D76 Full Strength vs. 1:1

[mwoenv]

I have always used full strength but would like to try 1:1. The data sheet says 1:1 provides greater sharpness but with a slight increase in graininess. Is graininess typically much more noticeable using 1:1 (in 8x10 prints from 135 100 or 400 ISO films and 11x14 prints from 120 100 or 400 ISO films)?

What else do you like about the appearance of prints from 1:1 instead of full-strength film development?

 

[Rob-F]

Is graininess typically much more noticeable using 1:1 (in 8x10 prints from 135 100 or 400 ISO films and 11x14 prints from 120 100 or 400 ISO films)?

In an 8 x 10 from Tri-X, I would say the grain is at or below the threshold of visibility and the picture does look sharper. You can make a case, as Barry Thornton has, that just-perceptible grain makes the picture sharper, because the eye can focus on the grain edges. I often find that modern films have so little grain that it's hard to focus the enlarger using the grain magnifier! This especially becomes a problem with a film like Delta 100 Pro, or even Delta 400.

The other advantage of using D-76 1:1 is that you are using it as a one-shot, throwing it out after use. That keeps your results consistent.

 

[John Bragg]

What Rob said, plus the fresh developer can be devided into small bottles and kept airtight lengthening its useful life. You can even be brave and try 1:3.