Blue tones in mercury plates

[jgmotamedi]

I should also note that this is only an occasional occurrence for me, usually my plates are neutral or slightly warm. Last weekend’s plates were fine.

[greg7mdp]

Overexposure causes those blue tones (also called solarization). Try doubling the second iodine times and it will make it less likely.

[photolytic]

Jason,

Probably under development.

Due to the recent cold weather the top to bottom temp gradient in your mercury box may greater than usual.

Your rather long first iodine time (70s) also suggests that a lower temp in your darkroom may be the root cause.

I assume the 70degree was measured in the mercury itself whereas the temp on the plate surface may be considerably lower.

Remedy: When this happens, try increasing your developing time and or mercury box temp slightly.

[jgmotamedi]

Thank you John and Greg!

[Author]

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