Too much contrast.

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Hi everybody, i am a new M6 TTL W/35 Summicron pre asph proud owner, i start to shot with Delta 400, i then develop the film Ilfosol 1/9, i'm following the company instruction and timing, but everything come out with too much contrast. Anyone can help me with some advice? Thanks in advance.(sorry for my bad english)

-- Stefano Ravizza (rawizza@hotmail.com), March 23, 2001

Answers

You could reduce the development time. Try first to reduce the time by 1/3. If you find the results too flat, adjust your development time. I don't use Ilfosol with the Delta 400, maybe another developer would give better results.

If you don't know much about development, read some books. I would recommend 'The Negative' by Ansel Adams. It has been recently reprinted in soft cover. In my opinion it's way overkill for 35mm negatives, but it will give you strong basis. Additionally, this is one of the only technical book writen by a master photographer.

Xavier

-- Xavier (xcolmant@powerir.com), March 23, 2001.


I haven't used Ilfosol with Delta 400 so I can't say for sure why you're getting such contrasty results.

XTOL 1:1 produces a very nice tonal scale with this film.

Godfrey

-- Godfrey DiGiorgi (ramarren@bayarea.net), March 23, 2001.


I agree with Godfrey. XTOL at 1:1 is a fine devloper for Delta 400. I have found it is a little sensitive to agitation, so you need to be very consistent when agitating. I use 30 seconds initially, then 5 seconds every minute there after, using Kodak's published times. I use a Patterson tank so agitation is twisting motion. I typically develop at 72 degrees F, and for 8:30. Also, exposure needs to be spot-on, and I rate Delta at EI 400 and use a Gossen ambient meter mostly (though the Leica meter is very accurate as well (just aim it at a mid-tone area).

Hope this helps.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), March 23, 2001.


I agree as well, I think the Delta films are very particular and require very accurate treatment. I also agree that you might be agitating too much and maybe too fast.

You might want to try films like HP5 or Tri-X in developers like D-76 or Ilford's ID-11. In my opinion, these are a little more forgiving to slight changes in time, temperature and agitation.

Good Luck Stefano.

-- jeff voorhees (debontekou@yahoo.com), March 23, 2001.


regards Delta 400/XTOL 1:1 and agitation:

I find that XTOL gives me much more consistent results when I process at 72-75 F temperatures. I use very light agitation ... 10 seconds initial, 5 seconds every minute gently after that. I use Jobo tanks, agitate by tipping the tank 3-4 times about 30 degrees. Excellent results.

Godfrey

-- Godfrey DiGiorgi (ramarren@bayarea.net), March 23, 2001.



Stefano; I have controled the contrasr in Tri-X film by reducing agitation, and time, but mainly agitation.Havenīt ever try Delta neather Ilfosol, but every thing is relatively the same, one round without raising the tank every 30 sec. or one minute, has worked fine for me, specialy in sun and shadows shoots.Good luck

-- R Watson (AL1231234@HOTMAIL.COM), March 23, 2001.

If you live in Europe try Fotospeed FD10 with Delta 400, 1+9 at 20.5C, 7 minutes gentle agitation, 3 turns per minute. Really suited to Delta 400 and is very fine grained as well. The recommendation is for 8 minutes but maybe because of the higher contrast of Leica lenses, 7 minutes is perfect. Also definately use distilled water for your developer. I don't think Fotospeed is available in the US.

-- sam smith (ssmith@hotmail.com), March 23, 2001.

Tanks everybody, i understand that i have to try a lot, but your answer really help. I gues that this is part of the game. Grazie from Rome

-- Stefano Ravizza (rawizza@hotmail.com), March 24, 2001.

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