Request for help with tray processing HP5+ in Pyrocat-HD...

After buying a 4x5 camera, lens, tripod, tripod head, film holders, film, developing trays, developer, and fixer, I think I'm finally ready to expose and develop my first LF negative. I loaded eight sheets of HP5+ into film holders this morning and I'm ready to expose.

What I'd like to know is there someone who can give me recommendation for a HP5+ film exposure index, Pyrocat-HD dilution, tray development time, and agitation (e.g., continuous shuffle agitation) combination that works for them. Oh, and before someone says read Sandy King's unblinkingeye.com website, I have and have not seen a directly applicable combination for hand processing in trays processing.

Thanks,

Jay Decker
Kennewick, WA

HD/HP5

Using 8x10 HP5+ my numbers are:

2:2:100 (I develop 4-6 sheets at a time in ca 3 liters of solution)
74F (typically declines to 73F by end of session)
2 min presoak in water
constant shuffling
water stop

HP5 rated at 250ASA
N developing time is 9.0min
N+1 developing time is 10.5min

hope this helps, good luck

Alan

Jay,

Sunny conditions.
HP5+ rated at 200
Pyrocat 2+2+100
68F
10 minutes constant gentle agitation in open tray (300mls of developer)

negatives print on grade 2

Alan Clark