Developer for FP4+ Sheet Film

drpsilver

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Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
694
Location
Los Altos, CA
Format
Multi Format
27 June 2006

I have been using D76(1:1) for some time, and has become one of my favorite developers. The one film I have had disappointing results with is FP4+ in 35mm. Since Plus-X is no longer available in 4x5 sheets I would like to try FP4+. My results in 35mm were that when Plus-X and FP4+ were compared I noticed much more grain in FP4+.

I am looking for suggestions on developers other that D76(1:1) that I could used with FP4+ in both 35mm and 4x5.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Darwin
 

Markok765

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Joined
Apr 26, 2006
Messages
2,262
Location
Ontario, Can
Format
Medium Format
For 1:200 go 2-2.5 hours. doing it right now!
 

reellis67

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Joined
Mar 10, 2005
Messages
1,885
Location
Central Flor
Format
4x5 Format
You could use Perceptol at 1:3, but my favorite is Rodinal 1:100 for most everything and 1:200 stand development for 1 hour for certain subjects where high local contrast is desirable. I wouldn't be overly concerned about grain in 4x5 sheets, even with Rodinal.

- Randy
 
Joined
Jan 21, 2003
Messages
15,708
Location
Switzerland
Format
Multi Format
You'll get a million answers. I've used FA-1027 from Fine Art Photo Supply with good success. Nice continuous tones with great separation if exposed right. I think Pyrocat-HD is killer with FP4 however, and all of the negs I've developed from 35mm to 4x5 sheets have produced beautiful prints with that combination. In my gallery you can see a picture of a fern leaf, which is real size resolution, 72 dpi from a 12x12" print from 35mm neg. It gives a pretty good idea of what the combination can do in 35mm. Nice sharp negs with comparatively small grain, especially for FP4.

- Thom
 

BradS

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Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
8,124
Location
Soulsbyville, California
Format
35mm
I like FP4 sheet film in HC-110 dilution D (1+39). I do not have my dev notes here with me but, I think I generally give FP4+ 8 minutes in the Jobo (i.e. with continuous, rotational agitation).
 

tbm

Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2004
Messages
365
Location
Southern Cal
Format
35mm
I was out shooting with Kim Weston and his 8x10 cameras several weeks ago along the coast of Carmel, and all the negatives we made were developed in Pyro in trays in his darkroom. All were gorgeous when we finally turned a light on to examine them.

Terry
 

tbm

Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2004
Messages
365
Location
Southern Cal
Format
35mm
Oops--forgot to confirm that we loaded 8X10 FP4 Plus sheets into his cameras.
 
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