Orwo UN54 Rodinal vs. Diafine

[JerryWo]

I shot a test roll of Ultrafine Extreme (UN54) at box speed (ASA100), cut the film in half and developed one half in Rodinal (1 + 50 @ 16 min) and the other half in Diafine (3 + 3). I have the side-by-side comparison here:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

The 5 x 7 print was a vertical slice of an 18" wide image on my enlarger baseboard.

Now I better understand the comments regarding Diafine, more specifically comments regarding image contrast.

and am also beginning to see this "Rodinal Look" that the Rodinal crowd likes. Along with souping this half roll, I shot a full roll (24 exp) of UN54 in WashDC and will post a few of those images as soon as I get back in the darkroom.

I bought the Ultrafine extreme on e-bay where it was cheaper than the online shop at Photo Warehouse.

Jerry

 

[baachitraka]

I'm not a subscriber yet, unfortunately to see those pictures need subscription. :-(

 

[misok]

same here i admit..

 

[erikg]

Time for you guys to subscribe

Good test. Nothing works like a side by side comparison. Good info to keep in mind depending on what you are shooting, I can think of times when either developer may be the better choice.

 

[Tronds]

Time for you guys to subscribe

No!
I see no reason to pay for a subscription here.
Too many naysayers and self-proclaimed experts that are better than photographers that have done some serious testing over the last hundred years.

 

[eddie]

No!
I see no reason to pay for a subscription here.
Too many naysayers and self-proclaimed experts that are better than photographers that have done some serious testing over the last hundred years.

Other than helping pay for the upkeep of the site, for the cost of a few rolls of film, you can see some superb, imaginative, and inspirational photographs.
I have no idea what your second sentence means.

 

[semi-ambivalent]

No!
I see no reason to pay for a subscription here.
Too many naysayers and self-proclaimed experts that are better than photographers that have done some serious testing over the last hundred years.

I doubt you'll find very many places where you pay to have people agree with you. Politics, perhaps.

Also, I would think those photographers you hold in esteem would expect you to examine and challenge their work; that's what made them scientists, as well as photographers.

Welcome,

s-a

 

[cmo]

No!
I see no reason to pay for a subscription here.
Too many naysayers and self-proclaimed experts that are better than photographers that have done some serious testing over the last hundred years.

In fact the good people, galleries and sub-forums are hidden from non-subscribers to protect the subscribers from them

Tronds, there is a subscription for just 6 months for $12. It's worth trying.

 

[cmo]

I doubt you'll find very many places where you pay to have people agree with you. Politics, perhaps.

Sometimes it's good to be the king (until the reolution starts).

 

[Trond]

No!
I see no reason to pay for a subscription here.
Too many naysayers and self-proclaimed experts that are better than photographers that have done some serious testing over the last hundred years.

I don't understand what you are saying here. I don't know you particular experiences here on APUG, but do you really expect everyone to agree with you? The galleries are the most valuable part of this site. Your are missing a lot.

Trond

 

[cmo]

Here is a short glance:





Getting back to topic...

Jerry, the subject on your photo is not what Diafine is made for. The forest that you photographed has very low contrast. In addition, the grain caused by Rodinal is somewhat hidden by the structure of the trees.

Diafine is great when it comes to scenes with a lot of contrast: night shots, bands on stage etc. - that's what it's made for, to get as much ASA as possible in high-contrast scenes. It's not very suitable for scenes with low contrast because it dampens the highlights.

If you had tried the same film and the same developers with a street photo at night your verdict would be totally different.

 

[JerryWo]

Thanks CMO, I take your point.

In fact, one of my favorite photos is of the NYC Public Library Periodical room. It was a dark room, with bright light coming through the windows. See:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I intend to tinker some more with these two developers and will keep your advice in mind.

Thanks!
Jerry