Photographic or radiographic film images may be suboptimal due to a number of possible causes. Troubleshooting consists of characterizing the deficiency, narrowing down the number of possible causes, then finding and correcting the problem.
Problem
Possible Cause
film fogged
film out of date
film improperly stored
film dark
over-exposed
overdeveloped
film pale
under-exposed
underdeveloped due to processing too fast
underdeveloped due to exhausted chemicals
poor contrast
overdeveloped
developer contaminated with fix
inadequate fixation and/or washing
poor definition or blurry
subject movement
subject out of focus
Problems with exposure and development are common.
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