how many developers do you use, or have you settled on one

[Maris]

Xtol replenished for all films for the same temperature adjusted time. Contrast adjustments are minor and are easily accommodated by changing paper grade when enlarging.

 

[grainyvision]

I use a custom 2-part developer GVK1 for most things now. It gives me the right kind of contrast I want, a small speed boost, and a grain structure I like (not fine but not mushy or obtrusive). It hates poor exposure control though, and is quite slow (10-30m depending on film). However, I have others and tend to use what I need for more specialized applications. HC-110 I really like to pair up with T-Max 3200 to get that gritty contrasty look, or when I just need something processed quickly. D-76 when I need a reference curve for a film or something to compare to. Rodinal occasionally when I need the compensation that comes with stand development (or just lazy about unknown films). I even used Ansco 130 1+9 as a film developer yesterday with a test strip of FP4+ that I'm trying to get to match the curve needed for Kallitypes. I would say focus on one developer as your main squeeze, but recognize that other developers might be better for certain applications and don't be afraid to try something new when you're doing something weird

 

[NB23]

I’ve got 11 Bags of Eastman D76, keeping them for my 300 rolls of Tri-X.

I’ve got 3 bottles of ilfotec-HC that I’m keeping for my 120 rolls of HP5.

Ilfosol-3 for my Pan-F

3 liters of HC-110 old, for anytime I wish like using it, including my TMZ3200.

 

[radiant]

Xtol 1+1 for "normal" development

Rodinal for large format and for artistic/grainy development

 

[NB23]

Rodinal occasionally when I need the compensation that comes with stand development (or just lazy about unknown films).

i’m always amazed by how misunderstood
Stand development is.

If you are lazy, or facing unknown films, the best method for both these situations is rodinal (if you insist on rodinal) 1:25 for 5 minutes with rigorous agitations. And if you are extra lazy, then go 1:15 for 3 minutes. Yes, 3 minutes there is a risk of uneven development but not if you agitate well, while with stand development you are guaranteeing yourself uneven development.

Epecially for unknown films, you definitely want extra agitation. Stand is the worst of the worst.

 

[Jonno85uk]

XTOL-R for most things.
DDX for Delta films.
Ilfotec HC or Rodinal when it takes my fancy. Usually if I want to bring out grain.

It used to be ID-11 or Rodinal for a long time.

 

[Steve York]

I like Clayton F76 but it doesn't have a long shelf life. Once a bottle gets opened, I pretty much have to use it exclusively for the next two months. Rodinal, HC-110 give variety, and Diafine the speed enhancement, and I don't have to worry about shelf life with these developers. If I to pick one, probably just Rodinal. Maybe not my absolute favorite but dependable.