Developer Olympics

[tropicpine]

For some time now, I have listened to many conversations among the more experienced of you film users about this developer verses that developer. I wonder, are any of you are curious as I am to actually put the question of the difference the test?

I would propose we gather together and split the cost (for consumables) of a variety of developers and common film, stop, fix, 4x5 camera, developing drums, sandwiches and beer. Then using a common exposure put the developers to the test. I realize there many other issues (varieties of film, pushing the exposure, slower and faster film etc.). Keep in mind that each added variable MULTIPLIES both time and expense.

I can provide a place to do this, two Uniroller bases, 1 Uniroller drum that can handle a 4x5 negative, stop, fix, paper and an enlarger to make contact prints with.


Are you interested is this project?
Do you want to show up and help with the labor and cost?
What would you change about the experiment?
Can you provide a 4x5 camera? (I figure the 4x5 film to be cheaper. If you want to use my 5x7 with the added expense of larger film I’m OK with that.)
Most importantly; what developer do you want to see tried out?

[KJ Smith]

There are lots of charts that tell you in detail what does what.

But maybe you are the type that has to see it for yourself.

I am the type that thinks all that is boooooorrrrrrring.

Find what works for you, then ride it to death.

As you know, I am simple minded. T-Max film, T-Max developer blah, blah, blah......

Did you say free beer???????

[wclavey]

Well, perhaps it is not as boring as Diafine... so I just ordered a bottle of Tmax developer from Freestyle... I'm branching out... again. I feel like I go round & round on this developer merry-go-round...

[KJ Smith]

Now you are on the right track !!!!

You don't need no stinking compensation !!!!!

You Da Man.





I called Don's in Irving. No Jobo reel's for 4X5. Just stainless.

[wclavey]

I'm going to try the 1:9 dilution which has much longer development times so that the time for me to pour it into the large tank and pour it out are not much of a factor. And since I like your negatives so much and since I use the same films, I figure, why not???

[tropicpine]

Originally Posted by KJ Smith

Did you say free beer???????

Originally Posted by tropicpine

I would propose we gather together and split the cost (for consumables)...

... Its only free if you don't want to consume it!

Originally Posted by wclavey

I just ordered a bottle of Tmax developer ...

HOW DID YOU CONCEAL THIS FROM THE DIAFINE GODS!

[Daniel W.]

I will live and die by 1:31 HC110, can bring a bottle or two but it lasts a while.

Mostly because some dork ordered "10" not "1" bottles a few years ago and we're stuck with it at the school.

I found some weird vials of Besler UltraFin(e) under the dry mount stuff and old bottles of Hypo, anyone ever use it?

[bondarnes]

This sounds almost as much fun as watching paint dry. lol

[wclavey]

Don, I'm kinda with you... I have the things I use, and the things I want to try, but it's like beer wars otherwise...

[TXFZ1]

Have you looked at Steve Anchell's book?


http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/boo...on#description

David

[venchka]

What we need is Steve Pauley's chemicals mixed up to make Barry Thornton's 2 bath developer.

Come to think of it, I have too many developers laying around. Microphen, Microdol-X, D-76, D-19, Rodinal and half a wine bladder of Xtol.

A thimble of HC-110 and a dram of Tmax...

Time to rediscover Rodinal.