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Troubleshooting
Sometimes you may find that your processing results do not meet your expectations. This section deals with troubleshooting the problems that can occur.
Please note that many errors other than actual processing may appear to be a processing fault. A partial list of these are: Out-of-date or improperly stored film or paper; over- or underexposure; camera, drum or tank, or darkroom light leaks; exposure of the film or paper to X-rays, microwaves, or some chemical fumes; and incorrect identification of the process required for the material you have exposed.
If it is likely that the problem is in the processing, use this section to determine the most likely source. Only test runs should be made until the problem is resolved.
If you are at a loss trying to solve a processing problem, it may be the local water supply. In many locations, the softness level or pH value of the water may not be optimal for photo chemicals. The water may contain dissolved or suspended impurities that may be harmful to the chemicals. Further, the level of these problems may fluctuate seasonally or even more often. If you have any reason to suspect that the water may be contributing to processing irregularities or problems, buy bottled, distilled water to mix your chemicals, and try again. This minimal expense can yield great benefits in quality and consistency of the process.
Note: This information page was prepared for the JOBO manual operating rotary processors (CPE-2 Plus, CPA-2, and CPP-2). Most of this information will apply equally well for the Autolab processors, and to a slightly lesser extent to any processing equipment and procedure.
- Introduction
- Index
- Checklists for Troubleshooting With JOBO Customer Service
- Troubleshooting General Checklist
- Processing Faults for Specific Processes
- Processing Faults - Color Transparency Film, E-6
- Processing Faults - Color Negative Film, C-41
- Processing Faults - Black and White Film
- Processing Faults - Prints From Transparencies, R-3000
- Processing Faults - Prints From Transparencies, Ilfochrome
- Processing Faults - Prints From Color Negatives, RA-4
- Processing Faults - Prints From Black and White Negatives
Checklists for Troubleshooting With JOBO Customer Service
We urge you to review the following checklists to help solve any problems that might arise. If the problem persists after investigating the lists below, prepare a detailed list including:
Equipment
• Processor model, serial number, accessories (JOBO lift?), how long you have owned the processor.
• Film or paper processed: brand, type, age.
• Model of drum or tank used, reel(s) used.
• Other darkroom equipment used.
Supplies
• Process chemicals type, brand.
• When purchased, when mixed.
• How mixed, type of water used.
• How stored.
• Dilutions used.
Processor Settings
• Temperature set, actual temperature of process.
• Rotation: speed.
The Process
• Volume of chemistries, rinses.
• Names and times of each step.
• Any changes in procedure from instructions.
The Problem
• Full description of problem.
• Frequency of problem: once, several times, random, always.
• Full description of attempts to correct problem.
• Corrections you think may work, but have not tried.
With this list at hand, call JOBO Customer Service at (734) 677-6989 Ext. 4721. We are available to diagnose your problem and present possible solutions.
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Troubleshooting General Checklist
Review Non-Processing Errors or Faults
Film and Paper
• Is the film or paper past its expiration date?
• Was it properly stored?
• Was it properly exposed, or exposed at all, or fogged?
• Was the film or paper loaded in the tank or drum correctly?
Chemical Stock
• Did I use the correct chemicals for this film or paper?
• Is the chemical past its expiration date?
• Was it properly stored?
Chemical Mix
• Dilution correct?
• All components mixed in proper order?
• Stirred after each component added?
• Used all the proper components for each solution?
• Mixed at the proper temperature?
• Used at the proper temperature?
Mixing Contamination
• The graduates or mixing vessels thoroughly washed between the mixing of each step?
• The bottles used for storage thoroughly cleaned before using?
• Water rinse was run through the JOBO Lift after the last process to clean the lift?
• Drum or tank rinsed after the last process?
• Drum or tank dried before use?
Mixed Chemicals Impaired
• Stored properly? (There should be as little air as possible over the developer in the storage bottle. It is best if the bottle is full to the brim with no air space.)
• Stored too long? (Date the bottle of chemical when mixed, to know how old it is when used.)
• Used in the correct order?
Much can be deduced about a problem by using the edge markings printed on 35 mm and 120/220 roll film. The marks generally tell the frame or negative number, type of film, and sometimes the emulsion number. This information is pre-exposed on the film during manufacture, and its exposure is correct.
If edge markings appear properly developed on your film, the problem is generally not with the chemicals. Look for difficulties in exposure (camera or light meter problems).
If the edge markings are dull, appear underexposed, or are not fully visible for the length of the film, the problem can be:
• Loading or unloading of film in camera.
• Loading of film on reel in the darkroom.
• Improper storage of the film (excess heat, radiation, or chemical fumes).
• Age of film (old film develops a high fog level).
• Chemical mixing, or dilution, or contamination problems.
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Nothing Works
• Unit not plugged in. Plug the processor into a grounded outlet.
• Check the button on your Ground Fault Interrupt to be sure the receptacle is 'reset.'
• On/Off switch not on. Set switch to '1.'
• AC outlet faulty (check fuse box or circuit breaker).
• The fuse has blown. Replace the fuse. See Appendices for details.
WARNING: If you replace the fuse, and it blows again, contact JOBO for servicing of the processor.
Unit Fails To Heat...
Temperature selection is not set properly. The processor will not heat if the selected temperature is lower than actual temperature of the tempering bath.
The Thermal Overload (CPE-2 Plus, CPA-2, CPP-2) has tripped...
This switch may trip from vibrations during shipment. Press the reset button.
Caution: If the processor is turned on without water in the tempering bath (or very hot water is added to the bath), the thermal overload will trip. This is a safety feature, to prevent overheating and damage to the processor. Always fill the tempering bath with water (not over 50°C, or 120°F), even when doing 'room temperature' processing.
Drum Or Tank Floats While Processing...
Lower water level in tempering trough by turning the level control dial.
Check for the proper roller block arrangement, for the tank or drum used. For 2500 and 2800 system tanks or drums use the lower setup. For 1500 series tanks use the higher setup, facing each other. For 3000 system drums the rollers on their supports face away from each other.
Rotation Motor Slows When Coupling Tank, Or Adding Chemicals...
A slight slowing of the rotation speed is normal when coupling a tank or drum, or when adding chemicals or rinse water to a lift equipped processor. If the slowdown is significant, you are probably using more than the recommended amount of chemicals or rinse water. The maximum recommended volume to be used is 600 ml (20 oz.) with the CPE-2 Plus, and 1000 ml (34 oz.) with the CPA-2 and CPP-2. If the volume is not excessive, check the positioning of the tank or drum on the roller block. The lid or locking ring should not ride on the rollers. Check that the supports are set correctly for the series tank or drum in use. If you are using the lift, be sure that the correct coupling position is selected. Be sure that the trough level is not set too high. If the Transfer Gear shaft is worn, it may slow down the rotation in one direction more than the other - replace the Transfer Gear (#95200).
The Temperature Of The Processor Does Not Lower...
The CPE-2 Plus and CPA-2 do not have a cooling mechanism. The processor cools by radiating heat to the air and counter. If the temperature difference is slight, it could take some time to stabilize. If the room temperature is higher than the selected temperature, it will remain at, or slightly above room temperature.
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Processing Faults for Specific Processes
Processing Faults - Color Transparency Film, E-6
Transparency too dark...
• Increase time or temperature of the first developer.
• This effect also could be caused by underexposure of the film.
Transparency too light...
• Decrease time or temperature of the first developer.
• This effect also could be caused by overexposure of the film.
Transparency too light with a color shift toward blue...
• First developer contaminated with fixing bath.
• Clean equipment and mix fresh developer.
Color shift toward blue...
• Be sure to adjust the reversal bath to a 60% solution for Kodak chemicals (Tetenal is already at the correct dilution.)
• For further adjustments, see E-6 manuals from the major chemical manufacturers.
Color shift toward yellow...
• See the JOBO E-6 Handbook, part #4192, or the E-6 Manuals from the major chemical manufacturers.
Strong color shift toward green with insufficient black density...
• Reversal bath is exhausted. Use fresh reversal.
• With three-step chemicals, replace the color developer, as the reversal agent is incorporated in the color developer. Alternately, you may use a reversal exposure, done after the first rinse is completed.
Yellow spots. High minimum density...
• Developer contaminated with stabilizer.
• Clean reels and tanks.
• See comments on stabilizer in the E-6 Process section.
High minimum density...
• Sometimes a gray, muddy appearance to the whole slide (silver residue). Silver has been retained in the film emulsion due to inadequate action of the bleach or bleach-fix. Aerate the bleach, and re-bleach and fix (rinse and stabilize) to remove the retained silver.
• Weak conditioner in six-bath E-6.
Color shift toward magenta...
• Increase the time of the rinse after first developer to a maximum of four minutes.
• Be sure that the temperature of the rinse water is at the processing temperature. Overly cold or hot rinse water can cause color shifts.
• Aerate the bleach or bleach-fix before starting the process.
• Increase the color developer concentration by 10%.
Film end closest to center core of the reel is undeveloped, or streaked...
• Increase the amount of chemicals being used.
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Processing Faults - Color Negative Film, C-41
Negative too light. (Not dense enough)...
• Developer old or exhausted.
• Could be underexposure of the film.
Negative too dark. (Too dense)...
• Developer mixed wrong.
• Could be overexposure of the film.
No image on film - no edge markings...
• Check sequence of processing steps. Developer must come before the bleach step.
• Developer may be old or exhausted.
No image on film - edge markings are present...
• Chemical steps of the process are OK, film unexposed.
Film end closest to the center core of the reel is undeveloped or streaked...
• Increase the amount of chemicals being used.
Negatives more dense toward edges, gradually getting less dense toward center...
• Reels contaminated with stabilizer. Replace reels.
• See comments on stabilizer in the sections on E-6 and C-41 Film processing.
Film image appears dense, base color of film is very reddish. Long exposure time required for prints, which may have red shadows and cyan colored highlights...
• Fault is with the bleach or bleach-fix step of the process. Silver residues remain in the film, which creates the high density. It is also possible that a colorless leuco-cyan dye has formed in the image, resulting in the red shadows or cyan highlights in a print. Both problems, the retained silver, and the leuco-cyan dye, can be corrected by aerating the bleach (bleach-fix). Then re-bleach, fix, rinse and stabilize the film.
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Processing Faults - Black and White Film
Negative too light...
• Check camera or light meter for possible exposure problems.
• Increase the time of developer.
• Increase the amount of developer. (Particularly if image is 'mottled' and low contrast.)
Negative too dark (dense)...
• Check camera or light meter for possible exposure problems.
• Decrease the time of developer.
Film end closest to center core of the reel is undeveloped, or streaked...
• Increase the amount of chemicals being used.
No image on film - no edge markings...
• Check sequence of processing steps. Developer must come before the fixer step.
• Developer may be old or exhausted.
No image on film - edge markings are present...
• Chemical steps of the process are OK, film unexposed.
Density streaks or clouds...
• Developing time is too short. Dilute the developer to a concentration requiring five minutes or more developing time, or change to a different developer.
• Incomplete fixing of the film. Re-fix and wash the film. Increase fixer time.
• Uneven development. Try slower or faster rotation speed. Add or delete pre-rinse. Clean tank and reels.
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Processing Faults - Prints From Transparencies, R-3000
Print is too dark...
• Increase exposure time.
Print is too light...
• Decrease exposure time.
Contrast is excessive, or black areas are green...
• Reduce time or temperature of the first developer.
Dark areas and colors are uneven...
• Processor is not level, or drum is floating. Level the processor (See the section on Installing the Processor). If the drum is floating, lower the water level.
• Insufficient chemicals. As a minimum use the amount recommended by JOBO, or by the chemical manufacturer, whichever is higher.
Print is too dark, and has low contrast and impure blacks....
• Increase time or temperature of the first developer.
Stripes in print from end nearest to end farthest from the processor motor head...
• Use 1 minute pre-rinse. If using the magnet drive, be sure to start the drum in rotation immediately after turning horizontal.
• Dry drum and lid thoroughly.
Print with undeveloped areas (white areas)...
• Processor is not level or drum is floating. Level the processor. Lower the water level if the drum is floating.
• Chemical amount is insufficient. At a minimum, use the amount recommended by JOBO or by the chemical manufacturer, whichever is higher.
Print has light to white spots...
• Paper has been exposed to light.
Black areas of print lack density. The print has a color shift...
• Exposure to safelight.
Black areas of print (borders) appear red or brown.
• Reduce color developer time.
Very light print with strong magenta-purple color shift...
• Contamination of color developer with first developer. Insufficient rinse after first developer. Increase the number of changes of water in rinse after developer. Be sure to drain the drum thoroughly at the end of each change of rinse water.
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Processing Faults - Prints From Transparencies, Ilfochrome
You must be cautious about the rinse after the developer in the Ilfochrome process. It is a 30-second rinse and the quantity of water should be no more than the quantity of chemical being used. The following cautions should be adhered to:
• Do not extend the time of this rinse past 30 seconds.
• Do not change the water during this rinse.
• Do not increase the volume of the water for this rinse.
Brown or yellow spots on back side of print, or red stains on the exposed side of the print...
• Decrease rinse time and/or water volume after developer.
Spots or streaks - light or completely white...
• Paper has been exposed to light.
Gray or black spots on print...
• Processor is not level or drum is floating. Check if processor is level (see section on 'Installing The Processor'). Lower the level of the water bath, if the drum is floating.
• Chemical amount is insufficient. At a minimum use the amount recommended by Ilford.
Print has reverse (left to right) image - too dark, and orange...
• Paper was exposed through the back side. Expose paper with emulsion side up.
Faint, dark print...
• Increase developing time.
Black areas lack density, and a color shift...
• Safelight exposure, or exposure to light.
Yellow spots on the print...
• Developer contaminated by fixer. Rinse and clean drums carefully. You may need to discard developer and mix fresh.
Yellow edges of Print..
• Increase final rinse time or do additional rinse outside of drum.
Gradual diminishing of color and density on the print from end nearest the motor head to end farthest from the motor head...
• Level processor, or increase chemical amounts.
• Check temperatures and process times.
• Drum is floating in the water bath. Lower the water level until drum no longer floats.
Blue streaks on print...
• Emulsion has been scratched. Remove from drum carefully. Use less pressure on the print squeegee.
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Processing Faults - Prints From Color Negatives, RA-4
Print is too dark...
• Use shorter exposure time.
Print is too light...
• Use longer exposure time.
Black areas of the print are dark blue...
• Increase developer time.
• Increase developer temperature.
• Developer is old or exhausted. Mix fresh chemicals.
Dark blotches in print...
• Paper has been exposed to light.
Print has light colored stripes...
• Processor is not level, or drum is floating in the water bath. Check the processor with level. If drum is floating, lower the water level.
• Insufficient chemical amount. As a minimum, use either the amount recommended by JOBO or by the chemical manufacturer, whichever is greater.
Print is light or off-color on the end away from the motor head...
• Chemical volume insufficient or drum not level. Check that processor is level. Be sure drum is not floating.
Print has stripes from end nearest motor head to end farthest from motor head...
• Use 1 minute pre-rinse. Position drum on processor more rapidly after turning horizontal (if using the magnet drive).
• Be sure that the drum and lid are dry before placing paper to start a process. Be sure to remove the beaker or funnel, and dry them with the lid, before using for the next process.
Light spots in print...
• Bleach-Fix contamination. Clean drum and cap assembly carefully.
• If using a JOBO Lift, run water through the lift after processing, or before the next process.
Color shift when switching from larger to smaller drums...
• Increase amount of fresh chemicals being used. If practical, be sure that the diameter of the test drum and the print drum are the same. Different diameters are likely to give different results.
White in print is impure. (Often Cyan)...
• Wrong, or too bright safelight is in use.
• Darkroom is not light-tight.
• Contamination of the developer with bleach-fix. Rinse drum and lid thoroughly between runs.
Magenta-purple swirls in random pattern(s) or overall across the face of the print...
• Most often from a carry-forward of the developer into the bleach-fix. Increase the concentration or time of the stop-bath. Use a 30-second rinse after the stop-bath step.
Yellow-red to brown 'flame-like' appearance particularly noticeable on edge of print...
• Light fog (light strike) on paper. Check paper storage and handling procedures.
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Processing Faults - Prints From Black and White Negatives
Print too dark...
• Use a shorter exposure time.
Print too light...
• Use longer exposure time
Dark blotches or dark edges on print...
• Paper has been exposed to light.
Print has light stripes...
• Processor not level or drum is floating in the water bath. Check the processor with a level. If drum is floating, reduce the amount of water in the bath until the drum rests on the rollers.
• Insufficient amount of chemical being used. As a minimum, use either the amount recommended by JOBO, or the amount recommended by the chemical manufacturer, whichever is greater.
Print is light on the end away from the motor head...
• Make sure drum is not floating in the water bath.
• Chemical volume may be insufficient.
• Processor may not be level. See Section on 'Installing The Processor.'
Print has light stripes running the length of the drum leading away from the motor head...
• Use a 1 minute pre-rinse. Place the drum more rapidly on the drive magnet after turning horizontal.
Print has light stripes that may run lengthwise of the drum, or run around the circumference of the drum...
• Be sure that the drum and the lid are dry before starting a print. Remove the beaker (light trap) from the lid and dry that as well. This type of mark is almost always caused by droplets of water that get on the paper before the pre-rinse. (Even a longer pre-rinse will not eliminate this problem.)
Overall gray appearance, lacking contrast and highlight detail...
• Check safelight. This condition is most often a safelight fog.
Low contrast, lacking deep blacks and highlights devoid of detail...
• Insufficient developer time.
• Developer too dilute or exhausted.
• Higher contrast paper (or printing filter for multi-contrast) needed.
• Old paper (or paper improperly stored).
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If you have any questions, contact us utilizing one of the following methods:
Equipment or Processing Questions:
- Phone: Customer Service Department (734) 205-9421
e-mail: tech@jobo-usa.comRepair Questions:
- Phone: Repair Department (734) 205-9420
- e-mail: repair@jobo-usa.com
JOBO Contacts
- Telephone (734) 677-6989
- Fax: (734) 677-6963
- Postal address
- P.O. Box 3721, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
- Shipping Address
- 4401 Varsity Drive, Suite D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Electronic mail
- Sales: sales@jobo-usa.com
- Equipment & Processing Questions: tech@jobo-usa.com
Repair Information: repair@jobo-usa.com- Shipping or Billing Questions: help@jobo-usa.com
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This page last updated on 03/20/02