Divided D76

Harry Lime · Mar 7, 2006

Hello there -

I just got back from a trip and have about 60 rolls of Tri-X sitting here. In light of the amount of film that needs to be developed I am thinking that using a divided developer may be a good idea, since these type of developers can deliver great consistency etc. I also believe that it will help control some of the high contrast subjects I shot.

I was curious if anyone here would care to share their experiences with Divided D76.

My standard developer has been Ilford DD-X, but I have also dabbled a little with XTOL.

Thanks,

Harry Lime

Ryuji · Mar 7, 2006

If you have films from trip, why don't you use your usual developer. I think it's not the best place where you can try new things.

Besides, I prefer replenisher system over divided developers. I use replenisher system with Paterson 5 reel tank. You don't need a large tank for replenished system to work perfectly.

Harry Lime · Mar 7, 2006

I should add that I rated the Tri-X at 400.

Harry Lime

Harry Lime · Mar 7, 2006

Code:

[QUOTE=Ryuji]If you have films from trip, why don't you use your usual developer. I think it's not the best place where you can try new things.

True. I was first going to do a trial run, with a few rolls I shot around town.

Part of what got me started on this idea was that a friend of mine, whom I visited there, has been processing all of his TX in DD76 and I really liked the results. The highlights were very creamy and I am hoping that because a divided developer is very predictable, that it will make it easier to process all 60 rolls with the same consistency.

Harry Lime

dancqu · Mar 7, 2006

Harry Lime said:
I should add that I rated the Tri-X at 400.
Harry Lime

Some swear by Diafine, Acufine, and ACU-1, for
producing good film speed. ACU-1 is one-shot
Acufine. I've just started working my way
through a liter of ACU-1. Dan

jim appleyard · Mar 7, 2006

Good advice from previous posters. I haven't had very good luck, with one exeption, from divided devs. I've tried all the ones from Anchell's "The Darkroom Dookbook and the only one I use repeatedly is D2D (not be be confused with Wimberly's WD2D). I find D2D to be great with faster films like Tri-X.

I have read other threads that speculate that today's emulsions are to thin to soak up enough of Bath A, to make a divided dev. work. Others use them all the time with good results. Go figure.

What ever you do, do a test roll first. Divided devs can be very economical; perfect for doing lots of rolls.

Ryuji · Mar 7, 2006

jim appleyard said:
What ever you do, do a test roll first. Divided devs can be very economical; perfect for doing lots of rolls.

So are replenished developers. There aren't many good replenishable developers you can buy in small quantity, but XTOL can be used in a replenished system, though with the well known risk. D-76 can be replenished (see my website for more details). There are also lots of developers that can be modified to replenishing system.

df cardwell · Mar 7, 2006

Like Xtol, DDX lacks nothing compared to Tri X. It gives a smooth curve, as D76, and a step more shadow speed, less granularity.

Divided D76 will induce a shoulder that may not be useful, and DDX really can't be surpassed. Why worry ?

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Divided D76

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