Foma films and Pyrocat HD

[jmooney]

Hi All,

I've been looking into getting started with Pyrocat HD and the Tmax films seems to be the favored emulsion for use with it but I've been favoring the Foma films partially because of cost. I was curious to see if anyone's used the combination of Pyrocat HD and the current Foma films and how it's been working for you. Example photos are most welcome as are suggested times and tips.

Take care,

Jim

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I'm a huge fan of Pyrocat HD and Foma film. I've mostly used the Fomapan 200 (now discontinued) but have had equal success using the Fomapan 100. I rate them both at 1 stop slower than box speed. A large part of my gallery here was done on Foma 200 in Pyrocat (anything shot with a 5x7 for starters). It's a great combo for alt process printing as it is easy to build the needed contrast.

 

[Rick Olson]

I also use Foma 200, exposing it at 100 and developing it in Pyrocat-HD. It works great with all film types and I have standardized it as my only developer, changing dilutions based on need and materials to be printed (VC, Lodima, Pt/Pd, etc.). Great stuff, easy to use and cheap. Doesn't get any better than that.

 

[Rick A]

What dilutions and times for developing?

Rick

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I like the 1:1:100 dilution. For that dilution, I run my Fomapan in a Jobo expert drum for 13 minutes at 75 F (why 75? it's the coolest temperature I can get my tap water in the summer, and it's relatively easy to maintain in the winter). I'm developing for Pt/Pd printing.

 

[Rick Olson]

Yes ... also using the 1:1:100 dilution like TheFlyingCamera. I am developing at 70 degrees for 7-8 minutes with intermittent agitation. This for VC papers. I am still testing, but my negatives look good based on this.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I used only the Fomapan 400 film with Pyrocat-MC. I exposed it at EI 200 and processed using the 1:1:100 dilution at 70 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 minutes, agitating for the first full minute, then at the 10m and 5m mark.

I liked printing those negatives, but had inconsistent results, so I opted for Kodak film instead. I am now back to using Foma 400 film, but in 35mm format, and now using replenished Xtol, so that experience will not help you any.

Have fun! The Foma films have some beautiful characteristics.