for turbulation coverage, pressure, and frequency.
Dirt particles Dark spots and marks. Easiest to see under high-intensity spec-ular lighting.
White spots or sparkle.
Dirt may consist of dust, cloth filaments, hair, skin flakes, chemical crystals, scum, etc. Such dirt can come from machine operators, air-conditioning units, incorrect construction materials, lack of solution or dryer air filters, water hardness, poor housekeeping.
Establish and follow good laboratory cleanliness procedures. For more information on laboratory cleanliness, refer to Module 2, Equipment and Procedures.
Yellow particles on surface.
White spots. Low fixer pH causes the formation of sulfur particles in the fixer.
Maintain the fixer pH within specifications.
Dots equally spaced apart, repeating
Film base deformed or emulsion marked.
Repeated showers of dots in which individual dots are always the same distance apart.
Soft touch tire riding on the emulsion during processing.
Be certain the emulsion does not ride on spools with soft-touch tires.
Film stopped in the dryer and distorted by heat where touching the tire.
Do not stop film in dryer.
Film twisted before dryer. Correct twist.
Edge marks A cyan-edged dark scallop on the film edge. Repeats at frequency of roll circumference, decreasing in size as roll unwinds.
Dropping roll of unexposed film onto hard surface.
Handle film with care.
Emulsion skivings
Small particles of emulsion sheared from the film edges and deposited on the film surface.
Spools improperly aligned, or with burrs. Check the machine spools.
Ferrotyping Irregular, shiny areas on the emulsion surface.
Wet or tacky emulsion at windup. Adjust the dryer to provide adequate film drying.
High windup tension on unprocessed films. Reduce the windup tension.
Unwinding and rewinding unprocessed cold film without allowing it to reach room temperature first.
Always allow adequate time for film to come to room temperature before using in camera or re-winding for inspection.
Fine streaks Faint vertical streaks.
Sharp-edged streaks and lines apparent in uniform density areas.
Worn or misaligned wiper-blade squeegee. Check and align squeegees.
8-30 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Fungus or algae deposits
Irregular smears, streaks, and spots.
Smears, streaks and spots.
Fungi and algae tend to form on the inside walls of the wash tanks. Their presence is indicated by a slippery and slimy feel to the tank walls.
A 5 1⁄4 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite, available as household bleach (e.g., Clorox), can be used to clean the tank in order to control the formation of fungi and algae. See “Control of Biological Growths,” in Module 2, Equipment and Procedures.
Fuzzy spots Faint fuzzy spots. Soft-edged, low-density spots in uniform areas of moderate density.
Air bubbles in Process ECN-2 washes, causing nonuniform swelling of the negative emulsion and creating lens-like depressions. Mixing hot and cold water releases air from the cold water, producing very tiny air bubbles.
Allow tempered wash water to stand in a supply tank before use. Add to the top, and remove from the bottom of the wash tanks, or run the tempered wash water through a horizontal coil of very large hose (inner diameter of 2 inches or more) before the wash tank. Any of these measures should reduce the amount of air bubbles in the wash tanks.
Magenta stain Magenta density increase.
Several rewashings of camera films in RW-1 produces increased magenta density.
Green light printer exposure may have to be adjusted if film has been rewashed.
Stop with low replenishment rate, excessive developer carry-over, or high pH.
Maintain recommended stop replenisher rate and pH.
Excessive concentration of borax used in the bleach to control its pH.
Lower borax level to 1-2 g/L.
Newton’s rings Fuzzy, erratic, faintly colored lines.
High or uneven printer gate pressure. Adjust printer.
Low relative humidity in printing room. Raise relative humidity to 60 percent.
Preprint film was dried too fast or over dried.
Adjust drying conditions of preprint film.
Pressure marks Magenta marks. Green marks. Pressure on emulsion causing magenta layer fog.
Avoid holding, pinching, buckling, or pressing on the emulsion of unprocessed film.
Yellow spots or blotches.
Blue spots or blotches.
Excessive pressure applied to the emulsion (e.g., soft-touch tire pressed on film by feedstand brake).
Eliminate all objects that put excessive pressure on the unprocessed emulsion.
Prussian blue Blue dirt or scum. Inadequate stop wash, causing low bleach pH (ferricyanide bleach only).
Be sure the wash rate is adequate to keep the pH of the final stage of the stop wash above 3.0.
Problem Appearance in the Film
Appearance in Projected Print or Telecine Transfer
Possible Source of Problem Suggestion Corrective Action
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-31
Rem-jet contamination
Black areas, black flakes, or gray streaks on the film base or emulsion surface.
White images of the negative defects.
A prebath that is low in pH, temperature, or time less than required.
Check that prebath meets specifications.
Maladjusted spray nozzles in the rem-jet removal equipment.
The pairs of nozzle sprays must strike the film simultaneously from opposite sides so that the water flow is across the film. The scouring action across the base removes the rem-jet backing and suspends it in water, while the spray across the emulsion side prevents any water laden with rem jet from reaching the emulsion surface before it leaves the strand. The nozzle pairs must be balanced in direct opposition, with the correct speed and flow across the strand to prevent the rem jet from migrating around the edge of the film or through the perforations onto the emulsion surface. Rem jet is not easily removed from the emulsion surface.
Reticulation Rough emulsion surface.
High solution temperatures. Adjust to specifications.
High wash temperatures. Adjust to specifications.
Dryer temperature too high or relative humidity too low.
Adjust to specifications.
Scalloped or fluted edges
Excessive tension on the film strand. Check the processing machine for excessive tension in the film loops caused by a high rack or improper machine drive. Check for improper threading. Rectify either condition.
Problem Appearance in the Film
Appearance in Projected Print or Telecine Transfer
Possible Source of Problem Suggestion Corrective Action
8-32 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Scratches Light lines running length-wise on the film.
Dark lines running length-wise on the film.
Deposits on rem-jet buffer. Install a buffer-cleaning nozzle, and replace the buffer roller regularly. Water from the cleaning nozzle must not run onto unsprayed rem jet. KODAK Anti-Calcium, No. 4, or equivalent, in the prebath prevents the precipitation of calcium or magnesium salts.
Old, hard, worn, crystal-laden, or maladjusted wiper-blade squeegees.
Use spring-loaded wiper blade squeegees of 40-durometer hardness or less. Keep them clean, and replace them when worn.
Cinching a roll of film before or after processing.
Be certain that the machine take-up does not jerk the film roll. Train film handlers in proper film rewinding techniques.
Improper loading of camera magazine or processing machine.
Always handle film with care. Examine cameras and equipment for sharp edges, burrs, etc, and eliminate them.
Machine spools that are not rotating freely or are out of line.
Check spools regularly, and replace bearings when necessary.
Chemical crystals or other foreign material on spools.
Spools and racks should be cleaned regularly according to the procedures in the machine maintenance section of this manual.
Improper machine threading (a twist in the film) or improper splices.
These problems should be corrected according to normal processing procedures.
Shoreline In specular reflected light shoreline appears as lines around perforations and/or running lengthwise on the film.
Fuzzy contour lines at the sides of projection aperture.
Nonuniform or too rapid drying of the film emulsion.
Reduce the temperature, or increase the relative humidity of the air in the drying cabinet.
Static marks Yellow spots and dots.
Blue spots and dots.
Rapid rewinding or transporting film in low relative humidity.
Unprocessed film should not be rewound at high speed. The relative humidity in the rewinding area should be 50 percent or greater.
Emulsion contact with flat non-conducting rollers before processing.
Only undercut rollers should come in contact with the emulsion surface. Use conductive materials on the rewind, load accumulator, etc, and ground them.
Problem Appearance in the Film
Appearance in Projected Print or Telecine Transfer
Possible Source of Problem Suggestion Corrective Action
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2 8-33
The information contained herein is furnished by Eastman Kodak Company without any warranty or guarantee whatsoever. While Kodak is unaware of any valid domestic patents of others which would be infringed by the methods, formulas or apparatus described herein, the furnishing of this information is not to be considered as any license for inducement of, or recommendation for any action by any party any such action being a matter for independent investigation and decision by such party.
Tacky film Inadequate final film squeegee action. Check the air flow, alignment and cleanliness of the final squeegee.
Inadequate drying conditions. Check the temperature, relative humidity, and flow rate of the air in the dryer cabinet. The heaters or the fan may not be functioning properly, or the air filters may be plugged with dirt. If the dryer uses recirculated air, be sure it is mixed with incoming air. Also check the humidity control of recirculated air. If the film is still tacky after all possible normal corrective measures have been taken, as a temporary measure, increase the temperature of the dryer air. Because increased air temperature can be injurious to the film, such action requires close attention to the physical appearance of the film.
Water spots Irregular areas on emulsion surface best seen in specular reflected light.
Spots, streaks, and run marks.
Lines, drops, or puddles of water allowed to enter the dryer on the film.
The final squeegee in the process must be very efficient and must remove virtually all water from the emulsion surface.
Yellow fog Yellow highlights. Blue shadows. A low-level light leak in the dark section of the machine (e.g., from luminous clocks or night lights).
Remove all sources of light that shine directly on unprocessed films.
Yellow stain Yellow highlights. Blue shadows. See Diagnostic Scheme, Figure 8-15 High D-min (Blue Only) for contamination of developer by sodium thiocyanate (VNF-1 first and color developer, or Reversal Agent RA-1).
Use care to avoid developer contamination of any kind.
Problem Appearance in the Film
Appearance in Projected Print or Telecine Transfer
Possible Source of Problem Suggestion Corrective Action
8-34 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
MORE INFORMATIONFor more information on motion picture products, call or write to the Professional Motion Imaging office nearest you.
Or access our home page on the Internet, web site address—
http://www.kodak.com/go/motionYou may want to bookmark our location so you can find
us more easily.
Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN
-2 8-35Revised 12/05Printed in U.S.A.
Processing KODAK Motion Pi cture Films, Module 8Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Processing KODAK Motion Picture Films, Module 8, Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECN-2
Kodak, Vision2, Eastman, and EXR are trademarks.