DDX or Ilfosol 3 for SFX?

[winger]

I currently don't have any developer, but have 2 rolls of SFX. I also have some HP5, though the SFX is what I need to do first. I know there's a price difference and I'm not really concerned with that. Can anyone give me some idea of the differences in look between the 2 as SFX is concerned?

 

[pentaxuser]

In my opinion SFX is grainier than HP5+ despite being an ISO200 film when shot without a red(some IR effect) or SFX filter to give the full IR effect.

I have used Ilfosol S( similar to 3, I believe) and DDX for SFX and in terms of avoiding grain I'd go with DDX. This was 35mm. If it is 120 then grain will be less of a problem and in smaller prints such as 5x7 or even 8x10 there might be very little difference between the two devs.

Hope this helps

pentaxuser

 

[MattKing]

The print I entered into the Ilford APUG competition was shot on 120 SFX (without filter) and developed in HC110.

It is a bit grainy, but has an interesting tonal response, especially if shot under tungsten light, as this shot was:

 

[markbarendt]

Some of the prettiest negs I've ever made have been with SFX and XTOL.

 

[2F/2F]

SFX is just a black and white film, and develops just like any other. The only difference is its spectral sensitivity. The same differences that different developers exhibit on other b/w films will also be exhibited with SFX.

If you have definitely narrowed it down to the two you mentioned would suggest the Ilfosol simply because it is a liquid concentrate, which I prefer.

 

[winger]

Thanks! I'd been leaning towards DDX for the grain (which may matter more if I use it for other films), but I'm not that familiar with it. I narrowed it down to those 2 because they're both liquids, btw.

I do have an ancient bottle of HC110, but I really don't know if I want to use it. It's been opened and I don't know how old it is (I'm not the original owner).

 

[2F/2F]

DDX is also a liquid concentrate.

I suggest DDX for somewhat finer grain than Ilfosol.

You are correct! My mistake. For some reason I had a picture of a red and white Ilford box in my head when I posted, instead of a bottle.

 

[pentaxuser]

Thanks! I'd been leaning towards DDX for the grain (which may matter more if I use it for other films), but I'm not that familiar with it.QUOTE]

DDX has been my main developer for a long time now and it is a good developer for a wide range of films, especially the Delta range and D3200 in particular. It also keeps well when in the likes of a wine bag dispenser so no air enters. However it is very expensive when compared to say Xtol and numerous other developers. Pity about that

pentaxuser

 

[davekarp]

It looks great in Rodinal, even if it is a bit grainier.