HP5 shooting and processing

[Roger Hicks]

HP5+ gives decent results in just about any developer.

Yup. Just about idiot-proof, which is often needed.

(This is not a personal attack, calling you an idiot; rather, agreement with your observation).

Cheers,

R.

 

[topoxforddoc]

I agree that HP5 is a pretty forgiving emulsion with respect to developers. I've used Ilfosol, DDX, Paterson (can't remember which one), Neofin Blue and now XTOL. I'm very happy with XTOL - fine grain, very consistent and used in my hands 1:1.

Charlie

 

[John Elder]

I determine the film speed using a densitometer. I also use the densitometer to determine the development time. The correct film speed is the Zone 1 exposure that produces a density of .10 over film base + fog. The development time is that time which produces a net density for a Zone 8 exposure of between 1.20+ 1.30.

 

[sepiareverb]

DD-X, HC-110 b or Microphen 1:1 are my top 3 for HP5.

 

[Chuck Albertson]

Most of what I shoot goes on HP5+, both 35mm and 120. Most often developed in Xtol 1:1 at Kodak's recommended times. For really flat light (Seattle in the winter, for example), I expose at EI 800 and develop it in Microphen 1:1 to puch up the contrast a bit. I've tried Rodinal in the past, but usually have to expose the film at EI 250 to get sufficient shadow detail. I don't mind the grain you get from that combo, and it's really sharp.

 

[tedwhite]

Some contrast in a negative has to do with the lens being used.

As for developer, I started out decades ago with D76, then experimented with Rodinal and several other developers (Acufine, Diafine) but always returned to my first love: D76. I almost always use TriX, but on occasion have used HP5 and HP4, both fine films. I also feel that TMAX 100 in TMAX developer yields a very fine-grain negative.

 

[jmkelly]

Personally I prefer Ilford DD-X.

Seconded. DD-X 9 minutes @ 20°C is my only developer for HP5+.