FP4+ or HP5+ for a beginner?

I recently tried souping HP5+ 120 (rated at 320) in Xtol and really like what it did. Definitely not as grainy as Rodinal that I had been using.

(click the image to pixel peep at a fairly high resolution image)

(Boy I really need to calibrate my monitors; this looked so much brighter on the machine that I scanned it on but not on this machine... if it looks as dark for you, then there is shadow detail being lost that is more of a result of the digital end of the process failing than the analog end)

I can see some of the shadow detail!

Thanks for your help all. HP +5 is in the cam and I sussed out some chems from a local shop today.

Prepping for my foray into developing has also started. I have some plastic beakers($2 from the above shop!), a thermometer in my hands and some other goodies on the way (such as a tank, daylight changing bag, etc).....now I just need to do some shoot'n and take if from there

Hoffy, regarding the changing bag, it's just too hot and sticky to use one of those in this part of the world now!

Wait until night falls, pick a darkened room, sit in a wardrobe on a small footstool and use a normal chair as a table.

You only require absolute darkness for loading the film into the tank.

Changing bags generally, or at least the ones I have owned and use and still own and use, are sort of moisture tight, as well as light tight.

Everyone I know in Oz with changing bags will tell you their sticky story of summertime film loading.

If you can, try for a wardrobe, or a like situation right now.

Mick.

Thanks for the tip Mick. I checked out my walk-in wardrobe this morning. I think 3 strips of duct tape and a towel on the floor and I would be done! Funny thing, I never thought of it!

Cheers

I agree with Mick. I haven't used a changing bag in years. Hate the things. It taught me how to ruin film and invent new swear words! Bathrooms are often fairly easy to lightproof at night and are usually less dusty than other rooms. Below is an old thread with some advice for first timers. My method is explained with a few pictures but you will eventually work out what is best for you.
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)