Newb question re film and developer

jmxphoto · Apr 20, 2007

I used to process and scan my own black and white 35mm film 5-6 years ago. Well I was re-bit by the large format bug again earlier this year. I've stuck mostly with polaroid film and chromes but I'm working towards processing my own black and white. Back when I did 35mm I used Tmax developer and I remember it said "not for use with sheet film." I got some 4x5 tanks and hangers pretty cheap off fleabay and a quick google search for "4x5 tank developing" turned up dk-50 as a good developer. I've read some about it and more about black and white developing and I'm wondering if that's a bad place to start. I've read that some developers require more testing than others. Is dk-50 a good place to start or should I pick up something more mainstream like D76? I'll be shooting some expired (2005, should still be good) Ilford Delta 100 as well as Arista EDU Ultra 100.

-James

drpsilver · Apr 20, 2007

20 April 2007

jmxphoto:

I have been working with Delta 100 for many years and have had very good results with D76 (1:1). I usually rate the film at 80 and develop for 10:00 minutes un a JOBO rotary processor. Sinc you are using tanks you times will be different for several reasons (i.e. constant aggitation, volume of developer, ...). I have found it to be a very "forgiving" developer. It will allow you to get your procedures down while still getting reasonable negs.

I have also had good results with Perceptol (1:1). I have notices that showdow density is greater and highlights are lwss "blown-out" then with D76 (1:1).

Enjoy you re-found appreciation of 4x5 B&W.

Regards,
Darwin

Konical · Apr 20, 2007

Good Evening, James,

If you were happy earlier with standard T-Max Developer, give it a try with 4 x 5 film. Notwithstanding the Kodak warning message, you may find that it works quite well with sheet film. Apparently, some users have experienced some kind of deposit or residue problem with the T-Max/T-Max Developer combination; I never have and can only speculate that local differences in the water supply may have something to do with it. Since I've never had any problem, I continue to use the regular T-Max with both roll and sheet film, normally with a 1:7 dilution.

Konical

Thomas Bertilsson · Apr 21, 2007

I am curious why Kodak says it's not recommended for sheet film. It shouldn't matter much one would think. Propensity for uneven development, maybe?

You are suspect to get a million recommendations from different people which developer to use. I think if you used TMax and you were happy with it, it's worth at least the benefit of a doubt to go ahead and try it anyway. A couple of sheets of 4x5 isn't the end of the world if it doesn't work.

- Thomas

gphickey · Apr 22, 2007

Tmax developer

Tmax RS developer is for sheet film. Plain Tmax is for roll film only.

Thomas Bertilsson · Apr 22, 2007

Yes, but why? What difference does it make? Film is film is film - isn't it? Turning an emulsion into a silver structure shouldn't matter, sheet or roll. I would just love to hear the explanation, as well as I don't distrust the information. I just don't understand it.

- Thomas

fschifano · Apr 22, 2007

Simple really. TMax RS is designed to be used in a replenished, deep tank system. Plain TMax developer is not designed to be replenished. Kodak assumes that professionally developed sheet film will be processed in deep tanks. Deep tanks can hold as much as 3.5 or more gallons of fluid. That's a lot of money to throw down the drain after each use of the developer, which is what you'd need to do if you used TMax developer in such a system.

So if you consistently run enough film through the system to keep the developer replenished often enough so that the stuff remains fresh, then TMax RS is a good choice. For 1 shot use, TMax developer is the better choice.

jmxphoto · Apr 22, 2007

Thanksl for all the info so far everyone. It's much appreciated. I think the Tmax vs 4x5 thing is a little tangental to my question, though it is interesting. Essentially I was wondering if dk-50 has a steep learning curve like I've heard Rodinal has. It could be that it's just not many people's favorite. I did compare dk-50 and d76 specs a little and it looks like dk-50 can develope about twice the ammount of film as d76. Of course you pay for this with grain.

Really I'm just trying to optimize my chances for success.

Tom Duffy · Apr 22, 2007

I'd start with D76 or Xtol. Both shoud give you excellent results with the films you mentioned.

Newb question re film and developer

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