Question about HP5 and developing

[snay1345]

I recently decided to try out HP5 since it is a bit cheaper than 400 tmax that I have been using (35mm) and today I developed my first roll. One thing I notice is the actual film feels a lot more limp than tmax and the negatives are alot darker and thicker than what I am used to with tmax. I was just wondering if this is how HP5 is normally, or have I not developed correctly. I used the standard times from Ilfords pubs; and I use Ilfosol 3 as my developer. I havn't tried to print any yet so I might just be worrying for nothing. I am just waiting for the film to dry so I can cut and contact them to see how they look. Thanks for any assistance.

 

[topoxforddoc]

I find the HP5 negs a bit denser than similar TriX shots. Personally having used both, I prefer HP5. I soup mine in XTOL now as this is really flexible. I get good tones and fine grain even if I push it 2 stops to 1600. I did use Ilfosol, but I wouldn't go back to that now.

Best wishes,

Charlie
www.charlie-chan.co.uk

 

[tomalophicon]

I find the HP5 negs a bit denser than similar TriX shots. Personally having used both, I prefer HP5. I soup mine in XTOL now as this is really flexible. I get good tones and fine grain even if I push it 2 stops to 1600. I did use Ilfosol, but I wouldn't go back to that now.

Best wishes,

Charlie
www.charlie-chan.co.uk

What's wrong with Ilfosol?

 

[snay1345]

What's wrong with Ilfosol?

I am wondering the same thing. I can't buy xtol in the store down the road like I can ilford products.

 

[PhotoJim]

I find Ilfosol is a bit delicate; it doesn't last as long as a lot of liquid concentrates. If you know it's fresh, though, it's terrific.

ID-11 is still a good developer (especially diluted 1+1) and is easy to get.

 

[Vilk]

Okee, sooner or later someone will say it so why not moi?

DD-X. Magic.



PS. Yes, I do find Ilford negs denser than comparable Kodak products. Not that I ever measured it... Harder to scratch, too (ouch, I do "measure" that, way too often).

 

[2F/2F]

IME, a good T-Max neg looks about a stop thin when compared to a random-grained film. As for the thickness, never noticed it particularly, but that doesn't mean that it isn't the case. Ilford and Kodak may coat on different thicknesses of base material.

 

[fschifano]

Ilford says they coat 35mm HP5+ on a .5 mil acetate base. I'm pretty sure Kodak does the same for all their still camera, 35mm B&W film stocks.