Switching to T grain or other developer?

[Jessestr]

I've been using traditional grain films since I started out and I pretty much disliked the look of T grain films. At least until now. Some of my favourite photographers shoot tmax and I really like the look with less grain, more fine art factor.

However I was wondering if I would switch from HC-110 on FP4 and HP5 if I'd achieve less grain too and not have to switch films, or should I switch films instead of developer? Though choice and I don't really know on what basis I should maky my decision... The photographers I'm talking about are shooting t-max and develop with hc110.

(If I go for film switch I'd use Delta, because I can bulk roll it)

Thanks

 

[markbarendt]

I think it's safe to say that Switching films will make a bigger difference than switching developers.

 

[Konical]

Good Evening, Jessestr,

I agree with Mark's comment. T-Max 100 in either T-Max Developer or HC-110 will look almost the same.

Konical

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I think it's safe to say that Switching films will make a bigger difference than switching developers.

I'd say so too.characteristics such as grain are film characteristics first and dev characteristics second.Nevertheless, the search for the magic developer is as futile as the search for the magic lens or camera.All the films and developers mentioned by the OP are all great and just fine for five-art work.

 

[Xmas]

Yes film type is the significant choice Tmax or Delta are similar.

Both can have higher contrast in toe and you might need to derate or use Tmax or Microphen if you wet print.

 

[NortheastPhotographic]

I can't say much about T-Max films but for Ilford Delta films DD-X or Ilfosol S (in the case of Delta 100) are great choices. I think that you have to get out of some of our old habits when it comes to the newer emulsions. They don't need special techniques and long development times that encourage adjacency effects quite as much. Were I to make the switch from FP4+ to Delta today, I'd probably do some testing of Delta 100 in Rodinal 1:50, and Ilfosol S and DD-X to see what I preferred (Rodinal being one of my favorite dev's for traditional films).