kodak film which developer

greenspun.com : LUSENET : B&W Photo - Film & Processing : One Thread

Using kodak film notably black and white 400ASA and 3200 ASA pro, what developer would give the best tonality. I've heard conflicting views and would just like some others. (I know there is no right combination !!!!)

Ta adrian

-- adrian (adriancobb@hotmail.com), January 07, 2002

Answers

Well, which b&w 400? T-Max? Tri-X. I guess the 3200 is T-Max - I would go with T-Max developer for that one. As you indicated, there is no one right answer, it all depends.........

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), January 07, 2002.


D-76 works well also 1:1 as does HC110 dilution B. What effect do you want to achieve? Cheers

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), January 07, 2002.

Adrian,

If you haven't explored Tri-X Pan developed in HC-110 dilution 'B', I recommend you give it a try - great acutance. You may even wish to bump it to ISO 1600 for some serious grain effects.

-- Al Fairclough (Lensman@hotmail.com), January 07, 2002.


Hi, I'm currently using Tri-X and Xtol (1:1 or 1:2). I'm about to try again some T-Max 400 and Rodinal which in the past gave me some great effects for abstract architectural shots. I see 2 previous mentions of HC-110 and I have never had much luck with that-weird un even developing where I've had zero problems with any of the others I've tried. Effects will vary with format 35mm-120-4x5 and one developer will be more acceptable in one format than another. HC-100 a perfect example for me- great for 4x5-less than good for 35mm. Pyro is great for 120! ok for 35mm I've seen people have trouble with it at 4x5. Subject matter does come into play as does your objectives. I like Rodinal , it has wonderful grain in 400 speed film, but may not be the best for portraiture. It's easy to use, but once again grain is a consideration. After going around and around with developers and films it's still hard to improve upon the ease and predictability of D-76, not the sharpest negs but great tonality and a standard from which to judge other developers.

Experiment and let us know how it comes out! W

-- Warren Allen (whatrix@home.com), January 12, 2002.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ