Adox HR-50 in normal developers

[retinax]

Another film question from me. I'm thinking about putting a few rolls of the stuff with the new, mysterious "speed boost tech" in my next order from fotoimpex. Adox recommends the special HR-50 developer, but it's supposed to work with normal developers. I'm not thrilled with the prospect of buying and using a special developer. I'd rather stick with x-tol. Has anyone used it with a normal developer? Would I get excessive contrast? I'm aware it's a contrasty film of course, but I'd want that nice S-curve Adox show and no straight line.

 

[Skiff]

The ADOX HR DEV developer can also be used for all other films.
I've got very good results with HR-50 film in HR DEV, but also developed in DD-X, FX-39 II and Atomal.

 

[retinax]

Cool, can you describe the differences you've found, if any?

 

[Skiff]

Well, HR DEV, Atomal and DD-X give the highest effective speed (EI 40/17°). FX-39 II has a little bit less speed (EI 32/16°), but wonderful sharpness and acutance. HR DEV has also good sharpness.

 

[sepiareverb]

Would love to see some examples Skiff!

 

[Skiff]

Would love to see some examples Skiff!

1. I've done sensitometrc tests, evaluated the characteristic curves. Scans of the grey zone pictures wouldn't help anyone at all 😉.
2. I've done some resolution tests. Scans of them are a waste of time because my scanner can only resolve a fraction of the film's real very high resolution.
3. I've done a project for a client with this film (private portraits). I am not allowed to show this series to the public.

 

[kevinthephotographer]

Recently I have been developing Adox HR50 in HC110 Dilution H

Here is an example:


After the performance by Kevin Allan, on Flickr

More examples in this album:

Adox HR50 in HC110 Dilution H

Adox HR50 film developed in HC110 Dilution H developer

www.flickr.com

For comparison, here are Adox HR50 photos developed in the "recommended" Adox HRDEV developer:

Adox HR50 in HRDEV

Adox HR50 film developed in the Adox HRDEV developer

www.flickr.com

Both sets were exposed at EI 50. I'm quite happy with the HC110-developed images, and since I use HC110 for everything else, I'll be continuing with HC110