Happy as a pig in...

[bobfowler]

My latest film order from J&C arrived yesterday, which included some 120 size J&C Pro 100. Has anyone tried this stuff in Microdol-X yet? If so, how were your results?

 

[Mongo]

Bob-

I want to expose some this weekend and develop it Microdol-X. Given the poor weather here, the poor state of my back (don't ask), and my schedule, I'm not sure if this will really happen. If it does happen, I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. My results with this film in D76 1:1 were great, and I expect it to be wonderful in Microdol-X.

Be well.
Dave

 

[bobfowler]

I did some testing this evening...

I tried a roll this evening at the rated speed. Exposures were both by natural light and by electronic flash.

There haven't been any times published as yet for Microdol-X, so I took a chance and kinda half guessed a starting time. Based on the published time of 10 minutes in D-76, I used my convoluted thought processes to come up with a magic time of 16.5 minutes in Microdol-X 1:3 @ 68F. Don't ask, I just did...

From my initial examination (the negs are still drying), it looks like I got a pretty damn close, if not the correct, time for Pro 100. I will try another roll sometime this weekend and give it about 10% more time, just to see if I squeak out a little more shadow detail.

One thing I find rather interesting is the film base of this stuff, it has a very different feel to it, almost like a heavy cellophane. It has a look far different from the offerings of the Great Yellow Father, not like THAT is a bad thing!

 

[Mongo]

Bob-

Thanks for the info. I'd worked out a starting time of 17 minutes using the same dilution and temperature you used, so it looks like our convoluted thought processes are fairly well aligned.

Unfortunately, spinal issues are taking precedence over artistic issues at this time, so I probably won't get a chance to shoot anything this weekend. That's a shame, as there's a wonderful fog outside right now that I'd love to try to capture in the trees nearby. Such is life!

Be well.
Dave

 

[JHannon]

My latest film order from J&C arrived yesterday, which included some 120 size J&C Pro 100. Has anyone tried this stuff in Microdol-X yet? If so, how were your results?

That's where all the Pro 100 went! . I ordered some from J&C and they are out of stock (backordered until Sept 6th). I was going to try it with HC110.

I would be interested in how well it goes Bob.

 

[Mongo]

Hopefully that September 6th date means they'll also be getting the properly sized 4x5 and 8x10 film around that date. I can't wait to try this stuff in sheet film size.

 

[jandc]

Hopefully that September 6th date means they'll also be getting the properly sized 4x5 and 8x10 film around that date. I can't wait to try this stuff in sheet film size.

Yes, September 6th will also include 4x5 and 8x10 properly cut.

 

[bobfowler]

Is there any chance that this will be available in 5X7 anytime soon? I just scanned a few of the images I shot last night on the 120 stock - it has a beautiful scale and wonderful grain. If I can get results like this every time, I won't miss Verichrome anymore...

2 minor gripes though -

1) There are no frame numbers on the 120 stock.
2) A paper band at the end of the roll that has some glue on it would be a big help.

 

[bobfowler]

I posted a scan...

I posted a scan of one of last nights test pix in the Experimental Gallery. The image is called "Harleys in Red Bank". It'll give you an idea of the tonal scale of this film in Microdol-X 1:3.

Please, don't bust my chops about the rather shallow depth of field, I was handholding a 2X3 Speed Graphic at 1/10th sec just to get f/5.6, I didn't dare try 1/5th!

 

[JHannon]

2 minor gripes though -

1) There are no frame numbers on the 120 stock.
2) A paper band at the end of the roll that has some glue on it would be a big help.

From my 35mm film reloading days I use black india ink and a fine pen to mark the numbers on the film border. The ink is made by rapidograph and is called "rapidraw 3084-F". I mark them when on the light table.

I also intend on having a small roll of 1/2in masking tape on hand to seal the rolls. I found these black 120 storage tubes from Porters Camera that work well to seal the film and keep light and dust out. A package of three is $3.50.

 

[c6h6o3]

I will try another roll sometime this weekend and give it about 10% more time, just to see if I squeak out a little more shadow detail.

Shadow detail is a function of exposure. 10% more development will have absolutely no effect on the shadows. For that matter, 100% more development will have absolutely no effect on the shadows. For more shadow detail give it more light when you take the picture.

 

[bobfowler]

Shadow detail is a function of exposure. 10% more development will have absolutely no effect on the shadows. For that matter, 100% more development will have absolutely no effect on the shadows. For more shadow detail give it more light when you take the picture.

You're right of course. the more exposure = the more density, the more development = the more contrast

 

[jandc]

Hopefully that September 6th date means they'll also be getting the properly sized 4x5 and 8x10 film around that date. I can't wait to try this stuff in sheet film size.

120, 4x5 and 8x10 is now available.