Developer Options for HP5 ISO400 and Delta 400

Shangheye · Aug 10, 2007

Hi. I've been using HP5 ISO 400 and Delta 400 film recently, and developing in Rodinal 1+25. I like the distinctive results (specifically sharpness), but was interested if anybody had recommendations, particularly for these two films. A balance between sharpness and reduces grain (at least compared to Rodinal) would be interesting. If you have a link to a sample image that would be great! Thanks for all your help. Rgds, K

psvensson · Aug 10, 2007

Delta 400 does quite well in highly solvent developers like D-76 and Xtol, maintaining good sharpness. The grain structure become mushy, though, which doesn't look good in large enlargements. You might try D-76 1+3 to minimize that effect, but I don't have any times for you.

The other thing you could try is doctoring your Rodinal: see http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Rodinal/rodinal.html and
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

And if you start on the slippery slope of mixing chemicals, you might try PC-TEA. I use MC-TEA with sulfite, and get fantastic results, but I'm in the process of revising the formula and can't give you specific instructions.

highpeak · Aug 10, 2007

You may want to give Xtol a try, 1:1 dilution. It should give you what you ask for. What kind of format are you using? 35mm?

Alan9940 · Aug 10, 2007

Haven't tried it for myself, yet--got a few rolls waiting to be processed--but Roger Hicks highly recommends Ilford DD-X for HP-5+. Sorry, Roger, didn't mean to jump in there for ya!

titrisol · Aug 10, 2007

DDX is the best IMHO!

Shangheye · Aug 10, 2007

Hi Highpeak. The Format is 35mm and 120. Since I have a few roles, I will try both Xtol and DD-x. Thanks very much all. K

BradS · Aug 10, 2007

I've not tried Delta400 but, HP5+ looks nice in D-23 and can be very easily rated at EI640 or even EI800 in ID-68.

poutnik · Aug 11, 2007

Under the right light, HP5 rated at 1600 and developed in Rodinal 1:40 has also great potential (example is here). It was shot on 6x7cm, and both 20x30cm and 30x40cm enlargements look wonderful...

If you're interested I will post development times when I get to my notes...

Shangheye · Aug 11, 2007

poutnik said:
Under the right light, HP5 rated at 1600 and developed in Rodinal 1:40 has also great potential (example is here). It was shot on 6x7cm, and both 20x30cm and 30x40cm enlargements look wonderful...

If you're interested I will post development times when I get to my notes...

Wow! I have used Rodinal on 35mm at 1+25 as I say and the results have a unique feel to them, they have a gritty street feel that I do like, but there are occaisions when less grain is more suitable. At 6x6 (I use a Borinica) the quality ofcourse is much better, and I have found Rodinal suitable (not tried it at 1+40..though). Will try. Yes I would be interested in the development times.. Thanks for the link and the info. Rgds, K

PS off to the shop to see what he has in stock

poutnik · Aug 11, 2007

My development time for HP5+ shot at EI 1600 developed in R09 (Rodinal) at 20°C is 35min, continuous agitation for first 30sec, then 1 inversion every 5th minute.

It is important to try it first, it only works so well in certain light (the portrait was shot in a white living room, light floor, light creamy furniture and 2 large strong lights on the ceiling - so relatively lot of diffused light, no really deep shadows in the frame). I have tried the same in a different light (much more directional with deeper shadows) and it was not that perfect - but very well usable though...

David A. Goldfarb · Aug 11, 2007

My favorite for Delta 400 is to rate it at EI 200 and develop in Perceptol.

Black Dog · Aug 11, 2007

A fantasticcombo-one of the best if you don't want to use a staining dev.

Shangheye · Aug 11, 2007

Thanks Jiri. Never developed anything for that long! Will try it, when the light conditions suit. Shop had no Xtol and only DD-X (So I bought that) and I bought my usual bottle of Rodinal. Rgds, K

sanking · Aug 11, 2007

If you are looking for great sharpness and minimal grain with HP5+ consider a staining developer like Pyrocat-HD, -MC or PMK.

Sandy King

poutnik · Aug 12, 2007

Sandy, are the staining developers also suitable (usable) for pushing HP5+?

Developer Options for HP5 ISO400 and Delta 400

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