HP5+ in Rodinal 1:25 N- N+

[Shaggysk8]

Hello I just wondered other peoples experience, but just ran some tests and with HP5+ in Rodinal 1:25 I only really get a N- and N+ so all I can really get then is a one zone contraction and a one zone expansion, although this is normally enough for me I just wondered if any one else had a similar experience.

Paul

 

[2F/2F]

Do you mean that you are having trouble getting N-2 and N+2? If so, what results are you getting when you try to achieve these?

 

[Shaggysk8]

Yes that would be right, I did do some reading an other people in other places have said the same, I don't really need any more and I have worked out a N development time, but just wondered about other peoples experiences.

 

[2F/2F]

What results do you get when you try to achieve results beyond N-1 or N+1? In other words, why do you say it is not working?

 

[Shaggysk8]

Because it never acheaves N-2 or N+2 I can get N+1.5, what seems to happen is the high lights build up so much after N+1 but Zone VIII and below don't move as much, so looking it is trying to print would be a nightmare.

Have you tried this combination? if so what results did you get?

Paul

 

[2F/2F]

That is strange, if that is what is happening. So, you say zone VIII stays put, and everything above it continues to raise in density? How long have you tried developing? What are you shooting as your test material?

I don't use Rodinal for the Zone System, so I cannot give you any specific numbers that might help. I usually use it at 1:50 or 1:100 for reduced agitation development. However, Zone VIII staying put while higher zones get pushed higher doesn't make sense to me in any developer.

And what happens when you try to go beyond N-1?

 

[jmcd]

I do not think that "modern" films lend theselves well to N-2 with beautiful results, in the same way that old films such as Forte 400. Your could expand and contract that film, and others, and basic result looked full-toned and even, not anemic.

So, I get close with modest contractions, have more luck with dramatic expansions, especially for graphic work, and make up the rest with printing controls.

My main film is HP5+, and Rodinal is my favorite developer for this film, too.

Other's expectations and mileage may vary.

 

[Shaggysk8]

Well they don't stay put totally they do move up, but the curve gets very steep after about zone viii, I don't really like going lower than n-1 but it little movement, I am shooting a step wedge then developing at 4, 5.5, 8, 11 & 16 mins, then plotting graphs.

It's interesting how Rodinal just seems to shoots off after a point, but then I found it did the same with panf+ but I never did any proper tests.