D76 for pushing: Dilution?

I understand that D76 is generally not advised for pushing but it is what I have available (no source of phenidone and I am forced to scratch mix).

For the purposes of pushing HP5 2 stops what dilution would you recommend, stock or 1+1?

I have heard conflicting information about this. Some say MORE dilutions is best when pushing (due to compensating effects) and others say LESS (due to grain reduction).

I see this contradiction from two quotes in Anchell (and the same paragraph still):

- "Paradoxically, these developers [PQ based] don't push film quite as effectively as undiluted MQ-based D76"
- "The general guide is: dilute the developer twice the amount you would normally use [...] for a two-stop push"

Incidentally, seeing as I am scratch mixing if anyone has a formula for a Metol based developer they think pushes better than D76 I will definitely keep that in mind!

Cheers!

According the the MDC, you can use either 1+0 or 1+1. I've always used 1+0 when pushing with D-76. Images are ok, but when I found Diafine, I didn't use D-76 anymore.

https://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php?Film=%Ilford+HP5%&Developer=%D-76%&mdc=Search&TempUnits=C&TimeUnits=D

D-76 was the standard for pushing for years until other devs came along. Most devs for pushing are phenidone based, leaving you out in the cold with metol.

As I understand it D76 is effectively the same as my favoured ID11.....which I do use to push films a stop or two from time to time. I find Microphen is better but I don't have the shelf space to keep different developers around so I stick to one.

I use 1+0 and do tend to get quite contrasty negs when pushing two stops or more but it works.

In my short experience, I have used 1:1 for Normal and +1, and 1:0 for +2.

I guess you can use 1:0 for +1. Probably you’ll get a little less visible grain, and a little less definition.

Of course, when you use 1:0, the time of development is reduced.