FP4+ and Ilfosol 3

[eddie]

Went to the DC Calumet, to pick up some HC-110. They didn't have it, but had a bottle of Ilfosol 3. Ilford recommends 4.25 minutes, and I don't like processing times under 5-6 minutes, especially since I plan on using a 4 -120 roll tank. Since I've never used it, I plan on trying one in a single roll tank, but I still think 4.25 seems a little short. I shot it at just under box speed (100). Anyone with any experience with this combination? If so, are you finding 4.25 correct?
Thanks.

 

[cowanw]

I do large format fp4 for 11 minutes in Ilfosol 3, constant agitation with a presoak.

 

[eddie]

Bill- which dilution, temperature, and what speed are you shooting it at?
Thanks.

 

[eddie]

Michael- I'm wondering what they mean by a small trade off in image quality at the higher dilution. I may try a roll, at each dilution, and see how "small".

 

[eddie]

This was the only film developer they had- a 500ml bottle. I asked for HC-110, but the salesperson said Kodak hasn't made it in over 5 years. Go figure...

 

[MattKing]

This was the only film developer they had- a 500ml bottle. I asked for HC-110, but the salesperson said Kodak hasn't made it in over 5 years. Go figure...

Technically, they are accurate about HC-110.

Kodak licensed it to Champion (in North America) in the mid 2000s.

So all the HC-110 we have seen in North America in the last few years was manufactured by Champion (in a former Kodak plant, by former Kodak employees), but sold by Kodak.

Then Kodak went into bankruptcy, with Champion owed a huge amount of money.

The very most recent HC-110 is packaged in new packaging in Germany. The packaging is apparently very similar to Tetenal manufactured product sold in Europe, but the HC-110 seems to be unchanged.

 

[eddie]

Yeah, Matt, but that's not what he meant.

 

[brucemuir]

Hey Eddie, I saw a "Moving Sale" email/flyer for the Rockville store.
I assume the DRoom section is nil?

Is there anything worth checking left up there for us apuggers???

 

[eddie]

Bruce- I don't know. I went to the downtown store. I should call Rockville, though. I'm in desperate need of film developer.

 

[brucemuir]

Oh I'm sorry when I glanced at this I made a dumb assumption DC Calumet meant Rockville.

I haven't even been in the Rockville store seen it changed from Penn and back then the DR section was iffy at best.
Sometimes they would have Ilford MG in various flavors but they didn't really stock chemicals for several years.

Really got worthless for me to even go unless I had a shorted Pocket Wizard cable or other emergency situation.
I'm not even sure where you can score any HC 110 or enough developer to get you started on your project.
You probably are going to have to go Adorama but they will get it to you FAST.

I'm in Rockville and have some D76 to get you started if that is the situation you are in otherwise...
Good luck my friend.

 

[eddie]

Thanks, Bruce. I've ordered some, and have enough for about another 18 rolls. Should keep me busy enough until it gets here.

 

[brucemuir]

NP Eddie,
I have a stockpile of D76-1 gal packets that are out of date but fine if you end up in a jam.

Keep us informed how your project progresses.

 

[cowanw]

Bill- which dilution, temperature, and what speed are you shooting it at?
Thanks.

1:9
70 degrees
100
Expert drums on a roller
Depending on the lens I am using (ie soft focus or not) this comes out for me about grade 2