D-76, ID-11... differences?

[mesh]

I know there are a million posts regarding the pros and cons of different developers, but to be honest (as a beginner) very little of what I read means much to me. I have just run out of my first batch of developer (D-76) and have been pretty happy with the results. Been using 35mm and 120 and put through TMAX (the main film), HP5, PanF and even some 1980's Fortepan ;-)

It's easy to say "if you are happy then stick to it" but I don't know anything else. I am interested in ID-11 and assume it's very similar to D-76 but perhaps a bit stronger (notice the shortened dev times required). Ultimately would it make any tangible difference using ID-11 compared to D-76?

Any other advantages over one developer to another - for example toxicity? Is one much more environmentally friendly? Here in Australia I can reliably source D-76, ID-11, X-tol, Aculux and DD-X. I mainly use TMAX 100 and 400 in 120. Stick to what I know or try something else? ;-) Thanks.

 

[mesh]

Just read the thread started by hoffy re: ID-11 and D76. So I now understand those differences - thanks. Would still appreciate some advice on whether it might be worth trying X-TOL for example. Have read it's a little more environmentially-friendly... is this so? Any other suggestions? If it makes any difference, I am using Ilfostop and Rapid fixer - but I assume that doesn't necessarily mean that an Ilford dev is a better choice?

 

[lonepeak]

I would say for someone starting out...you can't go wrong with D-76 or ID-11 . They are very forgiving and a mainstay of B&W photography. If you dilute before discarding you shouldn't have any problems. Use a lot of common sense in these matters. Just my opinion and I'm sure that I'll get flamed for it.

 

[mesh]

Thanks lonepeak. For the small amount I use, I agree - can't imagine I am making a huge negative impact (and I did check local laws). I wish we had the choice here in Australia like the US though - seems to be a lot of other, more enviromentally-friendly options. So a vote for sticking with D-76 (it's a fair bit cheaper than ID-11 here for some reason - at least where I source it).

 

[Ian Grant]

Just read the thread started by hoffy re: ID-11 and D76. So I now understand those differences - thanks. Would still appreciate some advice on whether it might be worth trying X-TOL for example. Have read it's a little more environmentially-friendly... is this so? Any other suggestions? If it makes any difference, I am using Ilfostop and Rapid fixer - but I assume that doesn't necessarily mean that an Ilford dev is a better choice?

Xtol is more environmentally friendly but also gives slightly finer grain, tonality and sharpness, plus about a third of a stop more film speed with some films like Tmax 100 & 400 compared to D76/ID-11.

Ian

 

[mesh]

Thanks Ian. So X-TOL would be worth a go then. Appreciate the info.

 

[Ian Grant]

David, Xtol is definitely worth trying. I used it on a replenishment basis from it's introduction until about a year ago. There's a tread on Xtol replenishment here in APUG. Used this way it is extremely economic and gives many of the benefits of using a dev like this or D76 dilute.

Ian