Has anyone ever used D-19 as part of a film developing mix?

[sdotkling]

I'm shooting 35 and trying to get a rougher, grainier look to my Fomapan 400 film. While I can't find out too much about D19, I have the hunch that it's high-contrast properties, if added to something more traditional like D76, might provide just that "kick" I'm looking for. Anyone ever try this, or something similar? Got any clue as to what a proper proportion might be, if I attempt it?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Rick A]

Dektol (D-72) can give grainy negatives.

 

[artonpaper]

D-19 certainly is very contrasty. I've used it with large format, and even at 1:1 found it to produce empty shadows. I think there must be a better way to exaggerate grain. One way, possibly, T-Max 3200 in a paper developer, like D-72. Of course avoid fine grain films.

 

[holmburgers]

I'd say give it a shot. Do some comparisons if you can; shoot the same test subject 36 times on a roll, cut it up into 4 sections in the dark, develop them identically in a 1-roll spiral tank (if you've got it) with different concentrations of D-19 (or D-72) in your D-76.

5%, 10%, 20%, 50%.

Something to this effect; the results will be very telling I'm sure.

 

[Ian Grant]

D163 gives more grain than D72/Dektol.

Ian

 

[Gerald C Koch]

If you want a moderate increase in contrast then try DK-50. The Air Force used to use this as a medium contrast developer for aerographic film. Due to atmospheric haze these films need to be developed with more energetic developers. For even more contrast AFD-4, essentially a print developer, was used.

 

[Mike Wilde]

I have adapted d-19 to be a very warm (heavy bromide) variant of Dektol, by adding some hydroquinone, and a whack of sodium carbonate. It works great on old papers that need lots of restraining action to hold back the worst of the growing fog.

 

[sdotkling]

Great info, thanks!

Now I have about 6 ways to experiment. You know the great thing about this forum? People really know stuff. I am humbled and gratified.

 

[2F/2F]

D-19 adds more contrast than grain IME. And what increase in grain you do get is unable to be separated from the fact that you are also going to get an increase in contrast; you cannot get just the grain without the contrast if you use D-19. I would use highly diluted Rodinal for a start (at least 1:50), and see what you get. It will give you grain without jacking up the contrast.

 

[artonpaper]

I'd say give it a shot. Do some comparisons if you can; shoot the same test subject 36 times on a roll, cut it up into 4 sections in the dark, develop them identically in a 1-roll spiral tank (if you've got it) with different concentrations of D-19 (or D-72) in your D-76.

5%, 10%, 20%, 50%.

Something to this effect; the results will be very telling I'm sure.

Brilliant idea, and while you're shooting bracket your exposures. That should give you a lot of feedback quickly.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

If you want giant grain shoot with a very wide angle lens so the subject occupies a small portion of the negative and then really enlarge 2-3x normal. 2-3x grain instantly.