What is your favorite film developer?

Ole · Oct 26, 2005

markbb said:
Maybe Ole, but no Perceptol, Microphen, Ilfotec DDX/LC29/HC? No Lithe developers, nothing from Macro, ect?

Since I use Beutler's, FX-2, Neofin, Windisch' Compensating, Pyrocat-HD, Rodinal, DD-23, and a number of other developers depending on what I'm after, I don't think your argument is valid. They're all "other".

Lith developer? That's something I wouldn't use on film - except for possibly copy film when making enlarged graphic negatives. It was very popular in the 70's, which may be why I feel a certain distaste for it...

BruceN · Oct 26, 2005

Rodinal, followed by Ilfotec-DDX then ID-11. Thinking of trying Pyrocat-HD at some point.

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 26, 2005

Other

I use home brews that include Pyrocat-HD, Beutler, FX-1, FX-2, Agfa 8, Kodak D-19 and many others. The only proprietary developer I currently use is Rodinal.

Blighty · Oct 26, 2005

I've been using ID11 for years, but decided to start making my own (D76). I get great results with HP5 with D76 at 1+1 for 10½~11mins. My next favourite(s) would be Exactol Lux (for 35mm) and Dixactol (for MF). After that, I would have to say Perceptol at 1+3.

Paul Sorensen · Oct 26, 2005

markbb said:
Maybe Ole, but no Perceptol, Microphen, Ilfotec DDX/LC29/HC? No Lithe developers, nothing from Macro, ect?

Probably a bias toward what was available to the person who started the poll two years ago. He is in the US and some of the other ones you mentioned are not available here or not commonly available at least. Since it was started by an individual poster, I am sure that there is bias based on what he knew about available developers as well. If someone from Europe started a similar poll now (and they can if they wish) the choices would undoubtedly be different.

Lee Shively · Oct 26, 2005

One of the great things about photography is that there are so many good products out there it is hard to really screw up in choices.

I've used a lot of the developers mentioned and they all work fine. The one's I haven't used and those I didn't particularly like also work fine or other people wouldn't still be using them. I'm a firm believer that given the time to work out the fine details, any film developer can produce good results with any film.

Over the years, my personal favorites (meaning they worked really good for my methods but may not for anyone else) have been Rodinal w/sodium sulfite added, D76/ID-11, FG7 and Microdol-X/Perceptol.

Soeren · Oct 27, 2005

modafoto said:
I have absolutely NO clue at all....Søren...TELL ME

AHH no Morten, you wouldn't understand anyway

modafoto · Oct 27, 2005

Soeren said:
AHH no Morten, you wouldn't understand anyway

I am coming to Næstved now and see what you use...
It must be interesting stuff...1+50 and 1+100...never heard of these high dilutions before

Ara Ghajanian · Oct 27, 2005

I have been using Rodinal since last March. I think I was most influenced by Morten's signature. It was during a time when I was losing faith in the Yellow God and decided it was time for a new religion. I love the stuff and haven't used anything else since. It gives my photos a distictive "look". Plus it's cheap and keeps forever. Time to buy a case since Agfaphoto's on it's way out.

Seriously, I just bought "The Film Developing Cookbook" and I'm looking for something to go well with Ilford films that will give me finer grain. Since APX100 won't be around much longer, I need to investigate Ilford films. The search begins...
Ara

cvik · Oct 27, 2005

Tetenal Ultrafin Liquid

FrankB · Oct 27, 2005

Started on Ilfosol S, moved to DD-X after a while and saw a noticeable improvement. Tried Rodinal for a while and whilst I liked the acutance I found the grain to prominent on 135.

Recently moved over to Paterson Aculux 2 and I don't think I'll be moving again any time soon - the grain is very tight, the acutance is good and the tonality is superb and makes for very easy-to-print negs. Cheap too!

Gerald Koch · Oct 27, 2005

matt.s. said:
For 35mm & medium format I use Calbe A49 1:1 (same as Agfa Atomal.

What is now marketed as A49 bears little resemblence to the formula given for Atomal. A49 contains diethylene-p-phenylenediamine sulfate rather than hydroxyethyl-o-aminophenol and catechol. This is probably due to two things; the toxicity of catechol and the unavailability of hydroxyethyl-o-aminophenol. Both A49 and the original Atomal also contain hydroquinone.

The fine grain of A49 is due to the use of a phenylenediamine derivative. Phenylenediamine and its derivatives are silver halide solvents.

modafoto · Oct 27, 2005

Ara Ghajanian said:
I need to investigate Ilford films

You HAVE to try Delta 100 and Pan F+ in Rodinal. These are my favourites. HP5+ and FP4+ are also heavenly!

I am btw glad to see that the One is suiting you so well

Soeren · Oct 28, 2005

Fuji Neopan 400 works great too in 1:50
( thats one in fifty, not one plus fifty, MORTEN)
12min, agitation 10 sec once every 3min after the initial 60sec (9, 6, 3 min).
Im not that fond of FP4+ in Rodinal anymore I don't quite know why, but then again there is Pan F, Delta 100 and EFKE/ADOX 25.
Darned, now I told it You are welcome in Næstved anyway Morten.
Søren

chiefstoker · Dec 3, 2005

Perceptol is my favourite, especially with FP4 and HP5 120roll and 4x5 sheet.
I use it diluted 1:3 at 24Degrees (C) in Paterson Tanks or Paterson Orbital for sheet film. Agitation is continuous for first 30 seconds, then two inversions, or 5 second rocking in the orbital, every half minute, for the relevant time, usually between 12 and 14 minutes. Prints are virtually grainless up to 16x12 inch, extremely sharp with a good tonal range. I am a keen follower of the late Barry Thornton's methods, extensively detailed in 'Elements' and 'Edge of Darkness'.

What is your favorite film developer?