Neopan 400 in Ilfotec LC29

[Skipter]

Hello,

Recently I was bitten by the DIY B&W film development bug and have selected a number of films that I would like to develop for comparison.

This question relates to developing Neopan 400 in LC29 (in a Paterson tank) but the principle could probably apply to other film / developer combinations.

So my question is this: when developing Neopan in an Ilford developer, should I follow Ilford's agitation method or Fuji's? Ilford lists development times for Neopan, which I assume are based on the standard Ilford agitation method. Likewise the Neopan product sheet lists development times for a variety of developers, all with continuous agitation for the first minute, which is significantly different from the Ilford method.

Any clarification would be most appreciated

TIA

 

[markbarendt]

Both are just a places to start, not absolutes. Either will normally work fine.

Other variables, like water quality and your thermometer, are wild cards.

Even if we read the same directions, you will the agitate the tank differently than I will.

This is a thing you just have to play with to figure out what works best for you.

 

[skahde]

Ilford lists development times for Neopan, which I assume are based on the standard Ilford agitation method.

Exactly. You should either follow Fuji's or Ilford's directions as a whole. Do not mix them as long as you don't know what to expect.

 

[Skipter]

Excellent, thanks. I'll stick with Ilford's method as that way I have a known baseline.