Microphen vs. ID-11

[corazon]

Microphen is listed as being meant to be used for push-processing, or film speed increase.

So is that to say that should I not want to push my film that I ought to use ID-11? I intend to film develop at stated ISO rating as well as push, would that mean I should pick up both and use accordingly? Or is Microphen capable and suited for straight development as well?



Thanks,


corazon

 

[kaiyen]

Microphen is just fine for developing at box speed. In most cases, you will not achieve box speed with ID-11, so if you want to shoot at box speed (or slightly higher, actually) and also be able to push, Microphen is a more versatile developer. It does not offer the solvency effects of ID-11, so grain _can_ be higher but not like with a true acutance developer like Rodinal or FX-2.

 

[sepiareverb]

I use both of these developers a lot- they, and Microdol-X are my top three these days. I find ID-11 better suited for most work, for everything from Efke 25, FP4+, PanF+ and even HP5+ at 400. I like Microphen for HP5+ at 800, and for HP5+ at 400 when I'm looking for more grain than ID-11 will give. I use Microphen at 1:1, and watch the agitation with it- highlights will tend to block up more if you agitate too vigorously.

 

[corazon]

Hmm, thank you very much for both of your comments.

I think I may pick up both and give them each a try for the unique looks they can offer in terms of grain rendition. They are quite inexpensive at $7.99 and $6.99 respectively.



I'll report back some time with results, I've still got a bit do before I get my darkroom up and running.