Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Roger! Well,first, l'll second thenotion that you should learn to develop your own films. It truly is easy -- especially if you go "by the book' and follow the manufacturers' directions. And whoever you talked to at your darkroom either didn't know her facts, or she left out that important detail: You _will_ get a bigger lump of grain. No way around it, unless you cut development. When I was "darkroom deprived," I had a lab do my negs too. They mostly sucked; lousy contrast, so-so grain, etc. I wanted to blame myself, but then I realized that a lab is only gonna do it the rudimentary way, with a "standard" developer (like HC110?) designed for large batches. No control at all toward what _you_ want. I went to a swap meet and bought a Paterson tank and found a dark closet. Bam! Much better. The last thing I might point out (albeit as a greenhorn compared to others here) is that the contrast of a print is definitely affected by how much you enlarge it. Beyond a certain point, you may find you need to use a stronger filter/higher grade to get comparable results. after all, the bigger you make the print, the farther away the lens and light source (and pattern) are, and the more the light coming outta there gets diffused. I use TriX a lot! Usually at 320, but often at 250. For the latter, I knock off time (don't have the #s in front ofme). On this note, ask your lab what developer they're using. Some just plain don't like faster films. I've found Rodinal to be fabulous for 100/25 Agfa, for instance, but lousy for snappy clear negs with TriX or Delta 400. I know, folks! There I go spouting again! Please correct me if I've gotten something wrong 8-() Hopefully before Rog' goes and makes things worse. Happy lumen-hunting! Scott