HC-110 and Fuji Acros

[Robin Harrison]

I'm in a very similar situation to member 'sooner' who posted below. I've just got a basic one-reel development kit to process my B&W films at home. As I mainly use Tri-X I decided to go for HC-110 as my developer at first (and it seems easier than D-76).

My other main film is Fuji Acros. On the Fujifilm data sheet (at http://www.puresilver.org/images/pdf/misc/fuji/acros100.pdf), the development time for this combo is given at 4.5 minutes @ 20 degrees C, BUT the ISO is then stated at 80 instead of 100. Why is this? Is it because the film/developer is too contrasty at ISO 100? What adjustment would I need to make to development time if I had exposed the film at ISO 100?

Any help gratefully received,
Robin.

 

[Trius]

Normally rating film downwards with a particular developer is to preserve shadow detail. For example, w/ Tri-X, I used to shoot at 200. While I've never used Acros, I would recommend a higher dilution when using HC-110, e.g. dilution G or H. IMO dilution B gives times that are too short for accurate work. In addition, higher dilutions should improve acutancy and tonality. The massive dev chart does not have a lot of data on this combination, so I would recommend controlled tests.

Earl

 

[Robin Harrison]

Thanks for this, Earl. Some good tips. So in conclusion I could rate my Acros at 100 with this developer, but I would find dense shadows. In that case I might just rate the film at 80, given I'd only be losing a third of a stop.

Could you explain the dilutions a little more? Does HC-110 come in different forms, or do B, G and H refer to the dilutions of the same solution (e.g. 1+4, 1+9 etc)?

Thanks,
Robin.

 

[GeneW]

Robin, here's a good page to bookmark:

http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110/

It explains the various dilutions and the differences between HC-110 US and HC-110 Europe. You'll need to know which version you're using because they're different concentrations.

Gene

 

[Robin Harrison]

Robin, here's a good page to bookmark:

http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110/

It explains the various dilutions and the differences between HC-110 US and HC-110 Europe. You'll need to know which version you're using because they're different concentrations.

Gene

Perfect! Just what I needed! I didn't even realise there was a difference between US/Europe syrups. And the dilution B Vs H tip is a good one. Many thanks for the link. It also claims there are some hints in 'The Negative'. I think I'll dig out my copy tonight (I haven't read the processing chapters before).

Robin.