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Rodinal Special: It's Not Rodinal But Is It Special?

I'm currently using Rodinal Special with Ilford HP5+ used in my new ETRsi. I like the results. If my exposure and development is correct, I get a nice wide evenly balanced histogram, with potential to be a touch too harsh or contrasty for my taste if I'm not careful. I need to create some slightly tamer custom curves for the Epson 4490 for this film and dev combination, when I get the time. Some stuff in my flickr photoblurt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iantindale/ over the past week or so (from the date of this missive).
 
Thanks for posting your shots. It give me a good idea of how Rodinal Special looks.
 
Studional with APX---Sharpness

Snapshot said:
Anyone use it with APX?
Click to expand...

Yes, in '94 it became my main developer for all things APX. Beautiful tonality, fine grain and fine sharpness.
 

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I am a little confused about whether it contains Sulfite or not. According to Tom the latest version doesn't, so should produce image staining and tanning. Those using the latest version can perhaps shed light on this. Is there any staining or tanning effect?

What's its active life like compared to Rodinal? Much shorter and more like other PQ developers would be my assumption but that's all it is - an assumption.

Andy. I note you use it for HP5+ as do some other posters with good results. How does it compare with ID11 or DDX for 35mm HP5+ for instance?

I'd assume bigger grain than, say, Perceptol but again it's an assumption. At what size print might this bigger grain, if it is bigger, show itself compared to Perceptol?

Thanks all

pentaxuser
 
I'm starting to go off my Rodinal Special - especially for HP5+. I'm fairly sure I could be putting it into something more suitable instead. I get the feeling it's not doing the shadows particularly well. Of course, it could be any number of other factors.
 

I don't think you need have worried. A PQ developer without either some sulfite or some ascorbate would not be worth two hoots up a hollow. What we describe as synergism between P and Q isn't there without one or the other.
 
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