Dev at a higher, Asa/Iso speed, do you keep your agitation the same?

[peter k.]

Everyone has their own set of circumstances, that they have adjusted to, and for, when developing film.
The water, (hard/soft) the timeing and the way one agitates, ect, to get the results they like.
Got that down.

Now I need to shoot some HP5+ at 800 or higher, but was wondering do I keep the agitation, the same when developing, even though the time has increased, to get my 'normal' contrast I like?
In other words, can I keep the same method, except for the developing time, (which has to be extended because of the higher Asa speed), or do I need to change it?

(Using Hc-110 Dilution H. Initially agitate, first 30 sec, then thereafter, every 20 sec, for 3 sec)

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Read the following excellent site on the usage of HC-110.

http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110/

When pushing film you will see an increase in contrast and a loss of shadow detail. Sorry that's just how things work. Observe Kodak's agitation scheme as mentioned in the article, 5s every 30s. Dilution B is recommended. If you use a higher dilution remember to use at least the minimum amount of concentrate (6 ml per roll) even if this requires you to use more diluted developer than is needed to cover the film.

 

[gone]

That sounds like a lot of agitation, but I develop HP5 in D76. I use just 2 GENTLE inversions every 30 seconds, and none the last minute. Yes, you're going to get more contrast at double the rated ISO. I found out today that HP5 doesn't like lower ISO, at least in D76. I am so used to shooting Tri-X at 200 that I automatically shot the HP5 at that, and I like it a lot better at box speed.

 

[StoneNYC]

HP5+ is a lower contrast film, so it won't be as bad as some.

I suggest though, using Ilford ilfotec DD-X, it's really designed for pushing films well.

As an example, I've shot HP5+ at 3200 and dev'd in DD-X with wonderful results!

Some test shots (not all artistic just was seeing what various light conditions would do to it).





That said, as far as agitation goes, keeping it the same as you notmally do is perfectly fine IMO...

 

[Xmas]

For 800 ISO just change meter setting soup as normal or use a speed increasing developer like Microphen.

But meter more carefully.

 

[peter k.]

Thanks for the replies...
Gerald.. yes, covington innovations is where I have lived for Hc110, with the 6ml minimum, which I learned the hard way when I first started with Hc110. ;-) I have tried many times what you suggested, with the agitation and B dilution, but find for my situation the H, and the agitation I use, the best.
Ah ...

an increase in contrast and a loss of shadow detail.

This was really the answer I was looking for, without realizing it!
Well, we were hoping to try and keep it simple, but it's back to the old testing skeme.
But with large format, it simplifies it. Shoot one shot, develop it, examine, make changes and try again. ;-) Time consuming, but part of the learning process.
I'll start off with the normal way I have done it for the extended time, to get a base, and then make changes from there.
Right now all I got is Hc110, but if I like whats happening I try Ilford ilfotec DD-X or Microphen, for this is the first time I have really pushed film this far, and have to see what its about.