Sorry about the delay in getting back to this thread. I finally made it through a roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 with the K1000. Had it processed at another lab and, wonder of wonders, no scratches on any of the frames
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Positioning on the roll is irrelevant; beginning, middle, or end - no difference.
Looks like I'm going to have to blame the original lab's handling of my B&Ws for the scratching. Really disappointed as I liked them personally. In describing my woes to other lab techs and photographers, it sounds like I'm not the first to run into these kinds of problems with this lab
Anyhoo, thanks to all for your comments. I now know what to look for in terms of issues with the camera as opposed to problems with the lab.
Best to all,
Kevin