Ilford PANF+ in 35mm and 120 roll film, Xtol or Adox FX-39 that is the question?

[harlequin]

Dear APUG Members,

Going to shoot some Ilford PanF+ 35mm and 120 size, at box speed ASA 50, Question...

a) Want the best possible sharpness and tonality, which have you tried/liked?
b) Should it be developed straight or at certain dilution for best results?
c) Print size will be 11x14 print size final.
d) Would there be any users who process PANF+ in Rodinal, if so, is the acutance high?
e) I know some photographers rate the speed of the film at 25 ASA, I prefer to rate at box speed.

Thank You for your input on this..... even some examples would be icing on the cake, I shall be
shooting landscape and some outdoor portraits under large white tent "Texas Softbox"...LOL

Regards,

Harlequin

 

[Arvee]

Just pulled a roll of 35mm (@50) from the dryer that was developed in HC-110 Dil. E (1:47) 5.5' @ 20C that looks fantastic and should go 11x14 no problem. I prefer HC-110 over Rodinal. The qualities you are seeking are pretty much built into the film so most developers are going to deliver. If you're looking for the ultimate, try Beutler's formula if you mix from scratch.

 

[Nihil Abstat]

I would suggest Fuji Acros. It's faster, easier to work with and just as fine-grained as Pan-F Plus. Shoot it at about 64. Pan-F Plus is about 32.

There is no such thing as 'box speed'. The ISO speeds of films are usually optimistic, and most serious workers know that giving about 1/2 to one full stop of additional exposure greatly improves results. Things were better in the old days when films did not have speed numbers in them. Tri-X Pan was ASA 400, but not in Microdol-X.