Tom Scott , Oct 29, 2009; 12:22 a.m.
This is the second batch of film I have tried to process with Diafine 2 part developer and have ended up with the same kind of results; Murky backgrounds, streaks. I have used D76 in the past and not had any of these problems. I use part A for 4 min, inversion agitation for first 5 seconds of each min, same with part B. Water for stop bath about 1 minute. And fix for 5 minutes with Kodak Kodafix. The first batch of film was Arista Edu 100 in 4x5 and this is Fuji Neopan Acros 100 in 120. Anyone have any ideas as to what the problem might me?
Hurricane Shoals
Tom Scott , Oct 29, 2009; 12:23 a.m.
Hurricane Shoals
Bob Keefer 
, Oct 29, 2009; 02:00 a.m.
Streaks could be agitation related; Diafine is kind of sensitive to agitation issues.
The murkiness is a characteristic of Diafine, which, as a compensating developer, reduces contrast.
What EI did you use? Shadows seem blocked up in your shots.
My own experience with Diafine has been mixed. For me the sweet spot has been Tri-X rated at 800-1000 in extremely contrasty scenes, like the beach, sunny snow or night photography.
Diafine is not, to my thinking, a good general purpose developer. But it's interesting, so I usually keep some around.
Tom Scott , Oct 29, 2009; 02:19 a.m.
I am fairly new to this so, I am not certain what Exposure Index is all about, I shoot at box speed if that is what you mean. As for agitation, the first batch of 4x5 I used 10 seconds at the start of each minute, with this batch I lowered it to 5 seconds, or 3 inversions and couldn't really tell any difference in results. I think I'm going back to D-76.
Michael Axel 
, Oct 29, 2009; 03:04 a.m.
It is likely caused by the fact you're not using stop bath. With only 4 minutes, a bath of water could easily continue the development. You should use stop bath for that short of development, or skip the water bath and go right to fixer. Alternatively, you could use a more dilute solution.
P C Headland , Oct 29, 2009; 04:52 a.m.
A water stop bath is not the cause of the problems. Diafine develops to completion, i.e. no more development takes place after about 3 minutes of bath B (which is where the development occurs).
Whenever i have used Diafine, I have followed exactly what the directions state on the tin - one gentle inversion at the start of each minute. EIs for common films are suggested on the tin too. For Acros, EI 200 is a good starting point, but I've no idea for the Arista (check on the massive development chart). I usually develop for 5 mins + 5 mins. I've not experienced any problems with uneven development.
Juergen Sattleru , Oct 29, 2009; 08:03 a.m.
Diafine typically adds speed to most films. For Arista 100 I usually shoot at ISO 200, up to ISO400 and the negs come out great in Diafine. You do NOT need a stop bath (other than water) - so that is certainly not your problem. I develop 3 min each for A & B and never had any streaking issues. Diafine is so forgiving, I really can't imagine what caused your problem - maybe it is the agitation.
Tom Scott , Oct 29, 2009; 09:12 a.m.
Like I said, I am fairly new to this but, if EI were the problem, wouldn't my film just be either under or over developed instead of unevenly developed? Or does the lighter areas develop more slowly than darker areas? The directions on the box that the two tins came in does recommend EI 200* at 5min + 5min with an asterisk for Acros 100 35mm film but there is nothing to tell you what the asterisk means and it does not mention MF film. It also says to agitate for the first 5 seconds of each minute. Do you really think that could still be the problem? Should I try stand processing or, no agitation at all? Also my negatives come out very dark, these were shot in bright afternoon sunshine at f/16 and 1/125 sec although this is the first roll I have shot with this camera so, I can't verify the accuracy of shutter speeds.
Frank Schifano , Oct 29, 2009; 09:21 a.m.
First of all, a stop bath is specifically NOT recommended when Diafine is used as the developer. It is important to wash the developer out before fixing though, and that takes two or three changes of clean water. If you follow the package directions to the letter, you won't have a problem.
Tom Scott , Oct 29, 2009; 09:45 a.m.
Frank, again the package states "4. Drain and rinse in plain water for about 30 seconds. The use of acid stop-bath is Not recommended."
I did not use an acid stop-bath, I used water. Are you saying this means a continuous rinse for 30 seconds? As in 30 seconds under running water? I just filled with water, agitated 3 or 4 inversions, let it stand for about 45 seconds then dumped and fixed.
