Pushing Tri-X +2 stops

jett

Well-known
Local time
2:24 PM
Joined
Oct 16, 2011
Messages
223
I use Rodinal but I've pushed Tri-X one stop only. I like it, but I want to push further and I'm afraid of losing too much shadow detail. Since Rodinal isn't known as the best push developer, I thought I'd experiment with some other developers too.

What are your favorite developers and dilutions for pushing Tri-X 2 stops?
 
You won't necessarily LOSE shadow detail because your exposure will set you density, developing controls your contrast. If you haven't exposed to include shadow detail, you won't get it miraculously appearing by pushing your film.

I use a seasoned HC-110 developer, Dil. B(ish) and only push Tri-x to about 1200 - 1600 at most.
 
I've been using xtol 1+1 and pushed trix to somewhere between 1000 and 1600. At least I like the contrast and tonality of that combination. However, you can do it as far as 3200 if needed and still get some details.

hanni.jpg

Exposed as ~@2000-3200, developed in xtol 1+1 for 14.5min.
 
I find TriX pushes awful in thick xtol, I tried stock and hated it.
TriX in Rodinal 1+100 for 2 hours semi stand is the key (exposed at 1600)! I saw people using HC110 in thin solutions too.
 
I regularly push Tri-X to 1600 with no issues, in ID-11 and D-76. I do like contrast myself though.

This is Tri-X shot at 1600 and developed in ID-11 stock for 9:30 minutes.

6382487573_cb08026c74_z.jpg
 
I used TMAX developer 1+4, 1+7 (Chris' formula) and 1+9. For HC-110, I push process with dilution 1:30. I use 1:1 for D76. All looked acceptable to me.

But I push process 120 b&w film as I shoot medium format indoors quite often.

You can check out my Flickr site for the results.
 
Tri-X is hard to find in Australia (in my little part of Oz, at least, it's impossible to buy retail) but I've wanted to try it for ages, and bought a few rolls on line just this week. Great images above, thanks for posting them and for the development information. Merry Christmas everyone.
Regards,
Brett
 
Back
Top Bottom