Correct film processing procedures were previously discussed in the section on film processing, but the following table summarizes common film processing errors, the results, and possible solutions.
| ERROR |
RESULT |
SOLUTION |
Developer temperature too low
 |
Film too light
|
Check and adjust temperature
|
| Developing time not long enough |
Light film |
Use a timer |
| Developer solution too old or diluted |
Films too light
Yellow or brown film |
Keep a schedule of chemical maintenance
Run checking film |
| Developer too warm |
Film too dark |
Check and adjust temperature |
| Developing time too long |
Film too dark
Foggy film |
Use a timer |
| Light leak in processing |
Film too dark
Foggy film |
Check processor and darkroom |
| Film exposed to light before processing |
Film too dark
Foggy film |
Don't open film until safety light is turned on and other lights are off
Check safety light for leaks |
| Films exposed to radiation after exposure |
Foggy film |
Take exposed films out of room when exposing other radiographs |
| Fixer too old or contaminated |
Yellow or brown film
Green film |
Check with checking film
Replenish and maintain on schedule |
| Incorrect rinsing between developer and fixer |
Streaking |
Follow proper protocol for rinsing between chemicals |
Chemicals exhausted
Incorrect or insufficient washing |
Streaking
Green film |
Run checker film every day
Wash longer after fixer |
| Dirty rollers, fingerprints |
Artifacts or Streaking |
Clean rollers, handle films by edge |
| Films sticking together |
Green Film |
Refix and rinse |
| Bending films |
Lines on film |
Don't bend films |
| Static electricity |
Lightning marks on film |
Humidify environment, use Static Guard |
| Water drops on film |
White spots |
Don't put film in water after removing it from its wrapper |
| Developer splash on film |
Black spot |
Make sure countertop is dry after changing chemicals |
