D76 film capacity vs development time

hadeer · May 16, 2007

To develop my T-max 120 rolls I mostly use D76 in 1 quart storage (undiluted) bottles. Normally I process 4 films in that quantity before I discard it, adding 10% to the time of each cycle after the first use.
Is this a good way to go? I am not entirely content with the consistency of the negatives (they seem to get too heavy/too contrasty sometimes). Somewhere I read the +10% rule for each cycle, but I can't locate it anymore. Anyone using the same way of processing? Thanks for your opinion.
Hans

Neal · May 16, 2007

Dear Hans,

The D-76 data sheet advises "†With time compensation; increase the development time by 15 percent after every four 8 x 10-inch sheets or 4 rolls per gallon processed.".

The sheet can be downloaded here: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/j78/j78.pdf

Here is a handy link btw: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/databanks/filmDatabankList.jhtml?

I would like to suggest that rather than re-using developer, dilute it 1:1 and discard after development. I used to use developer in the same way as you do now and found my results became much more consistent when changed to the "one-shot" method.

Neal Wydra

hadeer · May 16, 2007

Hello Neal,
Thanks for the reply. There is a lot of information in the links, especially the second one.
The first sheet makes me feel inclined to follow your idea of diluting 1:1 and discarding after processing. Too much guesswork in the re-use of the full strength developer I think. Thanks
Hans

PhotoJim · May 16, 2007

I prefer to use dilute D-76. You get greater sharpness (but sharper grain too). I think it's a better compromise. I dilute 1:1 but some dilute 1:3.

Using dilute D-76 gives you greater consistency since you use the developer and then discard it.

I would try it. You may like it.

MikeSeb · May 16, 2007

Add my vote to the use-once-and-discard crowd--whether you dilute or not. Developer is so cheap it's not worth risking images you were presumably at some pains to obtain.

kwmullet · May 16, 2007

I'm revisiting D76 after a long time of using other things. I think it'll be helpful when I need a more energetic developer, like in low-contrast or high EI situations.

Having read a little bit about it recently, I can see advantages to both straight and 1:1, each acting a bit differently. I suspect what I might end up doing is mixing a big 5-gallon batch that I use straight and meticulously add replenisher to. Then, I'll keep a 1-gallon jug around for one-shot 1:1 runs.

-KwM-

Tom Hoskinson · May 16, 2007

kwmullet said:
I'm revisiting D76 after a long time of using other things. I think it'll be helpful when I need a more energetic developer, like in low-contrast or high EI situations.

Having read a little bit about it recently, I can see advantages to both straight and 1:1, each acting a bit differently. I suspect what I might end up doing is mixing a big 5-gallon batch that I use straight and meticulously add replenisher to. Then, I'll keep a 1-gallon jug around for one-shot 1:1 runs.

-KwM-

When I use D-76 I mix up a 1 gallon or 5 gallon batch and store it in completely full amber glass Boston Rounds. Then I use each bottle as a one-shot (EITHER undiluted or diluted 1:1).

hadeer · May 20, 2007

PhotoJim said:
I prefer to use dilute D-76. You get greater sharpness (but sharper grain too). I think it's a better compromise. I dilute 1:1 but some dilute 1:3.

I just processed my first film (Kodak professional Tmax 400, 12.5 minutes) using 1:1 and I like the results. Negatives have an average density range of 0.9 to 0.96, with Dmax 1.11. I think this gives a good starting point for grade 2 or 3 for easy enlarging. I think I'll stick to this method.

D76 film capacity vs development time

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