Testing Caffenol

[fs999]

You provided me with such good tips in this thread that I was hoping to start a conversation with you asking some more Caffenol processing related questions. But when I hover over your handle "fs999" I don't see a "start conversation" button like everybody else has. Is this a preference you have set? I certainly don't want to bother you, if you don't want to receive PMs.

Thank you ! I don't know how to change it... There is also Caffenol group here on Photrio...

Do you need any KBr or iodized salt to get good results with Fomapan 400?
Thanks!

I would suggest to add Kbr for all high speed films e.g. Caffenol CH.

 

[Pioneer]

Do you need any KBr or iodized salt to get good results with Fomapan 400?
Thanks!

No. I don't use any salt though I'm not sure it would harm anything. I tried it a couple of times but didn't see any change. You can probably get pretty complex if you are so inclined.

For a roll of 35mm I use 6 tablespoons of coffee, 4 tablespoons of washing soda and 1 tablespoon of vitamin C in 350 ml of warm (70 degree) water for 15 minutes. I agitate continuous for about a minute the 6 to 10 times each minute after.

I don't use inversions to agitate since it seems to cause the mix to start to foam up. I use an old Arista tank that allows me to rotate the reels with a spinner stick (not sure what they call it.)

But don't take my word for any of this, I am a long way from an expert and have not done any controlled tests beyond looking at my negatives and making a subjective evaluation of whether or not they are good or bad. If the shadows have detail and the highlights are not blown than I'm usually happy, and sometimes I'm happy even when one or the other of those things happen. Basically if I get a decent print I am good to go.

To be completely honest I'm not sure if Caffenol is all that fussy because I use basically the same mix with 450 ml of warm water and use heaping tablespoons instead of level ones for 120 film in that same tank. It all seems to come out about the same. I used to be really fussy about how I mixed things, in what order and at what temperature but I am a lot less concerned now. There is probably a point where it gets too diluted and won't work but I definitely don't know what that point is. The only thing I do know is that this mix is marginal for Kodak TMX and requires a lot more washing soda and coffee to get decent results.

EDIT - I should add that I always go for repeatable results first. If it doesn't work the second or third time around then I move on to something else.

 

[FotoD]

Thanks, that's really helpful! If it gives printable negatives for you, there's a good chance it will work for someone else.

And it is interesting to hear that the T-grain film needs a more concentrated/active developer.

 

[MattKing]

Thank you ! I don't know how to change it...

If your settings are set to prevent people from starting conversations with you, and you don't want that.
Click on your screen name at the top right.
Click on the Privacy link.
Scroll down to the bottom section - Allow users to:
Adjust the setting for "Start Conversations with you to read: "Members only"
That should fix things.
Most likely you could also start a Conversation with Alan9940 and continue that Conversation afterwards.

 

[cerber0s]

To be completely honest I'm not sure if Caffenol is all that fussy

I read somewhere, can’t remember where, that caffenol is a lot less fuzzy when it comes to temperature as well. Have you noticed anything regarding temperature?

 

[fs999]

If your settings are set to prevent people from starting conversations with you, and you don't want that.
Click on your screen name at the top right.
Click on the Privacy link.
Scroll down to the bottom section - Allow users to:
Adjust the setting for "Start Conversations with you to read: "Members only"
That should fix things.
Most likely you could also start a Conversation with Alan9940 and continue that Conversation afterwards.

Oh thank you ! I searched in Preferences ! It's now on !

 

[fs999]

And it is interesting to hear that the T-grain film needs a more concentrated/active developer.

I'm not sure about that. With Caffenol CL stand, it works with all films except Rollei 400S and Rollei Infrared (same film).