What developer should I try?

Carved bench

A
Carved bench

  • 0
  • 3
  • 33
Anthrotype-5th:6:25.jpg

A
Anthrotype-5th:6:25.jpg

  • 6
  • 3
  • 99
Spain

A
Spain

  • 2
  • 0
  • 86
Nothing

A
Nothing

  • 2
  • 3
  • 165

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,053
Messages
2,768,953
Members
99,547
Latest member
edithofpolperro
Recent bookmarks
0

loccdor

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 12, 2024
Messages
1,502
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
My most-used developer over the years has been HC-110. I found it gets me good results with most films. I generally don't like it for push-processing, it doesn't seem to give a great speed increase.

510-pyro is one I started using a lot last year - good results with a wide range, though a few exceptions. Prefer it at 1+100 standard development where it is beautiful, tried 1+300 stand development with it a few times and found myself burning the highlights easily.

I used to do quite a bit of Rodinal stand development and got good results if I was careful with ambient temperatures.

Rarely I used D-76 as a push processing developer and it did a pretty good job on Fomapan 400, Tri-X and others in 2-stop pushes.

I plan to shoot mainly 35mm, with the most common films being Double-X, Acros (old version), Fomapan 100, Neopan 400 and a few other slow-to-medium speed films. Most of my developer knowledge is at least 10 years out of date. Thanks for your input.
 

Steven Lee

Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2022
Messages
1,408
Location
USA
Format
Medium Format
I am not aware of any new developments within last 10 years so your knowledge is fine! Anyway, it looks like you're just bored and looking for something different. Your list is missing modern acutance developers, so maybe that's what you should try next. Ilfosol 3, or FX-39. IIRC Spur also makes one but I have no experience with it.
 

Paul Howell

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 23, 2004
Messages
9,573
Location
Scottsdale Az
Format
Multi Format
I would try Acufine, very good for a push, as you shoot slower films grain in an issue and Acufine is an accuance type developer. Down side is that is expensive. Other choice, Xtol.



 
OP
OP
loccdor

loccdor

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 12, 2024
Messages
1,502
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
Thank you for the feedback. Acutance developers certainly look like they would be a good fit as I've switched over to mostly image stabilized lenses and slower films.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,252
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
I have had very good results with XTOL and replenished XTOL which is very forgiving. Now one may have to use XTOL copycats based on you local supply.
XTOL jpeg.jpeg
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom