High contrast film developer needed

[archer]

I am in the midst of 35mm, hand held copying, of printed documents and the only films available to me are Forte 400 asa and Ilford HP5. Can someone give me a formula for a high film speed, high contrast developer? I would like to rate the films at 800 asa. I am not concerned about midtones or grain if it's manageable. The negatives will be scanned and ink printed....Horrors!
Denise Libby

 

[Rick A]

Try Dektol at stock solution, then experiment to see which dilution will work better. Start with a 36 exposures f the same thing-probably a newspaper, and clip the roll into several lengths, then develope each clip with different dilution. I will check through my literature and try to find some times for you.

 

[Ektagraphic]

You could fix the images to look like whatever you want them to come out like you want them to look when you do the scanning.

 

[Rick A]

Okay, i checked the Photo Lab Index, and you can use dektol at full strength for 5 mins @68f no agitation or 4 mins @68f with agitation. adjust times as necessary for more or less contrast. For line drawings, Kodak recommends using D-11 developer. As a side note, dektol can be used to make projection slides. Dilute 1+1 for 1-2 mins @ 68f for high contrast or 1+2 for 1-2 mins @68f for average contrast.

 

[Mike Wilde]

D19 is/was a technical type developer, with some mid tone, but a high contrast and good for fine line detail. If you have access to it, consider an experiment with it.

When you say handheld, I trust you mean well braced. If these negatives are being exposed while you are standing, I would recommend the use of a 'string tripod' if a regualr tripod is not allowed.

Place a 1/4x20 eye bolt in the camera tripod socket, and tie a strong piece of string to it. I use sash cord, and knot it every 6 inches so that it wont slip easily under my shoe.

Stand slightly less than fullt erect, step on the string. Slow your breathing, and get it regular. Elbows in, string dangling pulled taught as you straighten out, I find with up to 70mm lens in 35mm, 80mm in MF I am able to get good sharp exposures down to /15 quite regularly.

 

[rtuttle]

You can call any graphic arts dealer like a Pitman company and get a developer like Agfa ACD. Develop your film at approx 100 degrees and there will be black, white and probably one step of gray and nothing more!