FP4 What Developer

al1966

al1966

Feed Your Head
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Apr 22, 2005
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So I have decided on FP4, so in order of preference.
Fine Grain, Good definition of small changes in tonality/contrast, Sharpness.
I will be photographing texture, this will be things like concrete or tarmac or a painted wall. So basically I am looking at relatively low contrast subjects, I don't mind a drop in speed as I can always use a tripod. So given these criteria what would you recommend?
 
For me, this depends upon the format. Also, you list fine grain as the most important characteristic, with sharpness as third. You do realize that these are basically inversely proportional, right? As in, finest grain = slight loss of sharpness, and greatest sharpness requires some clear degree of grain. This effect is especially obvious in 35mm. Which brings me back to my first point- format.

I use FP4 a lot for sheet film; with 4x5 and larger, I prefer HC-110 dilutions B or H. I don't shoot much medium format, but when I do I like FP4. I'll soup this in HC-110, too, but always dilution H here. I also like it in Formulary's TD-16, which is basically D76. I don't shoot FP4 in 35mm anymore, but I used to really like it in Rodinal mixed 1:50 or 1:75. This combo gave great tonality and wonderful sharpness. Grain is apparent, but very well controlled. (I went over to APX 100 for this speed in 35mm, and when I'm done shooting all the APX stock I have left, I'll have to decide if I want to go back to Plus-X or FP4.) Hope this has been helpful.

P.S. FP4 looks pretty good in Xtol, too.
 
ID-11/D76 stock solution have always given me the best results with FP4, although Microphen might be a tad better, but very hard to control. Microphen works better when pushing.

EDIT: Should have stated that this is for 35mm - it works ok with medium format as well; I usually use times 20-30% longer than recommended with medium format, but that may have to do with what I am shooting.
 
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I meant to add that it will be on med format, now I think about it yes I need sharpness more than low grain. D76 is a handy one I have 5x 1l packs and will be getting more as I got it at a nice price. But as this is a major body over just random shooting, I am open to looking into alternatives to D76 and will not skimp.
 
I've had nice results with FP4 & ID-11


4322994099_03d332609d.jpg

4322994659_295e78c608.jpg


(FP4 125 shot at 100, ID11, not sure of dilution)


 
ABC pyro or Pyrocat-MC are absolutely the best developers for getting high contrast between close values, particularly in midtones and highlights. You may need to increase the exposure to get equivalent shadow contrast. I have had to change paper when using these combinations to decrease the contrast of close values.

Marty
 
Another vote for Perceptol. This entails a slight speed loss: try setting the meter at 100 or even 80. At 1+1, probably 100.

Cheers,

R.
 
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