What to do with: HP5, Delta 100, Delta 400, Arista II 400

[funkaoshi]

My wife bought me a set of black and white film and a gift certificate to use a darkroom. I hardly ever shoot with proper black and white film, and am left wondering what each of the films she bought me would be best used for. I have: HP5, Delta 100, Delta 400, Arista II 400. Are some better suited to be pushed? pulled? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[like2fiddle]

I've used a fair amount of HP5 over the years and I found it best at 400 to 800 and developed in D76. I have not found it to do well for me in Rodinal. It's ok in HC-110 (400-800), and Diafine (800).

I tried a few rolls of Arista II at 400 and liked it well enough. I think I developed it in HC-110.

Sorry I can't offer more. These days I use primarily Tri-x.

 

[kully]

AristaII is APX400, I hated this until I put it in D76 1:1 and found it was actually quite nice. Use this at 400.

The HP5+ is great for everything, but I tend to use it for pushing to 800 and 1600.

The Delta100 and Delta400 I have only used for one roll, can't say anything about those.

Good luck!

 

[oscroft]

I use Delta 100 in Rodinal, and Delta 400 in HC-110 dil H, both at their box speeds, and I like the results.

 

[funkaoshi]

Thanks for the info. The last roll of B&W I shot was Delta 3200, but I handed that off to a lab to develop and scan for me. I'm curious to see how well I can do this stuff myself.

 

[venchka]

Another vote for Hp5+, ASA 400, D-76 1:1, 9 minutes at 68F in a Jobo tank with continuous agitation. Very nice in 4x5 sheet size.

 

[navilluspm]

I just developed some HP5+ pushed to 800 and 1600 in microphen (stock). I am very pleased with the results. Hp5+ is also good at 400 in d76 1+1 dillution.

 

[Harry S.]

What a great gift! I think HP5+ is my favourite B+W film at the moment. Its very versatile. I agree with most that it works well in D-76.

Lately Ive liked the results from pulling it 1/3 stop, split D-76 for 11 minutes.

 

[funkaoshi]

Yeah it was an awesome gift. I was surprised. I haven't developed black and white in ages and ages and ages so it will be a bit of an adventure.