Plus-X in Paterson FX-39

[Teus]

How does Plus-X like the "high definition" FX39 developer?
Am looking for a fairly low-contrast developer with fine grain, XTOL 1:1 is still too contrasty.

Thanks!

 

[pau3]

I have never used FX39, so I can't give you a direct answer to your question.
However, if you want less contrast, why don't you just reduce the developing time
in xtol?

Pau

 

[Teus]

not enough shadow detail with XTOL, so no use in cutting times

edit: Delta 100 in FX39 looks sharp and with excellent contrast. According to this site contrast, sharpness and grain should be good.

delta100 & fx39 samples:
http://satsuki.nl/teus/photos/tech/fx39/teus_09_037_35_800.jpg
http://satsuki.nl/teus/photos/tech/fx39/teus_09_038_35_800.jpg

 

[notturtle]

not enough shadow detail with XTOL, so no use in cutting times

edit: Delta 100 in FX39 looks sharp and with excellent contrast. According to this site contrast, sharpness and grain should be good.

delta100 & fx39 samples:
http://satsuki.nl/teus/photos/tech/fx39/teus_09_037_35_800.jpg
http://satsuki.nl/teus/photos/tech/fx39/teus_09_038_35_800.jpg

Xtol 1+1 is one the fastest 'normal' developers on the market. If you are not getting enough shadow detail, you need to expose more - simple. FX-39 speed is the same as Xtol, roughly. With Plux X you can expect extremely crisp grain, which will be noticeably larger than D100 (Fp4+ is much larger than d100 in this dev). It will be etched looking and there will be a noticeable shoulder in the curve. Highlights well controlled. But you wont get more speed and if contrast is your issue, it is your processing that is the issue. Xtol produces great speed and in my experience moderate contrast negs with good highlight control.

Try reducing film speed (EI) by 1/3 stop and reducing the dev with Xtol. The additional 1/3 stop exposure will easily compensate for a reduction in dev time. FX-39 is not IMO a general purpose developer for all films. Acutance is severe and so better suited to modern films or when you want that look (or are not enlarging too much).

 

[mfogiel]

I haven't tried Plus X yet, but this developer is great with Fomapan 200. It gives good acutance, great tonality and the highlights are well behaved, you should try it. Rememember to pour into smaller bottles after opening, as the shelf life is not very long otherwise.

 

[charjohncarter]

I find PlusX to be very difficult to get 'shadow detail.' I haven't tried it in anything but HC-110h and Rodinal 1+50, but still with a scene of medium to high contrast, it is difficult (for shadow detail, in my hands). I will say that it is a film I use for low contrast scenes:

PlusX, I think HC-110h, Olympus RC35 (which over exposes by a stop, so EI 30).

 

[ZorkiKat]

How does Plus-X like the "high definition" FX39 developer?
Am looking for a fairly low-contrast developer with fine grain, XTOL 1:1 is still too contrasty.

Thanks!

I had the chance to use this combination (PX + Accutol) about a decade ago. The 1+9 dilution gave enhanced contours, as well as obvious grain. Contrast quite long, no blocked highlights.