Quick Q: For a box-rated exposed film, is Perceptol still an option?

[Gabino]

I have many rolls that have been exposed already at their box-rated speed and I want to develop them with Perceptol 1+2 (best of both worlds: tonality, fine grain and acutance - from what I have read so far here in APUG - thanks btw). But is it worth using Perceptol on box-rated speed film ? Is there another way to achieve that tonality of a half-speed rated film ?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Gabe

 

[Rich Ullsmith]

Depends somewhat on the film . . .if it was delta 3200 rated at 3200, then that is something of a push and if you shot a lot of it, I would probably hold off for some Microphen. You can get 1/2 stop of speed without change in grain, according to Anchell 2nd edition.

I am not the guru on these matters, but I wouldn't hesitate with the Perceptol, especially since you have at least a few rolls to dial in on.

 

[jmcd]

With HP5+ and Perceptol 1+2 the film speed is definitely dropped about 2/3 of a stop. But what a superb combination.

 

[Gabino]

I appreciate your comments. Yes, I forgot to mention the film I was referring to: Delta 400, HP4, TMAX400, and Delta 100. I have XTOL, and it is my second option after Perceptol.

I think I could just give it a try with an HP5 first, which I expect it to be somewhat grainy anyways.. thanks a bunch !!

 

[2F/2F]

I wouldn't do it if you care about detail in your shadows and low mid tones.

I also would not say that Perceptol ranks high in the acutance department. I use it specifically when I want a bit more softness in the picture than I would normally get from HC-110. And I never use it on fast 35mm film because it takes away too much sharpness IMO. But it is amazing with Pan F at EI 12 to 16 IME.

I would just use X-Tol for those rolls. It will be sharp, fine grained, and it will give you full speed and manageable contrast.

 

[Gabino]

I guess I came up with the wrong conclusions. 2F/2F: I believe there is no compromise in using XTOL on fast films (HP5, Delta400), but can I still use Perceptol 1+2 for Delta 100 (rated 100) to get a good tonal scale and sharpness ? Thank you -

 

[2F/2F]

Hi,

Perceptol is a very useful developer, as long as you rate your film to suit, and get acceptable sharpness to meet your own criteria. What I was saying is that I would not use it for film that is already exposed at box speed, and that I tend not to use it on faster films, as it can really hurt sharpness IME. (T-Max 400 might be an exception. I've never tried it, but I'll bet it would look nice.) For a low or medium speed film, I don't think you would be unhappy with the sharpness. In fact, it can take some of the edge off sometimes, which is part of the reason I like it.

 

[stillsilver]

If possible, shoot a test roll, cut it into 3 sections and test on them. Develop one section first and from there determine if you need to adjust development time. If you don't like the look, you can try another developer.

Mike

 

[Stoo Batchelor]

but can I still use Perceptol 1+2 for Delta 100 (rated 100) to get a good tonal scale and sharpness ? Thank you -

Both Delta 100 and HP5 at box speed in Perceptol, at any dilution are a no no. As 2F/2F says, you will lose all of your shadow detail, and have very muted, dull highlights.

If you wish to continue with Perceptol, then I would first develop what you have in another developer, and then test for future films. I have delta 100 at half box speed, iso 50 in Perceptol, and HP5 at iso 250. You may get away with the Delta 400, as I find that it is a true iso 400 film, but why risk it without testing.

Just to add, Delta 100 does not look good in Perceptol, IMHO. The grain looks mushy, and if you wanted to scan the negs, be prepared for even more disappointment.

Cheers

Stoo

 

[Gabino]

Thank you Stoo, Mike and 2F/2F, I appreciate your comments.