Hi all, I’m returning to developing again after 15 years. This happened twice across 3 cameras so I’m fairly confident it’s a development problem, but let me know if you think otherwise. I did 2 rolls in a Paterson tank loaded in a dark bag. I developed in my bathroom with the light on (assuming that’s fine since I used to do that in high school). I used 600ml of chemicals (Rodinal, Ilford rapid fixer). I used water for my stop bath as I’m in Vancouver and read the soft water would be fine (let me know if I’m wrong).
The first batch were both from the same camera. One turned out fine and the other was completely dark to the point I couldn’t see the film ID. I had made sure to unload the camera in the dark because I had actually lost a roll because the tape I used in bulk loading made it so the film didn’t rewind into the cassette. The second was from two different cameras and again one turned out fine and the second was dark, though less so where I couldn’t see the film ID. I don’t think it’s light leaks in the cameras because I replaced the light seals.
Could the light be leaking through the middle or side of the tank when I swap chemicals? I made sure that it was clicked in place and used the plastic piece between the two spools but did not use the agitator stick (don’t think I need to).
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m just getting back into this and it’s discouraging to lose rolls like this.