Phototherm Experiences w/Different Film?

[GDI]

Is there any available source for developing times of different films for a Phototherm? The manual has a few films listed, but for example Pan F is listed as "not recommended" with no times.

I have been going to The Massive Dev Chart and comparing to Tri-X and adjusting from there - is there a better way?


Thanks

 

[panastasia]

Charts are only recommendations for starting times/temperatures, you need to establish your own chart by experimentation with your equipment and materials - trial and error method by adjusting only one variable at a time - or you'll become frustrated in no time. Once you have it right, it's smooth sailing from there on.

Paul

 

[imazursky]

When i use my phototherm, I need 20-30% less time then the given on the massive dev chart.
I then i dial it in from there. Remember the phototherm uses Tmax 1:5 so find the film in tmax and gestimate from there. It usually works for me!

 

[PVia]

Couldn't you just use "rotary processing" times found on the film manufacturer's data sheet, assuming the film is still being made?

 

[GDI]

Thanks all...

I have been trying to use relative timings and I think that is as good as I can do. I don't think the rotary processing times always line up with the suggestions from the phototherm. BTW, I use the recommended T-Max in mine as well.

Regarding the Pan F, I have tried a few rolls and they look pretty good, but a bit thin, so I'll try upping the time a bit.

Thanks!

 

[MikeSeb]

@PVia, @GDI's experience mirrors mine. I use a Jobo ATL-1500 (constant rotary agitation, can't vary speed) and always start with the "rotary tube" agitation recommendations when available; I find that I'm almost always decreasing my times by another 10-15% from those, which are themselves shorter than the "small tank" times the manufacturers publish.

It may have something to do with the Jobo's 5 min presoak; or who knows? Just shows that test, test, test is the mantra.

 

[imazursky]

GDI,

You can also try to dilute the Tmax dev 1:6 and increase the time. I haven't tried it but it should give you more leeway in the dev time. The rotary tube timings arent really optimized for the phototherm agitation and chems.
I have also been using the pre soak with excellent results. Without it, the negs were never consistent and i got a lot of air bels with the 4x5 tubes.

 

[GDI]

Ian - have you tried the new T-Max in the Sidekick yet? It calls for a lot less time than the old formula according to the MassDev chart.

 

[imazursky]

Not yet. Im working through tons of trix, era, hp5.....
I would call phototherm. They are the nicest people to work with. They may have an idea.