Push processing old HP5 3 and 4 stops?

[lifein2x3]

Hello, all. In 2008 I decided to try push processing some HP5 up to 3200 and 6400. I shot two rolls at each speed. Those rolls then went into a (room-temperature) box for 7 years until they were found a few weeks ago. I am at a complete loss as to how to develop them, and can't find any data sheet anywhere that has that extreme of a push listed (Massive Dev included). Add in the fact that they've had a latent image on them for 7 years, and I'm not exactly confident I'll manage to end up with anything other than blank film. I currently have D-76 and Rodinal available to me to develop them, but I think I can get my hands on HC-110 or Microphen sometime next week if need be. I'm hoping to develop the film later this week.

I don't have much experience with the mad scientist side of film processing, so any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[MattKing]

Is it HP5 or HP5+?

The latter would have been current in 2008.

And how contrasty was the lighting when you took the photos?

 

[lifein2x3]

HP5+, and I have no clue what's actually on the film, that's part of the problem.

 

[Fixcinater]

A lot of folks here don't like stand dev to even be mentioned but I would use semi-stand (agitate every 5-10 mins) HC110 1:100 for 1 hour, maybe longer. Developing one at a time would allow you to optimize as you go.

 

[nyoung]

I used to use D76 1 to 1 for about 20 minutes or so to get to 1600 - agitation once every 5 minutes or so. 50 minutes to an hour for 3200 sounds like a good starting point. Base fog is likely to be tremendous given both the developing time and the age of the film.

 

[Paul Howell]

A lot of folks here don't like stand dev to even be mentioned but I would use semi-stand (agitate every 5-10 mins) HC110 1:100 for 1 hour, maybe longer. Developing one at a time would allow you to optimize as you go.

I agree, in this case I would develop to completion and print at grade 1.

 

[MartinP]

The HP5+ data sheet(here) gives times in Microphen for a three stop push -- and also times for the same push in HC110.

Given that your films will most likely(!) have some age-fogging, it may be worth trying a short clip test, the first 15cm for example, using HC110 because it has a reputation for developing to a low fog-level, and you have access to the developer. That will give a good guideline to see if you need to modify anything with the rest of the film.

If there seems nothing much left on the film with HC110 at 9 1/2 minutes and Dilution-A, then you have nothing to lose by using DDX or Microphen, which would be the usual developer recommendations for fresh film, for extra time on the remainder of the roll. Then you have the second roll to make yet another adjustment, if needed.

 

[Xmas]

Over developing film that is old and has a stale latent image is a risky procedure.
I'd just develope it per the normal ISO time to try and reduce the fog level.

Pushing does not do much for the toe speed... But does lift fog level...