Delta 400

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My film of choice is Delta 400 developed in Xtol.I have good results from ei400 to 800. In an effort to use just one film & not have to use,on odd occasion,Delta100 just how close can I come to Delta 100 with Delta 400? or How good is Delta 400 at 100 & 200,with Xtol?

-- Melvin (bramley@nanaimo.ark.com), May 21, 2002

Answers

If you're using 35mm you'll see a big difference in Delta 100 and 400 in 8X10s, and the larger the print the more difference you'll see. In MF you'll not see so much difference unless you make really large prints. (400 will make very, very nice 11X14s from 6X7) Anyway, Delta 100 is a wonderful and very easy film to work with so don't be worried about using it - and it works great in Xtol. Anyway, its a matter of taste as to what is acceptable or desireable graininess, etc. so suit yourself.

-- Henry Ambrose (henry@henryambrose.com), May 22, 2002.

I think Delta 400 is a great film. But it is not going to equal results from Delta 100 no matter how you rate and process it. Delta 100 is considerably sharper and finer grained. Now, how much it matters really depends on how much resolution you need. If you're talking 8x10 prints from 35mm, I don't think there is enough difference to worry about; Delta 400 is fine for that. But once you get to 11x14 you'll see a significant difference in grain and resolution. Although Delta 400 holds up very well in terms of acutance at 11x14, it will not resolve as fine detail or hold as fine grain as Delta 100.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), May 24, 2002.

Thanks to Ted & Henry for your reply. I must now concede that I am on a wild goose chase to find a ONE film to do everything. When using Delta 100 in Xtol can I expect the same incease in real film speed that I find I have with Delta 400(excellent at 650). Also how good is HP5 in Xtol???

-- Melvin (bramley@nanaimo.ark.com), May 25, 2002.

I rate Delta 100 at 100. As far as I'm concerned the only shortcoming of D100 is its speed-sometimes you just need more speed-when you don't D100 is simply beautiful to work with and look at. Delta 400 I rate at 400-I'm much happier with D400 at this speed than anything higher. HP5 at 320 is really nice in Xtol too-but now you're up to 3 films ;>) !

-- Henry Ambrose (henry@henryambrose.com), May 26, 2002.

I'm basically with Henry on the speed issue. Both Delta films are quite true to their indicated speeds. I prefer to rate both films a third stop over and develop a little less. This allows for a little safety and improves overall shadow detail slightly, also, less developing reduces grain and maximizes resolution of fine detail. However, with a bit more development, both films will deliver full speed. They are consistent in their rated speeds: Delta 400 is two stops faster than 100.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), May 27, 2002.


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