Beginner developing B&W for the first time

[sl_guy]

I'm about to develop my first roll of Ilford Delta 100 film for the first time and I have a few questions to ask. I bought Kodak D-76 developer powder 1 gal, and Kodak Fixer. I'm going to use the developer with 1:1 dilute solution and my question is, do I mix the developer to 1 gal and store in a container? Each time I use it, just mix it in a cup with 1:1 ratio?
How about the fixer? Do I reuse it or one time shot?
Any help would greatly appreciate.

 

[MattKing]

Hi, and welcome to APUG.

You are correct about the D-76 - mix the 1 gallon of "stock" and then dilute whatever you need when you develop. As an example, if your developing tank takes 16 ounces in total, add 8 ounces of stock to 8 ounces of water.

You didn't ask, but I expect you understand that if you dilute the D-76 stock for use, it is a "one-shot" process - you discard the diluted working solution after use.

The fixer can be reused. Pay close attention to the capacity recommendations from Kodak, plus do a "clip test" regularly. There is also a limit to the time it will last, after mixing. You also need to carefully check re-used fixer for particulate contamination. The concerns about particulate are the reason that some here prefer not to reuse fixer.

For capacity and other useful information, this table from Kodak is very useful:

http://wwwcaen.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/e103cf/e103cf.pdf

Have fun, and feel free to ask more questions.

Matt

 

[fschifano]

Another thing. Don't store the stock solution in a single large bottle. Split it up into smaller 1 or 1/2 litre bottles. The developer keeps better if there is no airspace. It all spelled out clearly in this document.

 

[juan]

Another thing - you've picked a film and developer. Use that combination for at least a year until you've learned something about what you're doing. It's very easy to read, here on APUG and other places, about different developer and film combinations - then to start trying them while looking for a magic bullet. There is no magic bullet. You need to figure out all the proper steps to doing what you want to do, and the first of those is to pick a film and developer combination and stick with it for awhile.

Welcome to APUG, and good luck.
juan

 

[Christopher Walrath]

And also take this advice. Unless it is absolutely necessary, DO NOT CHINCE ON YOUR FILM, PAPER (if and when) AND CHEMISTRY. It might cost a little more in the long run. However, you stand less chance of emulsion defects that have occurred at the bargain houses and by using quality products there is much more documentation and help available for reference. Using Arista papers and films this year, take my word for it. I'm going back to TMY-2 in my HC110 and I'm gonna splurge for some Ilford Multigrade Warmtone this year. I'm not printing on Arista papers anymore.

 

[guyjr]

I concur with sticking to one combination for a while. Doing this will allow you to fine tune your technique, and work out any issues you encounter (and believe me, you will encounter issues!) without having to worry about whether or not changes made in chemicals are to blame. I've been developing at home since April, and have stuck to using Rodinal, Ilfostop, Ilford Rapid Fixer, with a final rinse with Ilfotol. I've encountered all the usual problems along the way - streaking, white spots, burnt edges, and all of them were due to my technique.

The most critical things I've learned along the way - do not overagitate the Ilfotol (it likes to turn into a frothy beast!), but use what is stated... do not touch the film with rubber gloves (that led to some contamination issues a few times)... and hang the film tape side down (i.e., if you leave part of the tape attached on a 120 roll, do not hang it such that the tape is at the top - this led to white splotches on my rolls). Oh, and if you reuse a reel right after developing, make sure it is absolutely, completely dry.

 

[bobwysiwyg]

I also concur, being in the midst of my first year. I'm sticking with one film (two actually, T-Max 100/400) and one developer, D-76. More than enough to keep me busy trying to figure things out.

 

[trexx]

I have see a lot recommending to stick with one film/developer. DO NOT do this, this is the worst advice ever, IMHO. The thinking is stay with one until you have mastered that film. But if that film is one you despise you will give up on film before you ever master it. I get students saying I use just this film and it never does what I want. Some have used for almost two years and never got what they were looking for. They think that it is thier technique not the film. Well they are right it is them, because that have not explored enough variations.

there are of course budget considerations. But try as much as you can get your hands on, do give a combination several rolls before moving on. Keep notes. At some point you will find a combination you like. Make that your standard, but try something different all the time.

 

[steven_e007]

The advice is not contradictory... try a few films until you find one you like, try a few combinations until you get results you like... THEN stick to it!

I tried this myself. I tried various films and combinations for about... 25 years. I've now just decided to stick to FP4+ and Perceptol 1+3. My photography is improving already ;-)

Maybe try to get to the sticking stage a little quicker...?

 

[Doc W]

Trexx, I think it is a question of balance. I wouldn't suggest that a beginner stay with one combination for years until they "master" it. However, you cannot know if a film really doesn't suit you until you know how to develop it and print it. Sure, there are exceptions, but generally speaking, bouncing from film to film and developer to developer without really exploring them a little is not only counterproductive, it is baffling for beginners. They want to see those rich blacks and spanky whites and don't realize that you can't get those results until you know your materials a little.

You can develop a really good film like FP4 in a really good developer like D76 and print on a really good paper like MGIV and still get shite unless you take the time to learn how to get good results. And the knowledge gained with one film, one developer, and one paper will apply to just about any combination you can name, with modifications of course. Going through the process will help you understand what to modify and how.

If sl_guy had started with a whacky or difficult combination, that might be another thing, but Ilford Delta and D-76 sounds ok to me. A next step might be to try FP4 or Plus X.

 

[fschifano]

Delta and D-76 is fine, and so are HP5+, FP4+, Plus-X, Tri-X, and the TMax films. They all work well and none of them are particularly difficult. This whole business of sticking with one film is crazy because this stuff isn't hard. All you need to do is take notes and organize them in a logical way. Before you know it, you've got yourself a nice database of shooting conditions, development techniques, and results that you can draw on.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

I have see a lot recommending to stick with one film/developer. DO NOT do this, this is the worst advice ever, IMHO. The thinking is stay with one until you have mastered that film. But if that film is one you despise you will give up on film before you ever master it. I get students saying I use just this film and it never does what I want. Some have used for almost two years and never got what they were looking for. They think that it is thier technique not the film. Well they are right it is them, because that have not explored enough variations.

there are of course budget considerations. But try as much as you can get your hands on, do give a combination several rolls before moving on. Keep notes. At some point you will find a combination you like. Make that your standard, but try something different all the time.

We're not talking master the film, rather master the process. Get used to the environs before venturing out a bit further. Great advice.

 

[Anscojohn]

Every noobie should adopt a film; use it for a time souped in D76/ID11 and making the best print possible. Establish a baseline for what a neg looks like souped in the benchmark b/w film developer.

 

[sl_guy]

wow...what a great community....lots of good advices. I thank you all for your contributions. This helps a lot to a newbie like myself.
It makes me think that film is not dead compare to digital

 

[Christopher Walrath]

No. We're alive and well. Welcome to APUG.

 

[Stew]

Have fun developing your film ! Welcome to APUG !