Ilford Delta 3200 ISO setting question.

johnny9fingers · May 16, 2007

Hello, I will be photographing an elementary school spring concert with my brand new Hexar AF. Will be shooting with Delta 3200 for the first time ever and would like to know if I should set the camera to its stated 3200 speed. I have read some forums saying its better to set it at 1600 so you don't underexpose, and since the show is tomorrow I don't have time to experiment. I will be shooting in the school gymnasium with available light. Any guiance will be greatly appreciated.

laverdure · May 16, 2007

That depends on how you're going to develop it. Try looking at this for some ideas of where to start: http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/200613019405339.pdf

johnny9fingers · May 16, 2007

So, if I develop in DD-X for 9 1/2 min it should be ok to set the iso at 3200?

Kobin · May 16, 2007

Grain out the ying-yang at 3200 with any developer, and golf-ball sized.

K.

PhotoJim · May 16, 2007

You should use the lowest EI setting that will allow fast enough shutter speeds or small enough apertures (or both) to do what you need to do.

This film (in my experience) seems to be optimal at or near ISO 1000, which is actually its nominal speed. I often shoot it at EI 1600 because it is only marginally grainier. At 3200 it's still easy to print but it's definitely not as good.

If you can afford the loss of a stop or two, shoot it at 1000 or 1600, and adjust the development accordingly. If you absolutely need EI 3200 to do what you need, then you have to shoot it at 3200.

FrankB · May 16, 2007

I (and from past threads, several other members) find that it helps to process Delta 3200 at the recommended times for the next speed up (i.e. shoot at 1600 process for 3200, shoot at 3200 process for 6400, etc.)

A dev like DDX will help to minimise the grain, but if you're working with 35mm I wouldn't set your hopes on huge enlargements.

If the available light will permit an acceptable shutter speed at 1600 ISO or less then I'd take advantage of it, but the stock is cheerfully usable at 3200 (some people even shoot it at around 20,000!).

Best of luck, and post your results!

Frank

midlife crisis · May 16, 2007

Beware of not testing

I have tried this fil m on one occasion only. That was at my brothers wedding. Not sure where it went wrong, but it proved difficult to get a decent print out of it. If the shoot is important you really need to test before you shoot.

Curiously I have only ever had two films which were a disaster, the previosly mentioned Delta 3200 and my first roll of PANF 50.

Having said this the way I understand it is that Delta 3200 and Kodak Tmax 3200 give the best results at 1600.

What ever you choose to do, good luck

keithwms · May 16, 2007

It'll be fine to shoot and develop for 3200. But I kinda doubt you'll really need 3200, you have a gem of an f/2 lens and a rangefinder that will allow you to handhold well past 1/60... personally, I think I'd take hp5+ and plan to shoot it at 400 or push to 800 if necessary. Or why not pocket both films and just decide once you see the light. Maybe it'll be best to rate the delta at 1600 and develop normally. Depends on the light and its contrast.

johnny9fingers · May 16, 2007

Thanks to all, you've given me something to think about. I think I will bring hp5+ and the 3200 and see what the light tells me. Keith, I just got the slides from my first roll of provia, the results floored me. I have never shot so many beautiful slides on one roll before. Maybe get half the shots somewhat decent with the rest just garbage. But these amazed me. I love the Hexar, and now want to get another as a back-up. Thanks again....

johnnywalker · May 17, 2007

My experience is exactly as FrankB said:

FrankB said:
I (and from past threads, several other members) find that it helps to process Delta 3200 at the recommended times for the next speed up (i.e. shoot at 1600 process for 3200, shoot at 3200 process for 6400, etc.)

Frank

mcgrattan · May 17, 2007

Like others I shoot it at 3200 and process for 6400 or shoot it at 1600 and process for 3200.

Developed in DD-X I haven't found the grain that obtrusive, actually. I've made a couple of 8x10s from both Delta 3200 and from Kodak's Tmax 3200 and they've been pretty good (in my opinion).

Daniel_OB · May 30, 2007

Delta 3200 is normaly at daylight iso 1200-1600 (depend of batch). Do not forget that B&W films behave differently at around 2800K (artifical light), and this film, without test on speed, I would set as iso 1000 for 2800K light. If you do not test it for developing time God with you, or use recomended time attached to film box. If you have enough frames use bracketing too.

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Ilford Delta 3200 ISO setting question.

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