Fuji Neopan ACROS100 + HC-110, experiences ?

[maddoc]

So far I have used ACROS100 with Rodinal and XTOL. Rodinal gives a little to much grain for my taste and since XTOL has a limited shelf live (and 5 l have to be mixed up at once), I wanted to try HC-110 again. I prefer one-shot developer and find liquid developers more convenient to use, when I just want to process one or two rolls quickly.

Fuji's data sheet says 4.5 min (dil "B" = 1:31) at 20 degrees Celsius and EI 80. I exposed my films at EI100 and prefer longer development times, so I guestimated that 1:50 (the tank I use has a volume of 500ml) and 10 min should do the job (gentle agitation for the first 30 seconds and then one gentle inversion every minute). The film looks quite contrasty with dark blacks, not so easy to scan I guess.

Any tips what I should change to get less dense negatives and a tad lower contrast ? I was thinking about reducing dev time to 9 minutes.

Cheers,

Gabor

 

[dng88]

I am new to this. But Acros 100 120 + HC110 is my current major combination as Acros 100 120 is the cheapest (until my Shangha GP3 comes along later).

I use the minimum of 6mm per roll (see HC110 unofficial page) and adjust my time roughly based on this lower amount helps. It seems fine and does not look too contrast. That is close to dilution "E" in MDC but I just use a minimum. It shall be applicable to 35mm.

Not an experience user but I have developed over 20 rolls and so far no very dark blacks issue (except when I underexposed very serious due to ASA100 I set). In fact, several people look at my negative said that I have developed a bit longer.

Use mainly Paterson but also just now try hand roll Jobo tanks.

 

[Trius]

GeneW gets wonderful results with Acros and HC-110 at 1:100. He just likes the simplicity of the ratio being easy to calculate. I can't remember his time.

With Rodinal you need to cut WAY back on agitation. I use Rodinal with all films at 1:100, agitate 30 seconds to start, then two GENTLE inversions every three minutes. Every film I've tried does well with this, 20 minutes @ 20C/68F.

I am thinking of modifying in one of two ways.

1. Cut back the initial agitation to 5 seconds
2. Use NO agitation, i.e. stand development, for one hour. Fill and walk away for an hour.

For lower contrast scenes, 1:50 is a better bet, but I am not as pleased with the results. I have to work with that.

XTol: It is quite easy to extend the life of XTol. All you need is a container than can contract and keep air out. See this thread.