Best Developer for Jobo?

[ChrisN]

Who uses a Jobo (or similar) for developing?

What developers work well, and which ones don't suit the continuous agitation?

Thanks!

 

[venchka]

The Good: Xtol 1:3. For every film I have put in it.

OK, but not as good as Xtol: D-76 1:1.

The Jury is still out: Rodinal.

 

[ChrisN]

Thanks Wayne

I'm wondering about Rodinal. Recently Carter sent me an old Pop Photo article by Bob Schwalburg, which stated that Rodinal didn't achieve it's best performance with continuous agitation because it (the agitation) reduced the edge/adjacency effects that give the special sharpness or accutance, and also reduces any compensating effects limiting over-development of highlights. There must be a lot of people who have used it, but I wonder if anyone has tested specifically for this. The dilution must be important. I do like the grain structure of TRI-X 400 developed normally in Rodinal or ID-11 1+3.

 

[venchka]

Given the number of folks who preach, for good reason, reduced agitation with Rodinal, I'm not going to waste anymore Rodinal in the Jobo tanks.

 

[sevo]

Rodinal would have its potential wasted in a rotary processor. HC-110 and T-Max do very well with rapid agitation. Many Tetenal developers have a fast inversion regime with three second intervals listed on their spec sheet and should do well, too.

One thing to be aware of is that rotation and a temperature a few degrees above room temperature (you're only able to warm rather than cool the bath) will shift the development times for most developers below five minutes, the minimum recommendation for a plain Jobo - you need the accessory Lift if you want to maintain reasonable accuracy down to two minutes.

 

[Never Satisfied]

Hi Chris, I've used Rodinal at various dilutions, T max and D76 for years in my Jobo without a single issue, as well as a few Tetenal brews.

Andrew.

 

[Fotohuis]

Pretty good in rotary development:

AM74/RHS 1+15
CG-512/RLS (24C) 1+4
Fomadon Excel W27/Xtol 1+2
HC-110 dil B or H

I am sure there will be some more.

Best regards,

Robert

 

[ChrisN]

Thank you all, Sevo, Andrew and Robert.

 

[venchka]

...One thing to be aware of is that rotation and a temperature a few degrees above room temperature (you're only able to warm rather than cool the bath) will shift the development times for most developers below five minutes, the minimum recommendation for a plain Jobo - you need the accessory Lift if you want to maintain reasonable accuracy down to two minutes.

The main reason why I use Xtol 1:3. Even at 76F my times never go below 7 minutes. Usually closer to 10 minutes. Right where I like them. 😎