I have been examining the films I have developed over the last couple of years, and have started to wonder if I am getting an acceptable level of base fog. I know a small amount of this is unavoidable, and can be "printed through", but I am obviously keen to minimise this. I don't have much to compare my results with, as I have only been developing for a couple of years.(posted 8333 days ago)I have not tested this in any scientific way. What I have done is hold up a piece of developed and fixed film with no images on it, and tried to look through it. What I see is by no means clear. There is a distinct fog.
Firstly, is there any easy way of telling if this is at an unusual level? Secondly, any recommendations for how it can be minimised?
For the record: I mostly use new Ilford Delta 400 120, developed in Ilfotec-DDX. Ilfostop stop bath for 2 minutes. Ilford Hypam Rapid fixer used for 5 minutes. All done in Patterson Super System 4 tanks (I have 1-reel, 2-reel and 3-reel tanks). Agitation 4/5 inversions for 10 seconds in every minute. Film loaded in absolute darkness of course!