Expired XP2 in Rodinal

[nathanp]

I recently came across a blog post about processing XP2 in Rodinal. I had a few rolls of expired XP2 Super and a new camera to test so I gave i a go.

On my first attempt I thought I'd try rating it at 800 ISO and take a few shots around the house. This didn't work out too well and all the shots were (unsurprisingly) under-exposed and underdeveloped. I also had problems loading the reel and basically rushed everything and made a right mess of it.

I could have given up but then I wouldn't have learned anything so I tried again. This time I rated it at 200 and went out in my lunch breaks to take some quick photos. I processed in Rodinal 1+100 again, but this time I took a lot more time over the whole process - loading the film went smoothly, I pre-soaked the film and rinsed it a lot more thoroughly.
Here's some results..

I'm really pleased with the results. They're a bit contrasty but i think that's because 1) It was around midday, in full winter sun and 2) I left the Unsharp mask on when scanning. I do have some streaky drying marks (I think) so I may have to think about how I dry the processed film..
This larger image is a good example of the problem.

Here's a link to a Flickr search that should find them all for full size versions

 

[srtiwari]

Very nice. I'd like to try this and lower the contrast. What developing time did you give it ?

 

[nathanp]

It was 1 hour exactly. I pretty much followed this blog post - apart from the dilution (I used 1+100 - 4ml Rodinal and 400ml water in a Paterson tank).

 

[Shac]

Thanks Nathan - I use XP2 and am fed up with local processing. Your post stimulated me to search the web and came up with the following:
http://www.1point4photography.com/blog/ilford-xp2-stand-developed-in-rodinal/
http://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php?Film=XP2&Developer=&mdc=Search
http://www.flickr.com/groups/rodinal/discuss/72157622703641006/

 

[ReeRay]

Great links and thanks to you both. I too was getting frustrated with my local "Pro" lab developing my XP2 and as I've got a 'fridge full of it ..........!

There's a roll de-frosting right this minute!

 

[Pablito]

On my monitor they do not look too contrasty; in fact they look much like this film processed in C41.

 

[Rhodes]

I also have followed that blog. I tried at iso 200 and like the results.

 

[nathanp]

On my monitor they do not look too contrasty; in fact they look much like this film processed in C41.

I did lower the contrast a bit in Lightroom (I think most were about -20 for contrast and a slight brightness boost). I've re-calibrated my display since the last batch I posted up so hopefully they're a bit closer to how I see them on my iMac.

 

[kzphoto]

Wow. My mind has been blown. C-41 process films in rodinal? Craaazy. Very beautiful results though! Might have to whip out my old tanks and give it a whirl!!

 

[Keith]

For something different but the same here's BW400CN Kodak developed in Xtol ... it's a little hard to scan with the orange mask but for C41 developed in conventional black and white chemistry it's a surprise!

 

[dcsang]

So, once again, we find more uses for "the developer that will never die"

Very cool - C-41 development at home with Rodinal (and Xtol)

Cheers,
Dave

 

[oftheherd]

I've been wanting to try stand development with Rodinal. Now I'm even more interested in it. I have some XP2 that I shot in very dull light. Maybe I will give it a try.

 

[MCTuomey]

nathan, thanks for sharing. yet another opportunity for stand development w/rodinal! couple questions:

1. no agitation at all after the initial one?

2. did the negs have any discoloration or streaking?

to marek, if you're around: does this surprise you?

 

[MPerson]

I do my XP2 in Diafine.

 

[nathanp]

nathan, thanks for sharing. yet another opportunity for stand development w/rodinal! couple questions:

1. no agitation at all after the initial one?

2. did the negs have any discoloration or streaking?

to marek, if you're around: does this surprise you?

No agitation at all after the first minute. The initial agitation was quite gentle too. I think it was about 3 slow inversions and possibly a little twirl with the paterson agitator stick thingy straight after pouring in the developer, then it sat still until an hour had passed.

I don't think the negs look particularly discoloured (no orange base) but I've only processed 3 rolls myself (this is the 3rd) so I wasn't sure what to expect. There are some odd streaks that I think are a result of my rinsing/drying - there's a link in my first post to a higher res example.

I can't take any credit for this method though - I just followed the blog post mentioned - http://www.1point4photography.com/blog/ilford-xp2-stand-developed-in-rodinal/

 

[Rhodes]

Yes, gentle agitation during the first minute and then none!
By the way, I tryed with kodak BW400Cn and didn't work. The negs come out as overexposure or something.

 

[MCTuomey]

got it - thanks nathan and rhodes