Which processing error causes films to turn black with poor image contrast?

• A. Weak fixer solution
• B. Above normal developer solution temperature
• C. Cold or non-circulating wash water
• D. Oxidized or depleted developer solution

Answer: (B)

Developer temperature controls how fast the emulsion is reduced during processing. When the developer runs hotter than recommended, its chemical activity increases and development occurs more rapidly across the entire film. That rapid development makes the film very dark overall, and because the tonal range is pushed to higher densities, the differences between light and dark areas shrink, giving poor image contrast. Other processing problems produce different visual clues: for example, a weak fixer leaves the image unfixed or introduces a yellow-brown stain rather than making the film uniformly black, cold or non-circulating wash water can cause inadequate washing and artifact buildup, and oxidized or depleted developer yields an underdeveloped, fainter image rather than a uniformly dark one.