400 film and developer

[fotorr]

O.k. Folks:
I have a 100 speed film combination-Acros 100 and HC 110. Now I need a 400 combination. I wish for tone, fine grain and sharp images. Tri-x, HP 5, Fuji 400 are not the answer in HC 110. What do you suggest- please don't suggest the Agfa Rodinal, as I don't care for the grain.
fotorr

 

[luketrash]

HP5+, dilution B in HC110 is one of my favorite so far for 400 speed shooting.

Tri-X in D76 1:1 is another I like.. Or Tmax.

I don't know how fine you want the grain though.. I imagine Tmax 400 in Tmax developer is something that should have finer grain.

 

[Bryce]

HP5 and Acufine yield rather smooth grain and excellent sharpness. The combination operated at about 640 in my experience.
The directions for acufine are a little odd, but the results can be vey nice.

 

[x-ray]

Delta 400 in either HC110 or Ilford HC which is the same. I've used it since trade trial testing the deltas for Ilford back when they came out. Excellent combo but be cautious of excessive agitiation and fast contrast build up. My 1st choice developer with the deltas. (1:32 HC or HC 110 per instructions with moderate agitiation)

I also love delta 100 in HC/HC110 at 1:47 @ 68F and 7 min.

 

[back alley]

think i'll move this to the film forum

 

[popstar]

My personal favorite combination is HP5+ and DD-X. I know some say DD-X is too expensive, and there is a price to pay for the one-shot liquid. But the results please me, so for now that's my ISO400 combo.

Good luck finding one that works for you!

 

[sejanus]

HP5 in Acutol has worked well for me.

 

[Trius]

I agree with x-ray's caution on agitation, which applies not only to HC110 but similar developers, if not all. GeneW has worked out HC-110 @ 1:100 and I really like his results. His regimen for that combination (with Neopan, Tri-X or APX400) is the same as mine for Rodinal at higher dilutions:

* Initial agitation of 30 sec.
* 4-5 sec. every 3 minutes thereafter
* all agitation by (gentle) inversion

 

[titrisol]

Fuji Neopan 400 in DDX is awesome
While I have not tried it in Xtol, I assme it is also going to look wonderful