Rodinal agitation scheme vs. temperature

[Gabriel Aszalos]

I have developed a somewhat hybrid low agitation scheme for developing my HP5@1600 in Rodinal 1+50. I loved the results I got from stand at 1+100 but wanted a more reliable process.

I found that 35 minutes at 20C with a 5 second agitation every 5 minutes would be a good middle ground for 1+50. My question is: given that temperature affects reaction speed, when I develop at a higher temperature, let’s say 23C, the time goes down to about 27.5 minutes. In turn, the reaction rate in between agitations also grows, so does it make sense to instead agitate every 4 minutes to keep the same number of agitations regardless of temperature? If I am to get consistent results regardless of temperature I should probably change the agitation scheme too when temperature changes and affects total time, right? Does anyone have experience with this.

I do not wish to alter room temperature water because for long development times it doesn’t stick anyway and the thermal currents increase the chance of uneven development.

I hope my question makes sense.

 

[pentaxuser]

I have never noticed any developer maker suggesting that a change of development temperature needs a change to agitation so I'd simply adjust the time of development to that which 23C requires.

I think you are making a temperature change more complicated than it needs to be. While your current agitation is not the one recommended by Rodinal if it works for you then stick to it

pentaxuser

 

[Gabriel Aszalos]

Tried it. The results were nothing like 1:100 stand at 1:50 with agitation every 5 minutes for 35 minutes total. Horrible results with HP5@1600. Not much shadow detail, very bright highlights and terrible grain. I guess I won't be doing that again... I wonder if I can do 1:50 stand development hmm...

 

[Richard Jepsen]

I know photographers love to experiment but I suggest you follow the recommendations of the film manufacturer when developing in Rodinal. I always got less than optimal results with a HP5/Rodinal combination. You may be trying for some special effect and therefore you can ignore my suggestion.