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Best HC-110 dilution for HP5+ ?

Colin Corneau

Member
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Nov 20, 2007
Messages
2,365
Location
Winnipeg MB Canada
Format
35mm RF
Hey all - I recently picked up some HC-110 to try out. I've been shooting mostly HP5+ lately and was curious to see how it works with the new developer.
While I love the shorter development times, I'm not so keen on the lower (to my eye) contrast and really flat midtones. I've only done a few prints but mostly have been scanning the negs.

I've used Dilution B -- anyone try other dilutions or have suggestions to spark up my results?

many thanks...C.
 
What was your exposure index & how contrasty was the light? HC110 generally does not give flat results.
 
I'm using B for all films, HP5+ 200-1600 ISO included. No problems with printing, scanning. It is not related to developing (if it is done right), but mostly to printing and PP.
 
I use HC-110 dilution E, in a replenishment regime. But when I run out of replenisher, I'll probably go back to 1 + 49 (which is essentially dilution E) one shot, using the times on Jason Brunner's excellent article: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
 
My standard HC110 dilution for 35mm and 120 HP5, shot at an EI of 320, has been 1:63 for a long timer. That comes out to 1/2 ounce of HC110 "syrup" plus 31 ounces of New York City tap water, used as a one-shot developer. Processing time -- for me and my working system -- runs 10-12 minutes at 70F/21C degrees.
Good luck, Paul
 
Thanks all - I should try the extra development time. I shoot all my 400 B&W film (for street, anyway) at EI-800.

Previously I've been using Ilfotec DD-X at 1:4 with great results -- the difference with HC-110 has been quite striking.
 
From the Ilford data sheet, you should be aiming for 7.5mins at EI800 & 11mins for EI1600 in Dil.B - what times were you using?

Your metering habits may also be playing a role - ie are you keying to shadows or highlights?
 
I've been using it with Dilution H for a good six months and have been well satisfied with the results. I normally shoot HP-5 at ASA 250.
 
ColColt said:
I've been using it with Dilution H for a good six months and have been well satisfied with the results. I normally shoot HP-5 at ASA 250.
Click to expand...

Yep, same here. No complaints.
 
I use incident metering and always shoot EI-800 ...I'm a big fan of contrast and snappy negs/prints.

I'd started with the Massive Development Chart's recommended 7.5 minutes but added 30 seconds on for extra contrast.

Thanks, all!
 
Colin, I've enjoyed results from dilution 'J' 1:150 semi stand. 30 sec initial, one inversion at 20m, 45m total.
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
 
There is a problem assigning a letter designation to unofficial dilutions such as G, H, J, ... There is no guarantee that the particular dilution is unique and that everyone subscribes to your definition. It is much better to just give the actual dilution 1:150.
 
Can't you just shoot one HP5+ for test and process it with HC-110 and see the result? say 2 rolls for different exposure condition, if you rich enough then try 6 rolls, 2 rolls with 1 dilution, so you will test 3 dilutions of HC-110 with 6 films, and each 2 you shoot for different exposure, once you decide which rolls you prefer or more successful for you then stick to that dilution.

I can easily use TMAX100 or HP5+ 4-6 rolls for tests because i have many or enough and i can buy more easily online, they are still not expensive even they prices increased, one roll price is nothing to be compared to 1 camera or 1 lens, not even 1 flash, and i am talking about brand new, so why not buy several film and soak them in HC-110 different dilution, nothing better than experience, even members here and the manufacturers testing/experimenting to have results.
 
Personally I just don't dig this combo... but when I was using HC-110, I settled on dilution E. Then Xtol came along and I never touched HC-110 again...then Pyrocat-HD came along...
 
Andrew O'Neill said:
Personally I just don't dig this combo... but when I was using HC-110, I settled on dilution E. Then Xtol came along and I never touched HC-110 again...then Pyrocat-HD came along...
Click to expand...

So you test or use different developers, why? just for curious or something specific or what? because i keep hearing about going with one developer all the time and no no for testing or using different developers even for long time with each.
 
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