Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/28

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: [Leica] Techpan shooting + developing
From: Richard Comen <rpcomen@mcn.org>
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001 22:31:34 -0800
References: <200110280701.AAA13233@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>

Peter, I use Tech Pan at ASA100 and have been doing so for several years. I
experimented until I made a brew that works beautifully for me. Why not
give it a try. I can send you some examples of my main forte, street
photography done with the above if you are interested in giving it a try. I
have been doing B& W for 68 years and this TP is the greatest in my
estimation.

Richard
Mendocino CA


Brew follows:

Directions for Pota-HC110 developer for processing Tech Pan at ASA 100:

In 300 ml hot water mix 1 tablespoon Sodium Sulfite and 1/8 teaspoon
Phenidone . I use the set of plastic measuring spoons that come in a set
for kitchen use. To the above add 2 ml. HC110 syrup ( measure  with a
child's medicine syringe found at any pharmacy ). 


                                         
                                                    2
                              
 The measuring spoons mentioned above are just fine, extreme accuracy is
not necessary. Filter through coffee filter  that is placed in a funnel.
Cool to 69 degrees F. Use stainless nikkor tank for one roll only. Discard
developer after one roll, ( Phenidone developer oxidizes rapidly and should
be discarded after one roll). I place tank  in a tray of water that is 69
degrees to keep temp constant. Develop for 6 minutes. After filling tank,
rap tank to dislodge air bubbles, then give one gentle inversion over and
back. Place tank in water bath of 68 degrees. Agitation:  Do not agitate
until beginning of third minute and at that time one gentle inversion over
and back. Repeat at top of each remaining minute.  At end of 6 min., drain,
use short stop, and follow with rapid fix for aprox 2 min. Wash as usual,
rinse in distilled  water for final rinse, then instead of foto flow, pour
in rubbing alcohol ( I prefer it to foto flow.  It is often on special at
pharmacies for 39 cents a bottle ). Let sit in alcohol for a minute or so,
discard alcohol and hang film to dry ( no squeegee or sponges as that is a
terrible thing  to do to wet film). Hang in dust free place. Because of
variations of meters, camera shutters, thermometers, and other variables,
you might want to adjust your time of development slightly. 

Since concocting the above brew formula, I have found that it simplifies
life to mix 3 liters of the above brew ( use 10 x the brew formula ),
filter as above and pour into 8 Oz. Brown glass bottles obtained from a
pharmacy. Fill each bottle so that there is no air and screw on top
tightly. I have found that using my last bottle 6 months after mixing gives
the same results as with the first bottle used right after mixing. All I do
is place a bottle into 69 degree water bath and when brew reaches the bath
temp, I pour it into the tank. 

ASA 200 can be achieved  by increasing the developing temperature to 70
degrees F. and following the rest of the above procedure. There will be a
loss in shadow detail however. 

The above gives me the best negatives  I have ever made and they print
beautifully. The negs may appear a bit thick to some but with split
filtration even the most dense appearing highlights print beautifully.  The
beauty of Tech Pan is that one can take a small portion of the neg and
enlarge it to 11X14 with very little loss in quality. In full negative
printing the detail is exquisite unlike no other film I have ever used. I
am using the film with a Leitz Valloy II enlarger ( condenser ) and split
filtration on most prints.




 



At 02:47 PM 10/29/01 +1100, you wrote:
>Any suggestions about how to best develop this film, my last go with 
>Technidol wasn't exactly a total success.
>
>Also, what is the best ISO to rate the film at, from memory I think I 
>tried 16 ASA.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Peter Zak.
>
>--
>To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html
>
>

- --
To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html