HC110 as a replacement for Rodinal

[wogster]

Yes, I do develop those films in Rodinal.

And the reason I'm unwilling to mailorder is a combination of a very small mail slot in my building(a 1L packet of D-76 would fill it) and the awkwardness of getting to any courier depots to pick up shipments. Getting mail larger than letter size is an exercise in frustration right now.

There are a couple of solutions.

1) have the items delivered to your work address, if there is a shipping/receiving area or mail room, then the folks there can put it aside for you.

2) Does your building have a super, perhaps the super or a neighbour who is home during the day can accept the shipment for you.

 

[Lee L]

This is not Rodinal. This is Rodinal special which is similar to Studional.

They have both. This one: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/9724-Compard-R09-One-Shot-Film-Developer-125ml-4-oz.?cat_id=301

is described as:

R09 One-Shot is exact same formula as Agfa Rodinal. Use this product exactly the same with the same confidence as you have in the past with Agfa Rodinal.

Like Agfa Rodinal it is a classic developer--some would say the classic developer--that features fine grain and high acutance, perfect for use with Arista, Ilford and Foma films. Use at 1:25 or 1:50 dilution.

Replaces Agfa Rodinal, Item #9719

They also have versions described as replacement for Studional or Agfa Rodinal Special.

Lee

 

[mawz]

There are a couple of solutions.

1) have the items delivered to your work address, if there is a shipping/receiving area or mail room, then the folks there can put it aside for you.

2) Does your building have a super, perhaps the super or a neighbour who is home during the day can accept the shipment for you.

1. Not possible. Shipping gets annoyed when that is done.

2. Even less possible. I pretty much don't know my neighbours and the Super is in another building.

I said mail order is out because it pretty much isn't an option for me for any sort of regular use like periodic chemical buys.

 

[alanrockwood]

mawz, not to beat a dead horse (well, maybe to beat a dead horse), but do you have any friends who could receive a package for you?

 

[gb hill]

I hate these simularities in naming products. Wow that's about half the cost of regular Rodinal. I'll have to try it.

 

[rjr]

>I was thinking of going with HC110 as a replacement. Will it live up to my needs as described?

In short: no.

I am using both developers for different ocsasions and I learned to like them both, of course.
HC isn´t that cheap - here in Germany it´s heading for the mark of 30€ per litre, quite a lot for something one can´t be sure to appreciate.

Both developers last a long time; both developers are available from a bunch of producers with only slight differences to the formule - I can buy (and did buy) HC110 from Kodak, Ilfotec HC, Ilfotec LC29, I can buy it as Neopress HC from Tetenal and there is Fuji making a similar product, too.This whole range will give me very similar results.

Both developers share a commonality - you can adapt it to the task by changing the dilution. HC is more versatile in this regard, since it´s stronger, more powerful, it works well within a broader range of dilutions while Rodinal is exhausted by time and oxidation.

I received different "styles" from the same film by simply changing the dilution of HC - 1+30 giving high acutance and REALLY coarse grain on a 35mm HP5 while 1+60 limiting the grain, smuding the grain etc.

HC works nicely with old school films as APX and HP5+ as well as with Filmotec´s N74 or Kodak TMZp3200 (at EI1000).

I like them both, Rodinal and HC - but I´d chose HC from any make if I had to make the choice, since it gives me a broader set of chances and possibilities.

Regards,
Roman

 

[mawz]

mawz, not to beat a dead horse (well, maybe to beat a dead horse), but do you have any friends who could receive a package for you?

Not at my address. Which is a major issue since only shipping to the billing address is a common credit card security measure.

If Blazinal is Rodinal, and is available at Henry's, my initial problem is solved. And thus my problems with mail order is rendered irrelevant.

 

[mawz]

>I was thinking of going with HC110 as a replacement. Will it live up to my needs as described?

In short: no.

I am using both developers for different ocsasions and I learned to like them both, of course.
HC isn´t that cheap - here in Germany it´s heading for the mark of 30€ per litre, quite a lot for something one can´t be sure to appreciate.

Both developers last a long time; both developers are available from a bunch of producers with only slight differences to the formule - I can buy (and did buy) HC110 from Kodak, Ilfotec HC, Ilfotec LC29, I can buy it as Neopress HC from Tetenal and there is Fuji making a similar product, too.This whole range will give me very similar results.

Both developers share a commonality - you can adapt it to the task by changing the dilution. HC is more versatile in this regard, since it´s stronger, more powerful, it works well within a broader range of dilutions while Rodinal is exhausted by time and oxidation.

I received different "styles" from the same film by simply changing the dilution of HC - 1+30 giving high acutance and REALLY coarse grain on a 35mm HP5 while 1+60 limiting the grain, smuding the grain etc.

HC works nicely with old school films as APX and HP5+ as well as with Filmotec´s N74 or Kodak TMZp3200 (at EI1000).

I like them both, Rodinal and HC - but I´d chose HC from any make if I had to make the choice, since it gives me a broader set of chances and possibilities.

Regards,
Roman

Thanks for the rundown on HC. It pretty much indicates that HC wouldn't suit my desires anyways. Rodinal suits my low-speed uses very well and I don't want to depart too far from that look.

 

[JBrunner]

Besides the fact that they are both developers, both come in bottles, and that they both keep forever, I can't think of anything else they have in common.

 

[alanrockwood]

Besides the fact that they are both developers, both come in bottles, and that they both keep forever, I can't think of anything else they have in common.

I think also I read somewhere that both are low-fog developers and both are somewhat speed-losing.

 

[wogster]

1. Not possible. Shipping gets annoyed when that is done.

2. Even less possible. I pretty much don't know my neighbours and the Super is in another building.

I said mail order is out because it pretty much isn't an option for me for any sort of regular use like periodic chemical buys.

Three options:

Option One, have it shipped Purolator, they have stores and agents practically everywhere in Canada, items can be held for pickup at any location, not just depots. In fact if you contact them at 1-888-SHIP123 or the web site you can get the address of locations near you, have the items shipped there as a hold for pickup. The location should call you when it arrives so you can go get it.

Option two, Canada Post, they also have locations and agents everywhere, not sure if you can arrange pickup at a specific location or not, check the website for more info.

Option three, have your local photo dealer order stuff for you, Henry's can special order some stuff they don't normally have in stock, you pickup and pay at the store. May take longer though.

 

[mawz]

Folks,

I'm aware of the various options for mail order. They either won't work for me or are more hassle than they're worth. I really don't need solutions for that non-problem and we've now got 3 pages of solutions for an irrelevant comment and a couple posts that actually addressed my real question.

aluk's post solved my problem. Thanks aluk. Blazinal from Henry's is the answer, not HC110.

 

[mawz]

I think also I read somewhere that both are low-fog developers and both are somewhat speed-losing.

That too, and both have at least a mild reputation for accutance.

 

[PhotoJim]

mawz, we're just puzzled that you are willing to go to a camera store to pick something up but not a post office or courier shop. Anyway, it's up to you what's convenient and inconvenient. Hopefully you will be able to get Rodinal or some equivalent at a store for the foreseeable future.

 

[Ian Grant]

I think also I read somewhere that both are low-fog developers and both are somewhat speed-losing.

Never found any speed loss with Rodinal, I also now use the same EI's with Xtol or Pyrocat HD, but I don't shoot at box speed with any of them usually, however I did find a speed loss with HC110 & Ilfotech HC.

Ian

 

[mawz]

mawz, we're just puzzled that you are willing to go to a camera store to pick something up but not a post office or courier shop. Anyway, it's up to you what's convenient and inconvenient. Hopefully you will be able to get Rodinal or some equivalent at a store for the foreseeable future.

The camera stores are accessible (in fact very easy, I work a short walk from two of the 4 main stores in Toronto and the other 2 are merely longer walks), FedEx/UPS Depots are not accessible due to being in transit-unfriendly suburban regions far away from my work or apartment. The Post Office and Purolator only work for those rare suppliers willing to ship via regular mail or for shipments from Canada and even then are actually less accessible to me than the local camera stores.

 

[canuhead]

Actually there's a FedEx depot on Queens Quay and Sherbourne but not sure what type of shipments they receive.

As other have posted, Henrys has Blazinal and that's where I got my last few bottles. Downtown Camera has plenty but is gouging people re:Rodinal afaic. When Agfa went tits up, so did DC's Rodinal price, otherwise it's a good store. They're asking about $20 per bottle (last time I checked) whereas Henrys is $16. I imagine they're sitting on lots of stock at that price which would explain why stock at Henrys moves.

 

[mawz]

Actually there's a FedEx depot on Queens Quay and Sherbourne but not sure what type of shipments they receive.

As other have posted, Henrys has Blazinal and that's where I got my last few bottles. Downtown Camera has plenty but is gouging people re:Rodinal afaic. When Agfa went tits up, so did DC's Rodinal price, otherwise it's a good store. They're asking about $20 per bottle (last time I checked) whereas Henrys is $16. I imagine they're sitting on lots of stock at that price which would explain why stock at Henrys moves.

The primary FedEx depot is over in Don Mills. That's where they typically hold the shipments for pickup, at least any not delivered in the immediate downtown core. The downtown depot is only for deliveries immediately downtown.

DC bought up much of the last supply of Rodinal available in Canada and bumped the price at that time, IIRC they bought about 25 cases of the stuff.. They don't have any left on the shelf but may still have stock around. Blazinal looks to be the best option for me.

 

[mrred]

HC-110 is finer grained, has a tendency to pronounced highlights (in my experience) and muted mid-tones.

Just like Rodinal, stand / semi stand development cures all that. I use 1:100 and use Dil B dev times x 4, as a starting point.

 

[wogster]

Folks,

I'm aware of the various options for mail order. They either won't work for me or are more hassle than they're worth. I really don't need solutions for that non-problem and we've now got 3 pages of solutions for an irrelevant comment and a couple posts that actually addressed my real question.

aluk's post solved my problem. Thanks aluk. Blazinal from Henry's is the answer, not HC110.

As of a couple of hours ago, the Church St Store had a single bottle on the shelf, so call before you go.....

 

[Stregone]

You should be able to call up your bank/credit card company and have an extra allowed delivery address added to your account.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas Bertilsson (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
HC-110 is finer grained, has a tendency to pronounced highlights (in my experience) and muted mid-tones.

Just like Rodinal, stand / semi stand development cures all that. I use 1:100 and use Dil B dev times x 4, as a starting point.

I use reduced agitation a lot of the time, and I disagree. I have not seen the pronounced highlights and muted mid-tones disappear, the basic character of the results remain the same to me.

 

[gainer]

As of a couple of hours ago, the Church St Store had a single bottle on the shelf, so call before you go.....

Or mix your own. I have found a little difference between sodium and potassium based Rodinal. I think potassium hydroxide is easier to get than sodium, and potassium sulfite at least as easy to get as sodium. Take 40 grams of p-aminophenol base (not the hydrochloride), 20.5 grams of potassium hydroxide, and 100 grams of potassium sulfite and put them in 750 ml water. Stir and bring volume to 1 liter.

 

[photogear]

I just heard from a friend that his blazinal died.
He realized it after trying to develop a fresh film.
A later test confirmed it.
So, is blazinal the real rodinal???

 

[MattKing]

I just heard from a friend that his blazinal died.
He realized it after trying to develop a fresh film.
A later test confirmed it.
So, is blazinal the real rodinal???

One of them.
There have been many Rodinals over the years.
And equally important, a variety of containers for Rodinal - some of which are better than others.