Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]As I said when someone asked me what I like about Rodinal, you either love it or hate it. Same with Microdol-X. I personally hate it. Microdol-X is a classic fine grain developer. It produces low contrast and cannot enhance edge effects. Therefore, if the visual effect that exhibits sharpness is contrast, most generic fine grain developers fail. For my kind of photography, I like visual sharpness, even if it means that the film grain can be seen. I personally like what is called "high definition" or "high acutance" developers. Rodinal falls into this category. When used very diluted, it will keep highlights from blocking and develop-up the shadows (compensating action), as well as produce the "edge effect" that depicts high acutance developers. My favorite is the Windish Pyrocatechol formulae and the Willi Beutler (metol) formulae. With super slow film, both exhibit fine grain and high acutance. By the way, Hans Windish was a Leica photographer. Jim http://www.photoaccess.com Jim Brick, ASMP, BIAA Photo Access (650) 470-1132 Visual Impressions Publishing Visual Impressions Photography (408) 296-1629