HC-110 Current vs Previous Poll

[charjohncarter]

I use several dilutions depending on the film. I use 1:31 normally but with FP4 I use 1:47. I like to keep times over 5 minutes and prefer 7 to 8 minutes for consistency. I'll use 1:47 to achieve those longer times.

Really I wouldn't have known there was a change had I not read this thread.

Thank you X-Ray, now I can sleep tonight.

 

[Ronald M]

Kodak say it is the same:
https://twitter.com/adelorenzo/status/410680034169348096
Some users say it's not.
For the poll:- most workers that have an issue I read are changing the amount used not the time, there are discussions that point to the minimum volume required for a film no longer being sufficient, increasing time is not going change that.
This BTW is why I mix my own developer, I know what I put in so I didn't vote, I do have some HC110 at the current rate of use it will comfortably outlive me.

Mix your own from raw chemicals is the correct answer. You know how old it is always.

If there are questions on HC 110, you need to run a test roll in a one roll tank, yes a WHOLE roll. Pretty expensive test or you take a chance.

 

[sepiareverb]

Mix your own from raw chemicals is the correct answer. You know how old it is always.

Not an option for me. I've been down that road, and decided that using as many well manufactured liquids as possible was my method. I no longer have the luxury of enough time to compound my own chemistry.

If there are questions on HC 110, you need to run a test roll in a one roll tank, yes a WHOLE roll. Pretty expensive test or you take a chance.

It will be several rolls, and a batch or two of sheet films. I'm a seasoned tester.😀

 

[sepiareverb]

...
Really I wouldn't have known there was a change had I not read this thread.

This is great to hear. Thank you.

 

[ndnik]

I have not noticed a difference in development times. The consistency looks about the same to me, too, from what I can tell.

-N.

 

[sepiareverb]

I have not noticed a difference in development times. The consistency looks about the same to me, too, from what I can tell.

-N.

This is looking better. What are your usual dilutions N?

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I don't know the old stuff, but I've been using a fresh bottle of HC-110 for the last couple of months and I've mainly been developing Fomapan 100 with it. From 35mm to 4x5" sheets. I've stuck with times/concentrations given on the Massive Dev Chart with Solution B (1+31) and 6 minutes (slightly less for continuous agitation) at 20C. No complaints from me.

 

[VTHokiEE]

I've only used one bottle of the old; I switched to a new bottle for my last few films. I typically use dilution H, I haven't changed my development procedure and I haven't noticed anything different in the results.

 

[sepiareverb]

Wonderful. Thank you to all. Keep it coming!

 

[Godfrey]

Chemistry has changed many times over the half-century that I've been developing film. Films, developers, etc, have all come and gone.

Whenever something goes and something else comes, I hear a litany of angst as someone's favorite is gone, and someone tries the new stuff and it isn't the same.

It's never bothered me. I use the old stuff until it's gone, then figure out how to get what I want with the new stuff. I've changed/adapted my processes many times. Each time I change something, I learn a little bit more. 🙂

My current process is to use HC-110 (old) diluted 1:49 from concentrate to make 200ml of developer for the Rondix/Rondinax 60 tanks. I've adjusted EI on all the films I use to process them all at 70°F in these tanks for 8 minutes. The results are delightfully sharp, grainy, etc. When I run out of developer and if HC-110 has changed, I'll probably have to recalibrate my EIs or go to a different developer. For me, it's part of the fun of doing film work.

G

 

[Dan Daniel]

On my first bottle of the new. Viscosity is slightly less; I can tell when using the plunger on the syringe to measure it out. Nothing huge, but easier to pull on the plunger.

So far I am not noticing any time issues. Neopan ACROS, Delta 100. 1:50 dilution (8.5 ml/roll of 120 in 425ml water). But I'm in a lazy transition to new ways of working. If I was more focused I would have done some serious tests with the old and new just because, well, you should. Won't take long if you have some of the old around still.

 

[Pete B]

Have you run any films yet Pete?

I haven't, sorry, and it will be a couple of months.
Pete

 

[sepiareverb]

...Whenever something goes and something else comes, I hear a litany of angst as someone's favorite is gone, and someone tries the new stuff and it isn't the same...

My confusion arose after reading a serious split in opinion over this 'new' HC-110, and wanted to hear from people I know know how to run film. I certainly don't mind testing, but I've been out of the darkroom for about eight months and am itching to get back in next month. Starting out with some extended testing wouldn't be my favorite way to return.

So far I am not noticing any time issues. Neopan ACROS, Delta 100. 1:50 dilution (8.5 ml/roll of 120 in 425ml water). But I'm in a lazy transition to new ways of working. If I was more focused I would have done some serious tests with the old and new just because, well, you should. Won't take long if you have some of the old around still.

I thought I'd shoot a roll of HP5 out in the backyard and cut it in half, soup one half in 'old' and one half in 'new' in a tank with other rolls, I usually do 4 35mm, 2 120 or 2 35 & 1 120 together in a 4-reel tank. I've got some rolls that I doubt have anything much on them so I can run them in 'new'. And I can likely salvage anything in the printing, it's not sounding like ti is that very much different after all (if at all). The 810 films will be the more nail-biting test, only for cost of the films. I suppose I should just make up an extra half liter to cover any possible capacity issues. It's cheap enough.

I haven't, sorry, and it will be a couple of months.
Pete

I've got about two weeks to go till I get back in the darkroom. This has been a long work project, that I'm ready to enjoy the fruits of. Hope your couple of months goes quickly.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Do you access to a densitometer? You should be able to name the new tune in four sheets or less. So far I would say that any differences are going to be very small if even worth noting in practice. But still worth testing, especially for sheet film.

 

[sepiareverb]

Sadly, no densitometer. This has been very reassuring that I really don't have much to worry about. I suspect that will be more reassured by the initial two tank test.

My 810 head is very contrasty, so I'm very careful with e posture and development. The first round will be based of what I learn from the first tanks.