Making the most of an underexposed negative

[koraks]

The challenge is a classic matter: how to get an speed increase while not increasing too much contrast, conserving highlights and not increasing grain too much

Also known as: the challenge to cut your losses, make the best of it, move on and do better next time.

 

[andersd]

Look up the Kodak XTOL data sheet on how much extra development time is needed. Added development time will increase the density and contrast for under exposed film.

Hi Sirius, I am worried that push processing will result in overdeveloped highlights while doing little for the shadows.

I think you might have given the film correct exposure. 8 seconds, right?

Hi Bill, yes, I exposed for 8 seconds, as filter and reciprocity totaled an increase of 4 stops. (0.5 s to 8 s). However, the starting point should have been 2 seconds, resulting in a corrected exposure time of 32 s.

I thoroughly appreciate everyone's input. Thanks! I found no way of getting my hands on Diafine or other speed-enhancing developers before I'm leaving for a trip next week, so XTOL 1+2 it is. I am filling the jobo 2520 tank with 1500 ml of working solution and developing for 15 min with reduced agitation.

 

[andersd]

Hi all, the developed negative are absolutely usable. Thanks again for your insight. I learned the lessons to always double check my meter, and also stock up on Microphen for emergencies like these. Have a great weekend.

 

[138S]

Hi all, the developed negative are absolutely usable. Thanks again for your insight. I learned the lessons to always double check my meter, and also stock up on Microphen for emergencies like these. Have a great weekend.

Great to now that, congratulations !