Delta 3200 @ 1000 vs. Delta 400 @ 800 ...

[pryan9]

Hello Everyone...

I will be taking some photos this weekend and I will need to shoot at or around 800 ISO. I have decided that I will use the new Portra 400 (pushed to 800) for color but I was looking for a little input for which B&W film to choose.

I will be shooting 35mm b&w and have a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 which I was told can be rated and developed at 1000 and will produce very pleasing results. I am trying to get the least grain as possible. Will pushing Delta 400 to 800 yield less grain than Delta 3200 at 1000? I will most likely have a pro-lab process the negatives which will probably affect the results as well.

Anyways...What do you all think is my best bet? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tlitody]

The delta 400 should show less grain if developed in something like Xtol. But 400 pushed to 800 will be more contrasty than delta 3200 exposed at 1000 and developed in the same.

So it really depends on the look you are after. My guess is you will get better results with the 400 exposed at 800 because if lighting is dim contrast is usually low, so a little extra contrast in the negative from 1 stop push development will actually help to normalise contrast.

 

[Turtle]

As above. The D3200 will have more shadow detail at 1000 than D400 at 800, but also more grain and lower resolution. It depends on the look you are after and the lighting. If its high contrast, the D3200 might be the better bet. If very low contrast the contrast increase of pushing the D400 could be your friend.

 

[tlitody]

And if you use a lab and they use D76 then I would definitely go with the 400 speed film.

 

[Turtle]

If using a lab, pray continuously... unless they are the real deal and truly experienced in pushing film.

 

[pryan9]

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone know of a lab that produces exceptional results when pushing film where I could send my film to?

 

[tlitody]

can't help with that cos I'm in the UK but a one stop push is not too much so any custom lab should do a reasonable job.
Since you have the D3200 why not try that too so you'll have it covered either way. Just be sure to tell tha lab what EI you exposed it at.