Troubleshooting Processor Problems

1
TroubleshootingProcessor Problems
2
Film Density Decreases

• Probable Cause
• Developer Exhausted
• Minor under replenishment
• Minor machine running too fast
• Developer temperature low

• Possible Corrections
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Increase replenishment rate
• Correct transport speed
• Adjust to specifications

3
Film Density Decreases Cont.

• Probable Cause
• 5. Pump not working
• 6. Too much starter added
• 7. Developer improperly mixed
• 8. Contamination

• Possible Corrections
• Repair or replace
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Dump chemicals and replace

4
Film Density Increases

• Probable cause
• Replenishment rate too high
• Developer temperature high
• Contamination of developer with fixer
• Light leaks in processor cover or room light

• Possible corrections
• Decrease replenishment rate
• Adjust to specifications
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Repair light leak

5
Strong Ammonia Smell

• Probable Cause
• 1. Developer contaminated with fixer

• Possible Corrections
• Dump developer and replace
• Check anti-splash guard
• Check replenisher feed lines for cross-feeding

6
Foam in Developer

• Probable Cause
• 1. Air leak in system

• Possible Corrections
• Bleed air from system lines
• Check pump operation
• Tighten all hose connections
• Replace worn gaskets
• Check filter operation

7
Foam in Fixer

• Probable Cause
• Air leak in system
• Solution exhausted
• Insufficient hardener

• Possible Corrections
• 1a.Bleed air from system lines
• b. Check pump operation
• c. Tighten all hose connections
• d. Replace worn gaskets
• e. Check filter operation
• Dump chemical and replace
• Increase hardener

8
Processing Streaks

• Probable Cause
• 1. Rollers and crossovers encrusted with chemical
  deposits

• Possible corrections
• Clean equipment thoroughly with warm water
• Check all film contact surfaces for imbedded
  particles.

9
Films Not Drying

• Probable Cause
• Dryer temp too low
• Thermostat or heater not working
• Insufficient hardener
• Fixer exhausted
• Inadequate washing
• Dirty air passage

• Possible Corrections
• Increase thermostat setting
• Repair or replace
• Increase hardener
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Check pump operation
• Clean air passage

10
Films Stick to Dryer Roller

• Probable Causes
• Improper fixing
• Fixer exhausted
• Insufficient hardener
• Temperature too low

• Possible Corrections
• Increase replenishment rate
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Increase hardener
• Adjust thermostat

11
Stains

• Probable Cause
• Exhausted developer
• Exhausted or contaminated fixer
• Dichronic fog

• Possible Corrections
• Dump chemicals and replace
• Dump chemical, clean machine thoroughly and
  replace
• Check for under replenishment

12
Emulsion Coming off in Developer Solution

• Probable Cause
• Inherent in film
• Insufficient t hardener
• Developer exhausted

• Possible Corrections
• Increase amount of hardener and check roller
  condition
• Increase hardener
• Dump chemicals and replace

13
Static

• Probable Cause
• Improper handling
• Processor not grounded
• Film not interleaved

• Possible Corrections
• Handle carefully, avoid creasing buckling and
  friction
• Ground equipment and work area
• Fan film before using

14
Fogged Film

• Probable Cause
• Light leaks in darkroom
• Replenishment rate too high
• Developer temperature too high
• Film outdated
• Insufficient starter

• Possible Corrections
• Repair light leaks
• Decrease replenishment rate
• Adjust thermostat
• Rotate stock
• Check manufacturer's specifications

15
Films have a Brownish Look

• Probable Cause
• 1. Inadequate developer, replenisher

• Possible Corrections
• 1. Adjust replenishment rate

16
Jamming

• Probable Cause
• Transport rollers not turning properly
• Poor replenishing rates
• Guide shoes out of adjustment
• Feed tray not properly aligned

• Possible Corrections
• Check gears and drive mechanism
• Adjust system
• Adjust guide shoe
• Align

17
Scratches

• Probable Cause
• Guide shoes not adjusted
• Raised or toughened areas of the transport
  rollers
• Nicks in feed tray

• Possible Corrections
• Adjust guide shoes
• Replace damaged roller
• Replace feed tray

18
Black Flaky Marks

• Probable Cause
• 1. Accumulation of algae

• Possible Corrections
• 1. Clean tank and roller and replace filters in
  developer and water

19
Increased fog

• Probable Cause
• Old film
• Contamination of developer
• Increased developer temperature
• Over replenishment
• Fogged film

• Possible Corrections
• Eliminate
• Dump and replace solutions
• Adjust temperature
• Adjust replenishment rate downward
• Replace film

20
Films have a milky appearance

• Probable Cause
• 1. Inadequate fixer replenishment

• Possible Corrections
• 1. Adjust fixer flow rate or replenishment rate

21
Films have a Greasy appearance

• Probable Cause
• Inadequate water supply
• Wash tank might be dry

• Possible Corrections
• Turn on water or increase flow rate
• Fill water tank