Help me out of my Diafine rut

[Stephanie Brim]

I have two developers right now: Diafine and Rodinal. I'm thinking of adding some HC-110 into this mix, or perhaps some Pyrocat HD. I'm even considering going back to using D76 and this time trying harder to get good results out of the developer.

I do like Diafine because of the ease of use. When I know I'm not going to have time to develop single rolls of film a certain way, I can shoot them for Diafine and, even if they're different films, develop them two at a time together.

Back to things...

My film of choice for the next six months is going to be Tri-X. I'm going to work with it in Diafine, Rodinal, and whatever other developer I choose. I'm going to go through a LOT of Tri-X. I'll be buying bulk because of this.

So, rover, I'll join you in getting out of the Diafine rut. I'll still be using mine for a few things (including some photos that I'll be taking at a Halloween party - mwahaha), but I really do need to learn another developer.

 

[John Bragg]

Hi Rover.

Interesting thread this one, and the one thing I have found about trying new developers is that you must keep notes, and any negatives produced. Even a bad result can tell you something valuable about a certain combination. It will certainly be an interesting time for you and I hope a valuable experience. Also be prepared to test any combinations you prefer above the others for your own personal effective film speed and developing time, since this can mean the difference between good results, and absolutely stunning results. Have fun !!!

Regards, John.

 

[rover]

Hi John,

You are right about taking notes, and in fact I have a pretty decent schedule I have created for myself and have been using when processing film. I started working with it because I just use a clock with a second hand when processing and having the "check marks" over time help me keep track of what I am doing. I have info about dilutions and processes so I don't have to search anything out at the last minute.

I have my T with CV 21 and 2 rolls of Delta 3200 in my bag. I may get a chance to run out this afternoon, I hope, and Saturday will be a shooting morning too.