Rodinal vs. D76, like Coke vs. Pepsi?

[Aperture]

After not touching developer for 10 years, I've been inspired by many threads on this and other forums to come back to doing my own B&W.

I was just wondering about the different types of developers around, does it matter a lot what type you use with which film, or does it come down to personal taste?

Is there any type of developer that for instance gives more contrast than the other, whereas others might give more of a "soft" look?

Any pro's / con's with powders vs. liquids here?

Thanks 😀

 

[GeneW]

Well, you'll get as many different answers as there are RFF members who soup their own B&W. I regularly use Rodinal, HC-110 and D-76. I find HC-110 and D-76 similar. Rodinal is a different brew -- ale (Rodinal) vs lager. It's sharper and grainier -- some love it and some don't like the graininess. HC-110 is a good general-purpose concentrate that is good for pushing. D-76 is, well, D-76 -- a classic that always produces good looking negatives. Others here like Diafine a lot.

Welcome back to B&W. I think you'll enjoy developing your own films again.

Gene

 

[GeneW]

I forgot to add that when I use up my current batch of D-76 I probably won't be mixing up any more powders. I prefer the convenience and long shelf life of concentrated developers.

Gene

 

[phototone]

Basically D-76 (and Ilfords identical ID-11) are considered the standard "fine grain" developers which give good sharpness, moderately fine grain and relatively full emulsion speed.

Rodinal is not a "fine grain" developer, but rather a "standard grain" developer that gives high apparent sharpness due to the edge effects it produces in negatives. Many people like the enhanced visibility of grain in Rodinal.

 

[kiev4a]

I find HC110 and Rodinal have more in common. Both tend to put more edge on the grain than D-76 (especially D-76 1:1). Some like the effect, some don't. depends on the subject matter.

 

[r-brian]

I've developed a taste for Rodinal. I like the sharpness. I've used it with Plus-x, Tmax 100 and FP4+. I'm not crazy about with HP5+ (but then I don't seem to do well with HP5+).

I've also am starting to develop a taste for Diafine. It's just too simple to use and the results were great. Plus-X at IE of 250 (which is under the IE 400 that is recommended for Diafine) and TMax 100 at IE 160.

I'm think of getting some HC110 for some Tri-X I have coming, but will gladly soup it in the other two also.

It's funny in this age of digital and new innovations, I've seemed to have started using developers that are as old as the hills.

Brian

 

[phototone]

It's funny in this age of digital and new innovations, I've seemed to have started using developers that are as old as the hills.

Brian

If you want to use a developer agent that was present at the very beginning of photography, use a Pyro developer. I think Photographers Formulary has a ready-mix dry powder available. Pretty nice, compensating, edge sharpness, etc.

 

[Aperture]

Thanks for all the tips, can't wait to get started!
As soon as I got some decent results I'll try and post them.

 

[kbg32]

Some great info on Rodinal.

http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Rodinal/rodinal.html

 

[sockeyed]

I started with D-76 and have migrated to Rodinal. I got a lovely range of mid-tones using D-76, but love the sharper feel of Rodinal. Lately I've been doing more and more high-speed Tri-X (1600, 3200) in Rodinal and the results are great. I've also found that shooting Tri-X at 200 and souping in Rodinal gives me quite D-76-like results.

 

[vincentbenoit]

Q: Rodinal & Tri-X

Q: Rodinal & Tri-X

Since we're talking developers... I'm thinking of trying Rodinal to develop my Tri-X.
Where would Rodinal fit in the following table?

I'm after large grain and high accutance, and I don't care much for shadow detail.

Also, can Rodinal be used for Tri-X exposed at 1600 EI?

Thanks in advance.

Vincent

 

[sockeyed]

Rodinal is great for Tri-X at 1600, just minimize the agitation: 5 agitations to start, then 5 every 5 minutes. 21-22 mins total development at 68 degrees. 50:1 dilution.

 

[Roger Hicks]

More like rum and gin -- VERY different but there's no accounting for taste. On the other hand I'd prefer a gin and tonic to a rum and tonic, and a rum and Coke to a gin and coke.

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[dkapp]

I've been developing my own B&W for several months now, and have been very happy w/ my results using D-76, but have been wanting to try rodinol for awhile now. I guess I've just been to lazy to sit down & figure out a new developer and the times to get what I want 🙂

Maybe I'll give it a go this weekend.

Dave

 

[Roman]

Since we're talking developers... I'm thinking of trying Rodinal to develop my Tri-X.
Where would Rodinal fit in the following table?

Rodinal


Shadow detail (at rated speed)

Most
-------X--
(Microdol-X is probably still worse in this category)

Grain

Finest
--------X-

Sharpness (acutance)

Highest
-X--------


BTW, I completely disagree with this chart from Kodak about the sharpness-ratings for XTOL and D76 - don't get me wrong, those are good developers - but not exactly high acutance one, especially not compared to HC110 or Rodinal...

Roman

 

[vincentbenoit]

Thanks Roman. Looks like Rodinal should give me the look I'm after.
Cheers
Vincent

 

[Poptart]

D-76 was invented as a fine-grain motion picture film developer. A lot of the great classic films were developed in it. Rodinal is considerebly older; in fact, it's the oldest photo product still being made, having been invented in 1888.
There are a lot of different, high-quality developers around that I don't see mention of here. If you get adventurous try some of the products from Ethol. Or if you want a near-perfect gradation and sharpness, Agfa may still make a developer called Atomol.

 

[Justin Low]

On the other hand I'd prefer a gin and tonic to a rum and tonic, and a rum and Coke to a gin and coke.

Same here.