DEVELOPER times, dilutions, etc for Fomapan

[Zpinhead]

Hello, I'm wondering about the practicality of developing fomapan 200 sheet film by inspection in either HC110 or Dektol. I've never processed Panchromatic sheet film before, so the idea of doing everything in the pitch black 95 percent of the time is daunting enough. I know you can use a very dark green safelight for short periods of time with panchromatic materials, and I also know that Foma says in their fact sheet that you can't use HC110 with their film (frankly i don't buy this). What I'm wondering is if there is anyone out there who has any experience developing foma or other films like this, and if they know roughly how many minutes I'd be expecting and what dilutions would be effective.
Thank you very much.
- Zack

 

[Gerald Koch]

Development by inspection is an acquired talent which means that you are going to screw up quite a few sheets of film until you have the expertise. It's not easy with panchromatic films since the safelight must be very dim and can only be used for a few seconds after the film is half developed. You would do better to become accustomed to working in the dark or get some sort of tank and use the time/temperature method.

 

[clogz]

The Massive Development Chart at www.digitaltruth.com has some info on the Foma/HC110 combo.

Hans

 

[ricksplace]

I only shoot fomapan in 120. (Arista) I have had good results in HC110 1:100 for 18 minutes with constant agitation for the first 30 sec. then one inversion only every minute.

Regarding development by inspection, I concur with Gerald. Do it in the dark. There is a thread on here somewhere regarding the combiplan tank. I have one and it works well. If I only have a few sheets of 4X5 to soup, I usually use a tray. I had a friend teach me how to shuffle without scratching the emulsion.