Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/01/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Simon, I think that using chemistry that is one shot in nature will lead to more consistant results. My suggestion to developer would go to Xtol, but with some self examination. If you would not mind mixing up 5 litres and then placing it in 100ml brown bottles then this is a superb developer with great ability to maintain full film speed, low grain, and great definition on the negative. Problems with Xtol would include being fussy about the water you mix it with, and a strong tendency to oxidize it the container allows oxygen in or air is trapped in the container. If those issues are more than you choose to deal with then HC 110 and Rodinal both are very, very stable in partially full bottles, have a unique look, and have a wealth of processing information out there. As to fix etc, buy a rapid fix that will be locally available, mix small quantities, and use a hypo check every time. I guess the real issues would be a local stockist or a reliable mail order firm. Find out what materials they plan on keeping and then maike them work for you. D76, ID11, FG-7, Diafine, are all consistant developers that can be successfully used so whatever materials are and will be readily available on your side of the pond will work if you will do a small bit of trial and error to find what works for you. Don don.dory@gmail.com On 1/27/06, Simon PJ <simonpj@mac.com> wrote: > > I haven't developed black and white at home for over fifteen years, but > would like to start again with TRI-X, and make sure that I make the most > of > whatever remains of the age of film! > > I know there is a huge fund of TRI-X wisdom on the LUG, and would be > grateful for advice on the practicalities of getting set up. I'm thinking > not just of best developer for grain etc., but also such things as > shelf-life of chemicals for the my modest amount of shooting (e.g., should > I > buy in small or large volumes?). > > Factors to take into account: > > -- 1 to 4 rolls a week, with spikes up to 10 rolls a week about every > other > month. > > -- predominantly indoor available light shooting of people in > home/social/work situations: so 320/400 ISO and some pushing to 800 (maybe > 1600) > > -- to be scanned by Minolta Dimage 5400 Elite > > I think this is probably a pretty common shooting profile amongst LUG > members. > > I'd be very grateful for any advice on chemicals for a practical set-up > taking into consideration the above factors, and a low level of skill and > experience with b&w development. > > And if anybody thinks TRI-X is the wrong way to go, please suggest > alternatives! > > TIA, > > Simon, Cambridge UK. > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >