Pushing HP5 in XTOL ?

[.JL.]

Hello, this is my first post at APUG.

I have tried pushing HP5 @ ISO800 with DDX 1+4, HC-110B, and D76 1+1. The results are quite good, but I think grain can be smoother and hopefully not trading off a lot of sharpness for that.

I have tried XTOL 1+1 with Neopan 1600 at ISO3200, and was very pleased with the results. Is XTOL a good developer for pushing HP5 ? I would appreciate any tips and recommendations on dilution, time, agitation, etc.

 

[MikeSeb]

Xtol is an excellent developer for nearly any- and everything.

I'd use it undiluted for pushing purposes; all things equal, more dilution means more grain. I use a Jobo so my times won't be relevant to your situation; experimentation is the order of the day.

 

[Doug Webb]

The Ilford Film Processing Chart that I have lists 11minutes at 68 degrees for XTOL stock solution and 17 minutes at 68 degrees for XTOL 1 to 1 for HP5 Plus at 800. I think Delta 3200 looks better at 800 than HP5 Plus. The same chart lists Delta 3200 exposed at 800 in XTOL stock solution at 6 minutes at 68 degrees. Agitation for hand tanks is 4 inversions during first 10 seconds and 4inversions each minute thereafter. I think the Ilford Film Processing Chart is still available on Illfords website.
Good luck,
Doug Webb

 

[fschifano]

XTOL is one of the better developers to use if you need to push film. It can deliver, maybe, about an extra 1/3 stop shadow detail with extended development. This may not sound like much, and it isn't. But what the heck, every little bit helps in these situations.