Stand Processing Test Results #2 of series

[bobbysandstrom]

OK! Here's what the second series of tests showed. (I wanted to try this because after hearing all of the initial agitation times flying around everywhere it made me curious to see what really gives.) So...

With this group I agitated for 1min 30sec (instead of just 1min as I did with the first test).

The only thing that changed was the UPPER TONES ONLY gained from .3 (16min time) to .11(64min time) The other tidbit was I got a full N+1 EI 160+ when developed for 2 hrs.

So I guess the lessons here are:
1) If you want n+1 (with this dilution/temp) agitate for 1:30 and develop for 2 hrs!
2) There's not much difference between 1min and 1min 30sec initial agitation!

Cool. I'm learning something.

Again, for those interested, I will post a coherent single page of results and methods when I'm finished with all the series of tests.



So, tonight I'm going to ponder what steps to take next.

It was a fruitful day!

 

[bobbysandstrom]

After kicking the results around in my head I came to realize the following:

If there is very minimal difference between 1min and 1-1/2 min initial agitation would it not be better to agitate for the longer time in hopes of obtaining more even development?

Just a thought. Can anyone confirm or refute that assumption?

thanks

bob

 

[Steve Sherman]

Yes, I would agree with that assumption. In addition, in another thread which had been going on for a while Sandy King suggested that the initial agitation should be vigorous. I have always been a proponent of gentle agitiation, after giving more thought I would agree that the initial agitation should be more vigorous in the hopes of offsetting any uneven development which might occur in even toned areas. I now incorporate that method into my regime with the remainder of the agitation being gentle in an up and down motion within an upright tank.

Glad to see you are running with the process rather than just debating, you quickly learn what your likes and dislikes are with adjancecy effects.

Thanks for posting, Steve

 

[fhovie]

I recently did some semistand processing with some TRI-X and FP4 in a Large Jobo. I was doing 3 spools and 16 sheets at one time for 36 minutes. I have always done vigerous aggitations. I think I am changing my mind for this syle of processing. The TRI-X came out ok but the FP4 had definate uneven development as a result of aggitation as seen by dark bands near the edges where developer was moving real fast. When I am shaking 2 liters or more of developer, there can be a lot of force and so with these large projects, I will be doing the inversions much slower now.

 

[Kirk Keyes]

Again, for those interested, I will post a coherent single page of results and methods when I'm finished with all the series of tests.

Can you give us a teaser and post the curves for your last two tests?

Also, can you see differences in the edge efects between the steps at the different times?

 

[bobbysandstrom]

kirk, my plotter software is on my PC ( I'm a mac guy) and the pc is not connected to the internet. I can tell you the curves are upswept like a very gentle smile. At the top the highs really begin to separate. I haven't checked for edge effects though but here are my thoughts on proceeding. I'd appreciate any thoughts from anyone re the following:


1) I think changing temp from 68f to 75f will only slightly shorten developing times(because of the high dilution) and contrast will remain the same. I think you might lose an almost imperceptible amount of edge effect because of the lesser time in the soup.

2) I think changing dilution from 1:200 to 1:100 will again shorten times and maintain contrast but with noticeably less edge effect.


Any thoughts?


Also, I want to do some real world photos in order to assess the results regarding sharpness/tonality/eveness/streaking etc with various expansion and contraction using data I've culled thus far. Afterall, that's what really matters.

 

[bobbysandstrom]

well guys, the next test is in the sauce right now. I'm running 6 sheets for 16-22-32-45-64-2hrs in Rodinal 1:100 with an initial agitation of 1:00 (just to keep it tame)

will post later on.

Any guesses as to what to expect in comparison?


stay tuned...