I have read a few articles on Rodinal, including the one on unblinkingeye. My question is simple (or maybe it just sounds simple). Even though the grain will be noticably larger when using Rodinal as opposed to D-76, will the resolution still be as good or better? I can't help but think that since Rodinal doesn't eat the silver at all, resolution must be maintained even though the print will not look as "smooth". Anyone use Rodinal with HP5 or TriX?

John

-- John Kilmer (tcompton@citlink.net), February 09, 2001

Answers

The actual resolution of a Rodinal-developed image will be _worse_ than, say, D-76 1:1 although the print may well appear to be much sharper to the eye.

Or to put it differently, the Rodinal image will appear sharper while the D-76 (or most any other "standard" developer) image will actually show somewhat finer detail.

In trying Rodinal with HP5+, you might try adding up to 25g sodium sulfite (half a plastic film can) per liter of working solution; that can help reduce the graininess a little and increase the EI by 1/3 to 2/3 stop.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), February 10, 2001.

Rodinal doesn't do very well with HP5+. Contrast seems terribly reduced vs. HC-110 dil B, which is not typical of other films' performance in Rodinal.

I don't know if Rodinal actually obscures detail in film: it's possible that it does, as my early results with TMX haven't been quite as good as I thought they'd be detail-wise. Interesting look though.

-- John O'Connell (boywonderiloveyou@hotmail.com), February 11, 2001.

Contrast is simply a function of development time/temperature, developer strength, agitation and curve shape given by a specific film/developer combination.

If you want more contrast with Rodinal, just use a longer development time or a stronger solution. The curve shape of HP5+ in Rodinal 1:50 is fairly straight from the speed point out 15 stops, far more range than is printable.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), February 11, 2001.

Dear Mr. Kilmer,

Please have a look at our web site: www.agfaphoto.com, than click on trends & experiences, than on backissues. At March 2000 you will find an article about RODINAL. This article was published in the german photographic magazine "ColorFoto". In this article you find a description how RODINAL works and some hints how to process films. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Wolfgang Holz Product Manager Marketing Chemicals

-- Wolfgang Holz (wolfgang.holz.wh@germany.agfa.com), February 12, 2001.

But John, adding sulfite will actually decrese acutance, won't it?

-- Xosni (xosni@gega.net), February 17, 2001.

> decrese acutance

It depends on how much you add. Just try different amounts; none, 12g/L, 25g/L, 50g/L etc.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), February 17, 2001.

John,

I've processed HP5 and Tri-X in Rodinal. HP5 rated at 160 ASa, Rodinal 1+49/20C/9 minutes. Grain is not too prominent and sharpness is very good. Tri-X similarly, but grain is much more obvious, though very 'crystalline'.

Chris

-- Chris Waller (chriswaller21@yahoo.co.uk), April 05, 2001.