Microdol X anyone?

[pesphoto]

Just bought a bag to try for fun. Mostly shoot Trix or other 400speed b/w films. Any experience out there?

 

[pschauss]

It has been several years since I used it, but as I recall, it gives you one stop slower than box speed for most films. Also, since it is a fine grained developer, grain is less noticable but pictures appear less sharp. I prefer HC110 or D76 for Tri-X.

 

[venchka]

Slow Efke films, slow Ilford films, slow Kodak films, slow Arista-Foma films.........all good candiates for Microdol-X.

There is nothing wrong with shooting HP5+, Neopan 400, Tmax 400 or Tri-X at 200-250 and developing in Microdol-X.

 

[nikon_sam]

Last time I used it would have been back in high school (Class of '78)
I don't recall the results other than for high schoolers it was easy to use...

Give it a go then post the results...

I do remember shooting a bunch of Pan-X and Plus-X back then...

 

[venchka]

Looking at my old Plus-X negatives I want to buy a ton of the Arista Plus-X from Freestyle. Developers of choice will be Microdol-X 1:1 & 1:3, Rodinal 1:50 and 1:100 and Xtol 1:3 for grins.

And Pyrocat, HD or MC. Pyrocat may be a better fine grain developer than Microdol-X. It certainly is popular among the large format folks.

 

[tbm]

Expose your Tri-X rolls at their standard speed of 400. Then mix your Microdol-X with water with a dilution of 1:3, respectively, at 74-75 degrees for 18 minutes and you will get wonderful results. I have been processing it in this manner for years and it is a wonderful way to do it!

 

[pesphoto]

Thanks guys, I will give it a try soon and post a few pics. Maybe I'll try TriX at 200 AND 400 and see what I get.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I used it in college for Panatomic-X. Shoot the tri-x about a stop slower than normal, so ASA 200 (what's that new thing for film speed???). Also should be good for Plus-X. I remember being able to dilute Microdol-X 1:3 with water and increasing development time for even finer grain.

 

[colker]

It has been several years since I used it, but as I recall, it gives you one stop slower than box speed for most films. Also, since it is a fine grained developer, grain is less noticable but pictures appear less sharp. I prefer HC110 or D76 for Tri-X.

not w/ you dilute it 1:3. then it's as sharp as it gets.
i suppose it gives a different tonal range.
after trying this and that developer i decided to stick w/ D76 diluted 1:1.
no reason to change.

 

[sepiareverb]

Microdol-X is a perfect match for Plus-X at 64, and makes HP5+ a delight at 50 for taming extreme contrast situations.

 

[venchka]

Thanks, Oracle of Vermont!

Is Ilford Microphen akin to Microdol-X? Same only different?

 

[sepiareverb]

Thanks, Oracle of Vermont!

Better than orifice I suppose.

Is Ilford Microphen akin to Microdol-X? Same only different?

Different animals- I use Microdol-X to pull HP5+, Microphen to push it, but only to 800.

 

[venchka]

Thanks! I got a box of HP5+ for my birthday. I think I'll load up the Grafmatic and take the Speed Graphic to the Longview Rodeo. HP5+ and Microphen can't be all bad.

 

[Nokton48]

Overexposed (sunny 16 exposed) Tri-X looks real nice in Microdol-X, especially photojournalism. Grain pattern is mushy, but very interesting to look at. Holds up well. Highly silver-solvent developer.

 

[pesphoto]

Overexposed (sunny 16 exposed) Tri-X looks real nice in Microdol-X, especially photojournalism. Grain pattern is mushy, but very interesting to look at. Holds up well. Highly silver-solvent developer.

Any chance you have an example?