510 Pyro and Pyrocat HD, is there really a difference?

[chuckroast]

Isn't the OP asking about differences between 510 Pyro and Pyrocat HD so what's the relevance of PMK, other than it is another staining developer that is different from the two the OP want to know about ?

pentaxuser

Because 510 stains and prints more like PMK than does HD. It's just a point of reference from those of us who have used all three.

One of thing that commends 510 (and why I have "fixins'" here for it) is that it handles big SBRs much like PMK - that is to say, it manages highlights very well - but works much better than PMK with 35mm wherein grain can become an issue.

As noted upthread, HD[C] doesn't shoulder off highlights anywhere near as much so big SBRs have to managed more carefully.

 

[John Wiegerink]

Just from my very limited playing with 510-pyro I think it handles highlights (reins them in) a little better than Pyrocat-HDC. I should also add that I am using the old 510-pyro recipe that called for .25g of phenidone and not the newer .375 phenidone one.

 

[Alan9940]

When I anticipate developing in 510-Pyro, I meter for detailed shadows in Zone III, then take the shot. I never worry about the high end because I know 510 can handle it. However, if I'm planning to develop in Pyrocat-HD (never used the C variant) I place my shadows as before, but I'll also spot meter around the scene to determine SBR. Neither is more cumbersome to use, rather it's nice to have options when out in the field.

 

[John Wiegerink]

When I anticipate developing in 510-Pyro, I meter for detailed shadows in Zone III, then take the shot. I never worry about the high end because I know 510 can handle it. However, if I'm planning to develop in Pyrocat-HD (never used the C variant) I place my shadows as before, but I'll also spot meter around the scene to determine SBR. Neither is more cumbersome to use, rather it's nice to have options when out in the field.

Both are very good developers and you won't go wrong using either one. Both are also good for stand and semi-stand developing, if you are into that.

 

[GregY]

after some problems with bad chemicals, i finally have a working pyrocat-hdc.
When wet printing i'm finding that the contrast is really low (landscapes, pretty normal contrast scenes), too much to obtain a decent print, with no local contrast in the midtones.
Is it me or it's more suitable for very high contrast scenes?

T, i can't offer a solution other than what's been said about exposure & agitation. But i've used Pyrocat since it was introduced & it is my standard developer for anything. Here's an example of Tmax w yellow filter processed in Pyrocat HD and wet printed. Lots of mid tone separation.