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FX-1 Development Times? (Ilford Fp4+ & others)

cirwin2010

Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2021
Messages
268
Location
Massachussetts
Format
Analog
I have an interested in trying to make some FX-1 film developer to replace my Rollei R09 once I run out. I usually use the Massive Dev Chart as a reference for dev times, but there is very limited dev time information for FX-1. I'm also not finding much elsewhere online or in my Film Development Cookbook 2nd edition.

I mostly want to try this developer with Ilford FP4+ as that is my main medium speed film I use with R09/Rodinal 1:50. I would also be interested in trying it with Ilford HP5+ and Fuji Acros II. Does anyone have any reference points for development times with 120 film in an inversion type tank?



I'm sure someone will ask why FX-1 instead of FX-2, FX-14, Rodinal, or some other high acutance developer.
1. I want something noticeably sharper than Rodinal for my larger landscape enlargements
2. I've seen a sample enlargement made from a negative developed in FX-1. The edge effects it provides does seem to created that "engraved" look others have described.
3. I think there is a speed increase compared to Rodinal which would could handy since I shoot a lot at dusk or dawn.
4. If there isn't any great reference points to start from for development time, I will look into other developers more.
 
The sheet says you gain a stop and 12-16 minutes is a good starting time for development. You will probably need to sacrifice a roll to see how you like it. I'd take a dozen identical exposures and cut the film up into three or four pieces, develop a piece at a time starting with 15 minutes and changing based on the result.
 
Murray Kelly said:
A good place to start would be FP4 in Beutler using the MDC.
Click to expand...
Are the development times/formulas similar? I know nothing about Beutler.


Yeah, I may need to try this if there aren't any other data points to start from. Not thrilled about having to "waste" a roll for each film I want to use, but it is what it is.
 
cirwin2010 said:
Yeah, I may need to try this if there aren't any other data points to start from. Not thrilled about having to "waste" a roll for each film I want to use, but it is what it is.
Click to expand...

You can get around that by exposing a full roll normally except for the last three shots, which are identical. Cut most of the last two exposures off the roll and test with that (cut it in half for two tests).
 
Don Heisz said:
You can get around that by exposing a full roll normally except for the last three shots, which are identical. Cut most of the last two exposures off the roll and test with that (cut it in half for two tests).
Click to expand...
That is a good possible solution. Thanks for the suggestion!
 


ADOX FX 39 high definition developer is what you are looking for : https://www.freestylephoto.biz/33830-Adox-FX-39-II-Film-Developer-500-ml
 
cirwin2010 said:
I don't really know anything about FX-39 other than what is says on the product page. Is what way is it what I am looking for? How might this compare to Rodinal as a reference point?
Click to expand...
Speed increase, better sharpness. Grain is also slightly finer.
 
For engraving like effect, FX-1 is the best. Although the old films like Efke 100 or Plus-X that gave the most effect are discontinued, FP4+ and HP5+ are two of the best modern films for that purpose. BJP p41 1961 gives a development time of 17m 20C for FP3. The times for FX-1 and FX-2 are given as the same. When I wrote to Geoffrey Crawley asking if there was any point in adding the iodide in FX-1 as modern films have a significant iodide content, he replied that there is no point with modern films.
https://web.archive.org/web/20040207063311/http://www.jackspcs.com/fx1.htm
 
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Photographer's Formulary probably has an info sheet for FX-1 and that would have times on it. I used FX-1 quite a bit years ago but I never kept any notes back then unfortunately. I have used Beutler's a lot in recent years though if you have any questions about that.
 
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