400 ASA advice fro 1st time developer

[Allan Reade]

Hi, I’m finally going to develop BW films at home. Have been using Kodak BW400CN exposed at 250 ASA, seems to work for my old Mamiya TLR/Sekonic meter combination. I haven’t finally decided between Tri-X or Neopan 400, but will develop in ID11 1+1, which is cheap and readily available here. Should I expose at 400 or the 250 that has worked for me with the BW400CN film? Any advice greatfully received.

Allan

 

[mfogiel]

Go first with Tri X. If you scan, expose at EI 400, if you wet print, expose at EI 250 or 320. Neopan 400 is an excellent film, but less tolerant - reserve it for a second try.

 

[40oz]

well I'm not saying I'm an expert, but for the very first roll you might try exposing whatever film you end up using at it's box speed, develop according to manufacturer instructions, and see what you get.

You can always adjust from there.

Obviously you can start from anywhere and make the necessary adjustments, but I'd think a person would attempt to do things by the book the first time.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Bear in mind that there is no such thing as 'correct exposure' for a subject, it depends on the effect you want, lighting etc. The box speed will be fine - if you meter correctly for negative film, especially with the large-ish negative. My preferred film would be HP5+ - with ID11....beautiful tonality!, but TriX is fine.
Cheers, Dave.