D76 vs HC110

[bruce1007]

Hi, is there anyone could tell me some experiences about the difference between D76 and HC110 for Tri-x film or TMa? Thanks🙂

 

[jordanstarr]

I find HC-110 a little more forgiving with highlight blow-out and a little less grainy. I switched from D-76 for these reasons.

 

[bruce1007]

i c, but my film (tri-x or tmax) developed by HC110 usually had rough grain, is it caused by more swing action in developing?

 

[jordanstarr]

Tmax shouldn't have rough grain. Tri-x will be a little more gritty. More swing action equals more contrast and will subsequently result in more grain, regardless of the film and developer.

 

[charjohncarter]

HC-110h: for me has a softer look than D-76 with tonal gradation that are smoother. I don't use D-76 anymore (but Rodinal) so when I want a softer look; HC-110h. And when I want a harder crisper look I use Rodinal. Grain, of course, is greater with TriX, but with the right exposure and the the right development time and minimum agitation you should not get high grain.

This is one that I've posted a few times but it is TriX (35mm) with HC-110h, and I think grain is minimal, in fact many would like more:

 

[KenR]

I've tried this and that over the years, but keep coming back to TMY in HC110 dilution H. 11 minutes at 68 degrees with 6 shakes every minute is what I generally use. Gives reasonable speed, reasonable grain and is forgiving of exposures. As I photograph in NYC a lot this is important as there is a big difference between the sunny side of the street and the shady side that can be hard for most combos to handle. TriX seems too grainy by comparison, and so isn't to my liking.