Pushing JandC 400 - experience?

[Scott Peters]

Ok, if I have a bright scene the film tends to do fine... But, it seems when I try to push it, (low SBR) I struggle getting the contrast up for AZO or Palladium. I tray develop in pyro hd (metol)... by inspection. And, I have left it in the developer a long time to try and raise the highlights and contrast. I rate the film at box speed.

I can push efke 100 just fine.

Do others experience this? Are there other suggestions? Should I increase film speed over 400? Or, is it tough film to push in low SBR? Thanks for the help.

 

[Gerald Koch]

Contrast is a very complex issue. Trying to compare an ISO 100 film with an ISO 400 film will cause difficulties. Grain size, film speed, and film contrast are related. A high-resolution film will necessarily have small grains, high inherent contrast, and relatively low sensitivity (low speed). Conversely, a high speed film will necessarily have larger grains, lower inherent contrast, and low resolving power. These relationships are dictated by the laws of physics.

You might try a different developer with the fast film. One that inherently produces higher contrast.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You're trying to increase contrast, not push. I've gotten enough contrast for Azo in low contrast situations with Classic 400 rated at EI 160 in ABC pyro 1+1+1+7, I don't have my times handy, but since you're developing by inspection, you should be able to figure them out. Here's an example that prints well on Azo grade 2--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

If you can't get enough that way, try intensifying the negative in Kodak Rapid Selenium Toner, 1+3, about 8 minutes, and that should give you about another zone of expansion.

 

[Scott Peters]

Will ABC have a different characteristic than Pyro HD with this film? Thanks. Also, when I lowered the film speed, I blocked up the shadows..

 

[Scott Peters]

Let me clarify, the overall negative would build up a lot of stain and be flat/almost muddy looking. Kind of like it was overall overexposed.