Question about developing Tmax & C41 films

[Darshan]

Hi guys,

I have been developing TriX with D76 for a few years now and think that I am getting good, consistent results.

I looked through a couple of recent threads where folks recommend using HC110 for Tmax film, I would love to know the reasons behind using HC110 instead of D76. Also, what difference may I see if I go with HC110 for TriX?

Secondly, I have never developed C41 at home; I always used to send it out but would like to self-develop if I can get good results. Can you recommend me developer/fixer/times etc? Also, any particular tips to get close to lab results at home.

Thanks a lot.

Darshan

 

[Darshan]

No takers? 🙁😕:bang:

I read about C41 developing online but would like to get some personal opinions on dos and don'ts from members here.

 

[Jake Mongey]

I cant talk about d76 and Hc110 as im an ilford guy however I have done some C41 with the rollei Digibase kit with good results. Assuming youre talking about developing C41 films in C41 chems and not C41 film in BW chemistry I can say that for the C41 kits you follow a set time although you can add/subtract time for push and pull.

The biggest difficulty is controlling temperature as depending on your chemistry it MUST be kept between 38-41 degrees Celsius and any change in temp can cause colour shifts to occur. The Digibase kit can be used at 21 degrees for a much longer time and seems to work well doing that although i cannot comment on any tests comparing the same chemistry at different temperatures.

I would recommend researching your chemistry and figuring out of you have a method of accurate temperature control (I used a waterbath around the developing tank))

 

[Darshan]

I cant talk about d76 and Hc110 as im an ilford guy however I have done some C41 with the rollei Digibase kit with good results. Assuming youre talking about developing C41 films in C41 chems and not C41 film in BW chemistry I can say that for the C41 kits you follow a set time although you can add/subtract time for push and pull.

The biggest difficulty is controlling temperature as depending on your chemistry it MUST be kept between 38-41 degrees Celsius and any change in temp can cause colour shifts to occur. The Digibase kit can be used at 21 degrees for a much longer time and seems to work well doing that although i cannot comment on any tests comparing the same chemistry at different temperatures.

I would recommend researching your chemistry and figuring out of you have a method of accurate temperature control (I used a waterbath around the developing tank))

I want to develop C41 with C41 kit.

Do you use a portable heater in your waterbath or keep adding hot/cold water to maintain the temp?

Thanks.

 

[Peter Jennings]

I have only ever used D-76 with Tmax 400, so I cannot comment on its difference from HC-110. However, I have only had good experiences with D-76 and Tmax so far. As I also use it with Tri-X, it's nice to only need one developer.

 

[Darshan]

Thanks, Peter.

I looked at some Tmax + D76 & Tmax +HC110 samples online and couldn't tell much difference with regards to grain and tonal range. Contrast appeared different, however; there are so many factors that can affect contrast I don't think it's a big issue. Since I have been using D76 I am going to stick with it.

Regards,
Darshan

 

[Pioneer]

I have used D76 for years to develop TMX film, both TMAX 100 and TMY 400. Works just fine and there are standard developing times recommended in the Kodak data sheets.

HC-110 is a fine developer and has a longer shelf life, but if you are already accustomed to working with D-76 there is no reason to change unless you want to.

 

[Sid836]

The main advantages of the HC-110 is its long lasting shelf life and its high concentration that make it last sometimes an awfully boring long.
Nothing against it, but I prefer the home brew D-76 and its variations. I can modify slightly it to get more closely to what I am looking for, or radically change it just to experiment with.
When it comes to pushing, Microphen is my developer of preference.