DD-X...development times for two rolls?

FujiLove · Feb 28, 2018

I process my B&W film in small two-reel manual tanks, so usually wait until I have two or sometimes four rolls exposed. I’m now planning a switch to DD-X to get as much film speed from Ilford Delta as possible. I’ve read through the data sheet for DD-X and understand that multiple films can be processed with a litre of working strength developer by extending the time by 10% per film, but I can’t figure out what to do with two reels in the same tank. Should I be:

1. Using the standard time with films 1 & 2, and +20% for films 3 & 4?

2. Using an average of the times? I.e. +5% for films 1 & 2, then +25% for films 3 & 4?

3. Not attempting to process two films at once with DD-X?

4. Something else?

I realise the ideal situation would be to develop only one film per run, dump it and mix fresh working solution, but at £20 for 10 films processed, its an expensive option. Have I just been spoiled with cheapo HC110?!

Willyekerslike · Feb 28, 2018

I am a DD-X user and have used a litre to develop several films in the past, I go with the following. Develop as normal the first two films and then add 10% to following films for each film developed. I have never developed as many as ten with a litre I think five was the most I did but I use it one shot now just for convenience.

Hatchetman · Feb 28, 2018

Per tech sheet, after each "batch" you add 10%, not after each roll. So as what Willy said above. Also note that they also say working solution only lasts 24 hours.

https://www.ilfordphoto.com/amfile/file/download/file_id/734/product_id/545/

Willyekerslike · Feb 28, 2018

The tech sheet says "after each successive film or batch of films". However it also states under "Reusing developer without replenishment" DD-X diluted at1 to 4 is only good for ten rolls.

jeffreyg · Feb 28, 2018

Mix 1:4 and use the time/temperature Ilford recommends for whichever Delta film you are using. Use the volume required by your tank so if you are doing two rolls get a 500ml tank as you will be using only the amount needed. In any case if you are developing say three rolls in a four roll tank be sure to put the empty forth reel in. I would still keep the standard time for that volume. Increasing time will alter contrast. I haven't seen what you are referring to about increasing time per roll. I have used Delta films albeit 2 1/4 and ID11 as well as DDX and used Ilford's times unless i wanted to increase contrast with no problems.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

FujiLove · Feb 28, 2018

For clarity, this is the bit on the PDF I'm referring to.

RattyMouse · Feb 28, 2018

FujiLove said:
I process my B&W film in small two-reel manual tanks, so usually wait until I have two or sometimes four rolls exposed. I’m now planning a switch to DD-X to get as much film speed from Ilford Delta as possible. I’ve read through the data sheet for DD-X and understand that multiple films can be processed with a litre of working strength developer by extending the time by 10% per film, but I can’t figure out what to do with two reels in the same tank. Should I be:

1. Using the standard time with films 1 & 2, and +20% for films 3 & 4?

2. Using an average of the times? I.e. +5% for films 1 & 2, then +25% for films 3 & 4?

3. Not attempting to process two films at once with DD-X?

4. Something else?

I realise the ideal situation would be to develop only one film per run, dump it and mix fresh working solution, but at £20 for 10 films processed, its an expensive option. Have I just been spoiled with cheapo HC110?!

1, 2, 3, or more rolls at the same time (in the same tank)= no change in development time.

Hatchetman · Feb 28, 2018

you are not doing a series of individual films, you are doing a batch of two films.

FujiLove · Feb 28, 2018

Hatchetman said:
you are not doing a series of individual films, you are doing a batch of two films.

But what about the second batch of two films?

FujiLove · Feb 28, 2018

RattyMouse said:
1, 2, 3, or more rolls at the same time (in the same tank)= no change in development time.

This sounds like it would be the correct approach, but I'm wondering what to do with the second batch of two films? Maybe that's where I have to suck up the cost and chuck the developer? Process two in 500ml and mix fresh developer for the next batch of two films. At least that would bring the cost down to £1 a roll, which is acceptable given I'm looking for good quality and speed.

RattyMouse · Feb 28, 2018

FujiLove said:
This sounds like it would be the correct approach, but I'm wondering what to do with the second batch of two films? Maybe that's where I have to suck up the cost and chuck the developer? Process two in 500ml and mix fresh developer for the next batch of two films. At least that would bring the cost down to £1 a roll, which is acceptable given I'm looking for good quality and speed.

I always used DD-X as a one shot developer so have no experience to offer on how to extend it. Ilford gives pretty clear directions and I would just follow those.

MattKing · Feb 28, 2018

Add 25% (halfway between 20% and 30%) extra time for the second batch of two films.
If your shots are all of scenes that will likely yield dense, high key negatives (snow scenes or babies surrounded by white), consider increasing the percentages.
Those percentage increase suggestions are likely quite conservative.

FujiLove · Feb 28, 2018

Thanks for all your help with this. I have a couple of months before I’ll be developing any important negatives, so I’ll give everything a test. I’m going to start with two rolls at the standard time and the following two at +25%. If nothing else, that’s easy to remember and simple maths.

DD-X...development times for two rolls?

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