Austerby
Well-known
I've just come to the end of a 5 litre stock of ID-11 that I've been using to develop Pan F, FP4, HP5 and Tri-X. I've been really pleased with the results - and I've tried stock solution, 1+1 and 1+3. Whilst I'm happy to stick with it, is there something else I should be considering for a change before I go and buy some more ID-11? -
MartinP
Veteran
Generally I'd say keep on using the ID11 
If you ever wanted to try the faster films at 1600asa, or more, then you could maybe buy a litre pack of Microphen to compare the results though.
If you ever wanted to try the faster films at 1600asa, or more, then you could maybe buy a litre pack of Microphen to compare the results though.
julio1fer
Well-known
There are lots of different developers around. Best option would be to keep it going with Id-11 or D-76 which give the same outcomes. Best way to go is to concentrate on a single film and developer.
For a classic look try Rodinal at 1:50 (for 100 ISO or lower films, traditional emulsions). Don't use this one with 400 ISO films.
For tabular grain films, try Kodak Tmax or Ilford DD-X with films such as Kodak TMX or Ilford Delta 100. Or Xtol with the same films.
For the classic photojournalist look try HC-110 with Kodak 400TX (Tri-X).
For a classic look try Rodinal at 1:50 (for 100 ISO or lower films, traditional emulsions). Don't use this one with 400 ISO films.
For tabular grain films, try Kodak Tmax or Ilford DD-X with films such as Kodak TMX or Ilford Delta 100. Or Xtol with the same films.
For the classic photojournalist look try HC-110 with Kodak 400TX (Tri-X).
EcoLeica
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I have had good results with Tetenal ultrafin
oscroft
Veteran
Yep, ID-11/D-76 is an excellent developer, and if you're happy with it then I think you should stick with it as your main dev. But I can also understand the desire to try others, and I would agree with julio1fer that Rodinal and HC-110 would be worth trying (they're all I ever use these days myself).
Rodinal at 1:50 with slow films like FP4 can give a very traditional look (though I do think it is worth trying with ISO 400 films too - it will emphasise the grain, but the harsh gritty look that results can be good with some subjects).
I'd also suggest HC-110 too - it's probably my favourite developer, and is very versatile. If you use it very dilute (eg dilution H) with very little agitation you get a very strong compensating effect that can render high contrast lighting very nicely indeed (I hadn't thought of it as "the classic photojournalist look", as julio1fer puts it, but I do think that's a good way to describe it).
Rodinal at 1:50 with slow films like FP4 can give a very traditional look (though I do think it is worth trying with ISO 400 films too - it will emphasise the grain, but the harsh gritty look that results can be good with some subjects).
I'd also suggest HC-110 too - it's probably my favourite developer, and is very versatile. If you use it very dilute (eg dilution H) with very little agitation you get a very strong compensating effect that can render high contrast lighting very nicely indeed (I hadn't thought of it as "the classic photojournalist look", as julio1fer puts it, but I do think that's a good way to describe it).
Ronald M
Veteran
ID 11 is among the best there is. You can get super sharp, super smooth, or a nice blend by varying dilution as you discovered.
Nothing does a whole lot better in any department so spend you time making photos.
The only exception is Delta 400, not 100, that does better in xtol or DD x.
Nothing does a whole lot better in any department so spend you time making photos.
The only exception is Delta 400, not 100, that does better in xtol or DD x.
gregg
Well-known
I'll second HC-110 at dilution H with very little agitation. Here are older threads with some discussion of these starting points (YMMV):
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=584047
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42668
Start with doubling the dilution B times and agitating gently every 3 minutes instead of every 60 seconds to get a feel for the compensating effect.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=584047
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42668
Start with doubling the dilution B times and agitating gently every 3 minutes instead of every 60 seconds to get a feel for the compensating effect.