HP5 and Microphen V Tri X and Diafine at 1000 ISO

[Koolzakukumba]

I'm looking for something around this film speed for use indoors with a Hexar AF. The prints would be the real McCoy - ie. darkroom. ;-). I've used Tri X in Diafine at 1260 ISO and liked it a lot. The attraction with HP5+ is that I love it at 250 ISO in Perceptol 1+3. If HP5 in Microphen was good, I'd be able to standardise on one film and two developers.

I found the grain of Tri X in Diafine to be very acceptable. I don't mind some grain in low light work as long as it doesn't get out of hand. I'm wondering if HP5+ and Microphen would be as good. It can also be easier getting hold of plutonium in the UK than Diafine.

It would be great to see some examples of both to help me make up my mind.

 

[Colin Corneau]

My experience - for what it's worth - is that they're different films. I love them both, but they have a different feel. The only way to say is to try HP5+ and see what you think on a trial run...if you're already a fan I suppose the odds are good.

The other thing I'd keep in mind is Microphen is a different developer altogether than Perceptol - that will affect the grain and overall look quite a lot.

My own experience here, but have you considered DD-X? I've started using this a lot the past year or so and I'm really a fan, now. Great grain, terrific shadow detail, perfect for pushing and relatively short developing times. I've used Rodinal for years - still will, but I see a lot more of this in my future.

YMMV...

 

[Koolzakukumba]

Hi Colin,

DDX looks great from a convenience point of view but it's expensive and, to be honest, I think I prefer the look of HP5 in Microphen. If I were to use DDX it would be with Delta 100/400 - actually, that would be a very sensible combination as well...