Film Processing: Purple-Pink Negatives - 400 Tri X

As I recently have been processing my film, I've noticed that the negatives have a distinct purple cast. I wasn't sure what the problem was, and searching for the problem and solution on the internet, I've seen lots of different theories about it. 

What it reminded me of, is the cast that TMAX has. TMAX negatives have a similar cast, and the solution to the problem is vigorous agitation during the fixing process, and an extended fixing time (4-5 minutes).

In the image above, the "new" 400 Tri X is the top negative, and the older (now discontinued) Tri X 320 is below. You can easily see the pinkish-purplish cast.

The image is clickable to a higher res version, if you would like to take a closer look.

I have modified my fixing process to continuously invert my processing tank for 5 minutes, and that seems to have reduced the problem. The negatives still have a slight purple tint, but it isn't as pronounced or uneven as before.

I think that Kodak has tweaked Tri X to include some of the same physical characteristics as TMAX. The purple pink tint might be the anti-halation coating they use on the film backing.

By the way, the wide negative above is the 6x12 negative from my Lomography Belair. It looks good and I look forward to getting the scan done, which I will do by using my iPhone, but more on that later!

Holga Photo from the China Trip - People's Park in Guangzhou

I took this photo in Guangzhou, China at the People's Park. We were walking around the outside of the park, looking for the entrance, when I looked down and saw a fitness area where several seniors were exercising. I had only moments to react, as the man in this photo finished his exercise and moved away moments after I tripped my shutter.

This was taken with a Holga 120N, using Tri-X film.

Holga Photo from the China Trip - Guangzhou Park Slide

This photo was taken in Guangzhou, China on Shamian Island in a park. The parks in China are well populated with young and older people and is a place where children play, parents sit and relax and passer-bys stop and eat their lunches. This photo was made with a Holga 120N, with Tri-X.

Holga Photo from the China Trip - Beijing, Temple of Heaven

Beijing, China - Temple of Heaven

On the trip, I uploaded an iPhone camera version of this image. This one was shot with the Holga 120N, on Tri-X, with the wide-angle accessory lens attached. The last couple of days we were in Beijing, we had a snow storm.  While touring the Temple of Heaven, it was snowing pretty heavily, which was cold, but quite beautiful.