Good film/dev combo in 400 - 1600 ISO range?

[Necator]

Roughly 10 months ago, I started developing my own B&W film. I shoot both 135 and 120. As I have just ordered a Bronica ETRS, I expect to use more 120 film in the future.

In the beginning, I tried shooting many different films, and while I still like to experiment, I would like to settle on a few films and developers as my go-to combinations.

In 100 ISO, I am pretty settled. In 135 format I use Rollei Retro 100 (APX100) developed in Rodinal. That combo is hard to beat. In 120 format, it is Fomapan 100, also with Rodinal.

400 ISO and above is another matter. I have tried Fomapan 400 in 135, but it is too grainy for my liking. Also, it is not very pushable, and I would like to be able to occasionally push to min. 1600 ISO. Therefore, I was thinking about going with HP5+, and perhaps get some DD-X to use as developer (I prefer working with liquid developers). It is available in both formats, and I can get it in bulk rolls in 135. Plus, it is not as expensive as e.g. Tmax 400 or Tri-X.

Does HP5+ push well, and do I need Microphen instead to get decent results?

If you where to choose one film/developer combo for the 400 - 1600 ISO range, that was available in both 135 and 120, which one would it be?

I have, so far, left Kodak films and developers, as they are the most expensive choice (at least seen from Europe).

 

[palec]

You might order Legacy Pro 400 made by Fujifilm in bulk rolls in Europe (macodirect), which seems to be economical choice. If you like liquid developers DD-X is speed enhancing and good for pushing.

 

[RobertV]

Yes but Neopan 400 is not available in 120 roll film anymore. Left Neopan 400/Legacy pro 400 in 35mm.

I have tried Fomapan 400 in 135, but it is too grainy for my liking. Also, it is not very pushable

Correct, in 35mm you have to pull this film and use a fine grain developer.
For 120 roll film format you can go to iso 800 in Diafine but higher speeds is a problem.

So you gave your own answer: HP5+ available in all formats, reasonable priced in Denmark and can be pushed, certainly with DD-X (or Microphen).

 

[fschifano]

I agree with you about Foma 400. While I do like Foma 100, the 400 speed material leaves a lot to be desired when compared to similar speed films from Kodak, Fuji, and Ilford.

HP5+ is certainly pushable at least 1 stop in most common developers, though if you want a harder push a speed enhancing developer like DD-X or Microphen will suit you better.

If you want to get the most possible speed from a 400 speed film, Tri-X developed in Diafine is very hard to beat. EI 1250 is easy to achieve, and under the right lighting conditions, EI of 1600 is possible.

 

[RobertV]

If you want to get the most possible speed from a 400 speed film, Tri-X developed in Diafine is very hard to beat. EI 1250 is easy to achieve, and under the right lighting conditions, EI of 1600 is possible.

Frank I fully agree with your statement but.....

I have, so far, left Kodak films and developers, as they are the most expensive choice (at least seen from Europe).

Tri-X (400) can be found in Europe for about the double price of Fomapan 400 and maybe in Denmark it's even worser.

 

[fschifano]

I realize that Kodak's products are expensive for the OP, but I offered that information anyway. Once in a while, you run into situations where a few extra dollars or euros for film don't mean all that much. So there it is.

 

[RobertV]

Sure, but he's just starting up using 120 roll films and film development.
But you're right on some points a few Euros less for a film or developer don't mean all that much.

Therefore some information of the Diafine developer. BTW it's a powder you make for this 2-bath developer A+B in 2x 950ml stock. But very easy in use, temperature independent in a wide range (21-29 degrees C.) and perfectly for push processing:

http://www.fotohuisrovo.nl/documentatie/Diafine-data.pdf

 

[rwboyer]

I stumbled across this link a while back and was curious so I gave it a try - I am still playing with it and so far the results have been pretty darn good. Check it out...

http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-film-processing-forum/004uGG

RB

Ps. Highly dilute developers in stand situations and two bath developers ultimately achieve similar results - developing shadows/mids while restraining higher values.

 

[Necator]

Thank you for your replies. Looks like my setup will be HP5+ for 400 ISO in both formats. On developers it will be either DD-X or Microphen. As stated, I prefer liquid developers, but is Microphen better for pushing than DD-X?

 

[palec]

Microphen might be better for pushing, but has tricky usage - I can buy only 1 l packages here and reuse the stock 10 times (with increasing times after each developed film - this leads to non uniform results). Or I can use it as self-replenishing developer, mixing two liters - use one as stock and another as replenisher (adding 50ml per developed film in stock).

 

[RobertV]

They work in the same way. If you like liquid developers and the price for DD-X is not a problem for you it will be your first choice.
All info about DD-X and Microphen you can find back on the Ilford web site.