best developer for FP-4+, HP-5+, Tri-X

Actually, there is a Best Developer for the films you listed. As long as you are not trying to 'push' it above its real speed. The real speed is 0.1 (density units) above (the inherent) base + fog. The true speeds for your films, according to my tests are: FP-4+, 64; HP-5+, 200; Tri-X (not 'Pro')260. The BEST developer is PMK (Pyro-Metol-Kodalk.) This is Gordon Hutchings' formula and is published both in his 'Book of Pyro' and the indespensible 'Darkroom Cookbook' by Steven Anchell. PMK is available from Photographers Formulary (http://www.montana.com/formulary/) Some larger camera stores stock the kit also. If you have even a basic knowledge of chemistry, you can mix it yourself form stock chemicals available at any chemical supply house. Try it and you'll never use D-76 again!

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