Can't get rid of this edge fog!

[waffles]

I've been developing black & white film at home for a few weeks now. I've tried multiple different film stocks (Ilford FP4+, Kodak TMax 400) multiple different formats (120, 135) and in multiple different cameras (Nikon F3, Nikon N80, Hasselblad.) I've always used the same chemistry (Ilfosol, Acetic Acid, Rapid Fixer, Photoflow) and the same tanks.

One problem that has popped up frequently across these combinations is edge fog. I've tried different agitation schemes and been keeping my reels & tanks (Hewes, Nikor) meticulously clean ... but it won't go away. I'm getting really frustrated!! I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the edge fog always occurs on the side of the reel that is adjacent to the bottom of the developing tank. So far, it hasn't ruined any of my photos, but I never had this problem when I was developing in college and I don't understand what I'm doing wrong

 

[Grim Tuesday]

I get this, I always assumed it was from the 120 film and backing paper, with some light coming in at the edges. I use totally different chemistry from you Looking forward to hearing other suggestions

 

[koraks]

What @Grim Tuesday said: a bit of light piping. Usually harmless; if you want to prevent it, keep the roll tightly wrapped during loading and unloading and load and unload film under subdued light or even in the dark. Too much hassle for me, so I just accept it and don't care. If it's not in the images, it's not a problem.

 

[bdial]

If the fogging is only on the edge, as Koraks says, it's harmless, and normal. Your picture makes it look like there is fogging well into the image area, but apparently it's the lighting on the wall.

 

[pentaxuser]

I have had this occasionally with an Agfa Isolette 1 folder where the film is wound on by hand using a knurled knob on the camera. Once wound but not removed immediately I think the film tends to unwind itself to a slight extent and if I then forgot to tighten the film as I took it out and then applied to gummed seal at the end of the backing paper to what was an already slightly unrolled film I'd get a touch of light piping. It never got into the frame area. Roll the film tight as you remove it from the camera and this may prevent any recurrence but there is not need to worry about it. It is not fog related to processing

pentaxuser

 

[voceumana]

I think the part of the image where it might look like the fogging enters the image area is actually the bathroom tile that is providing the light behind the negative.

I would have suspected the edge fogging is from light creep around the edge of the film roll--except you say it happens on 35mm sometimes. Maybe your tank has some sort of weird reflection into the light trap. Maybe try a different tank?

 

[koraks]

except you say it happens on 35mm sometimes.

Yes, that is worrying, you're right. What also occurs to me is that the fog seems to have a quite clearly defined edge. This is not consistent with light piping, which generally tapers off instead of just stopping. Indeed, there may be an odd light leak through the center column of the development tank. I don't use Nikor tanks myself so I can't comment on any specifics.

 

[KN4SMF]

That's why the film instructions say load in subdued light.

 

[MattKing]

Is the fogging just at one point on the roll, or does it repeat through the roll?
Do you load your reels in a darkroom, or a changing bag?
What tanks do you use?

 

[Sirius Glass]

What @Grim Tuesday said: a bit of light piping. Usually harmless; if you want to prevent it, keep the roll tightly wrapped during loading and unloading and load and unload film under subdued light or even in the dark. Too much hassle for me, so I just accept it and don't care. If it's not in the images, it's not a problem.

I finally stopped this from occurring on my 120 film but putting exposed film in black plastic film boxes until they are developed. [Both color and black & white]

 

[Agulliver]

It really could be any number of things. If it is on 120 only then it's likely a small light leak due to the film not being tightly wound and sealed. If OP has this on 135 too it could be a small light leak in the developing tank or in the changing bag or dark room.

As long as it's limited to the edges and not in the frames, I wouldn't especially be concerned.