8x10 FP4 Plus and Microdol-X Questions.

[Keith Tapscott.]

I have a 1 litre size package of Kodak Microdol-X which I mixed yesterday which I want to use for processing the 4 sheets of FP4 Plus (E.I.80) that I used today. I am considering using this developer diluted either 1+2 or 1+3 for Jobo rotary processing in a 2850 print-drum.
Does anyone have any guide times for these dilutions at 24*C ?
I usually use D-76, but thought I would try the MX.

 

[tbm]

I shoot 35mm film (Delta 100, FP4+, Acros 100) and always process those listed in MX diluted 1+3 at 74-75 degrees for 18 minutes and get beautiful results in stainless steel tanks. I have never used the Jobo system, however.

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

I shoot 35mm film (Delta 100, FP4+, Acros 100) and always process those listed in MX diluted 1+3 at 74-75 degrees for 18 minutes and get beautiful results in stainless steel tanks. I have never used the Jobo system, however.

That seems to be about right. The times I have from the Ilford data sheet for FP4 Plus in Microdol-X are: 15 minutes in stock solution and 23 minutes when diluted 1:3 at 20*C.
For Ilford Perceptol which is similar to Kodak Microdol-X, the data sheet suggest 12 minutes stock, 15 minutes for 1+1 and 21 minutes for 1+3 at 20*C.
Due to the lower volume of processing solutions required for drum processing, I was thinking about using a 1+2 dilution at 24*C instead. I just need to figure out a guide time for 1+2 at 24*C to start with. Perhaps I should take the times for Perceptol diluted 1+1 and 1+3 at 20*C and average them and then use their temperature conversion chart. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[phfitz]

"Any suggestions are welcome."

You might want to run a few test sheets first, diluted dev. + limited volume = flat H&D curve (no highlights). The developer just runs-out of gas and can not produce densities above X. This was a very effective method used to produce 'highlight/shadow' masks for color separation work, the shoulder could be placed exactly where needed.

Have fun with it.

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

"Any suggestions are welcome."

You might want to run a few test sheets first, diluted dev. + limited volume = flat H&D curve (no highlights). The developer just runs-out of gas and can not produce densities above X. This was a very effective method used to produce 'highlight/shadow' masks for color separation work, the shoulder could be placed exactly where needed.

Have fun with it.

May be I should use 1+1 instead.

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

I processed the films using the 1:3 dilution at 20*C for 21 minutes. The negatives look a touch dense, but with good shadow detail. I will contact print them later.