dilutions with Rodinal

[herb]

I ran some film speed tests using FP4 and Rodinal, at 50:1 and also at 25:1, using Agfa's recommendations.
I got FP4 should be shot at 250, and the contrast on some extras I had in the rolls I shot were hugely contrasty.
Needless to say I will go for longer times with perhaps semi stand, and maybe 100:1 dilution.
I searched for threads along this avenue, and did not get any I thought were germaine to this problem.

 

[herb]

Rodinal dilutions vs Agfa

To answer the likely responses, I do have df Cardwell's thread and have been studying it and the 18 pages of responses, but I am still interested in some dilution/time recommendations, sort of identifying the neighborhood, if you like.

 

[piu58]

FP4+ does not work very well with Rodinal. I got a speed of 70 ASA, not more. If you try to get more speed, you probably develop too long an get contrasty negatives.

 

[RobertV]

FP4+ does not work very well with Rodinal

Yes, better use ID11/D76 or Ilfosol. Last one has a short lifetime so finish the developer within 2 months.

 

[chriscrawfordphoto]

I've gotten great results with FP4+ in Rodinal 1+50. EI 100. Develop for 13 minutes at 68 degrees (20C). Agitate first 30 seconds then 4 inversions every minute.

 

[sandermarijn]

Yes, better use ID11/D76 or Ilfosol. Last one has a short lifetime so finish the developer within 2 months.

As an aside to the thread, I find that the -relatively- new Ilfosol (the '3', not the 'S') lasts me at least a year in well-capped bottles with not too much air in them.
Better avoid the old Ilfosol S, if still available anywhere, as it tends to unpredictably/sudddenly die.

And o yeah Robert, the outdated, dark tea-brown AM50 you gave me is still going strong. Joepie!

But getting back to FP4: in MF I like/love it in Rodinal, for 35mm better use Ilfosol, which I also prefer over ID11/D76.

 

[RobertV]

Two points while Rodinal and FP4+ is not a terrific combination:

Loss of speed, maybe iso 64-80 otherwise not enough details in the shadow. Picture 5 is an example of it.
Typical more grain as usual. Which can be an issue especially in 35mm format.
Further the combination tends to a steep developing curve.

FP4+ is a very nice film but if you want to take advantage of all good parameters I woiuld not advice the film with Rodinal.
AM74/RHS 1+15 just to mention a very good, non Ilford developer combination.