Shooting Eastman (Double-X) 5222 in the Leica

What I normally do, is call Eastman Kodak directly, at 1-800-621-FILM. They are very friendly and take VISA. Film usually arrives within one day of call. http://motion.kodak.com/motion/Products/Production/Black_And_White_Films/5222.htm

You can split the 400' into smaller 100' rolls, and load them into a 35mm bulk film loader. I use 100' film cans saved from bulk loading to store the 100' rolls of XX. The plastic film core (that once held 100' of bulk film) if taped to the 400' XX core, and 100' is then spooled up by hand, and the XX cut with scissors and wrapped back up in original 400' can. The 100' of respooled XX then goes right into a 35mm bulk film loader (Watson is what I use). You can daylight load the 35mm cartridges at this point, same as any other bulk film. You will need scissors, scotch tape, and expended C-41 35mm cartridges from your local one-hour lab (Most labs throw these out but will save these for customers). I tape the XX in the bulk loader to the end of the C41 film sticking out of expended C41 film cartridge, with scotch tape. I use the sprocket holes to carefully align the XX with the film from the cartridge. That is like what you have already received from me. Some of the cartridges I sent you were even from disposable throw away cameras dropped off at the mini lab!

Or, you can simply use the "TomA method". In that case, I use 1" masking tape, scissors, and Kodak Snap Caps, which come apart (I mark then and throw them away after five reloads). You pull off an "arms length" of film off of the 400' XX core, cut it, and roll it up (by hand) into the cassette. Simple and it works very well.

Hope all this makes sense. Two very different methods and it takes a bit to get the grasp of all of it. 400' of XX should allow you to make about eighty rolls of 36 exp XX.
 
Nokton48 said:
What I normally do, is call Eastman Kodak directly, at 1-800-621-FILM. They are very friendly and take VISA. Film usually arrives within one day of call. http://motion.kodak.com/motion/Products/Production/Black_And_White_Films/5222.htm

You can split the 400' into smaller 100' rolls, and load them into a 35mm bulk film loader. I use 100' film cans saved from bulk loading to store the 100' rolls of XX. The plastic film core (that holds 100' of bulk film) then goes right into a 35mm bulk film loader (Watson is what I use). You will need scissors, scotch tape, and expended C-41 35mm cartridges from your local one-hour lab (Most labs throw these out but will save these for customers). I tape the XX in the bulk loader to the end of the expended C41 film cartridge, with scotch tape. That is like what you have already received from me.

Or, you can simply use the "TomA method". In that case, I use 1" masking tape, scissors, and Kodak Snap Caps, which come apart (I mark then and throw them away after five reloads). You pull off an "arms length" of film off of the 400' XX core, cut it, and roll it up (by hand) into the cassette. Simple and it works very well.

Hope all this makes sense. Two very different methods and it takes a bit to get the grasp of all of it. 400' of XX should allow you to make about eighty rolls of 36 exp XX.
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Hey, thanks again!!! Time for me to get to work. I am really into this film and working on a roll now with the M3 as before:
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Tom A said:
Dave, both Rodinal and HC 110 works fine with XX, though grain gets a bit aggressive. The film seems to prefer MQ type developers like D76/D96/Adox MQ. Yes, they are powder developers but you mix it up in sufficient volume (my 2000 ml) and mix a replenisher. This will give you around 40-50 rolls without having to deal with the powders again.
As for which chemistry to stock, get your copy of "The Film Developing Cookbook" by Anchell/Troop and make a list what you will need. Buy bulk - powdered chemicals last a long time and it is much cheaper in alb and 5 lb bulk for basic stuff. A pound of Metol last me several years. Sodium Sulphite is the most used in the MQ so get at least 10lbs of it. Stuff like Borax you can get in the grocery store "20 Mule Team Borax" works fine.
Good luck and have fun
Tom
Click to expand...

Thanks again, Tom...I dislike the powder in the air while mixing it. Then I am not sure if I am really getting it all completely dissolved. I have a lot left in a dark bottle from last time but I am afraid it is getting too old. Can I still use that after 8 months?:eek:
 
Tom A said:
Dave, both Rodinal and HC 110 works fine with XX, though grain gets a bit aggressive. The film seems to prefer MQ type developers like D76/D96/Adox MQ. Yes, they are powder developers but you mix it up in sufficient volume (my 2000 ml) and mix a replenisher. This will give you around 40-50 rolls without having to deal with the powders again.
As for which chemistry to stock, get your copy of "The Film Developing Cookbook" by Anchell/Troop and make a list what you will need. Buy bulk - powdered chemicals last a long time and it is much cheaper in alb and 5 lb bulk for basic stuff. A pound of Metol last me several years. Sodium Sulphite is the most used in the MQ so get at least 10lbs of it. Stuff like Borax you can get in the grocery store "20 Mule Team Borax" works fine.
Good luck and have fun
Tom
Click to expand...

Thanks again, Tom...I dislike the powder in the air while mixing it... inhaling doesn't seem wise. Then I am not sure if I am really getting it all completely dissolved. I have a lot of D76 left in a dark bottle from last time but I am afraid it is getting too old. Can I still use that after 8 months?:eek:
 
Nokton48 said:
Very Nice! Looks great.

Kodak HC110 is glycol-based (no water) so the concentrate lasts forever.

Myself I throw replenished D76 away after six months.
Click to expand...

Hey, thanks!!!

I think it is time to reorder some.

I am still experimenting with it but for a newb, I like it!:angel:

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It has a "retro" quality to it that I prefer.
Yes it is grainy but the midtones especially are amazing to my eye.
It's very forgiving and you can develop it in just about anything.

Before there was Triple-X there was Double-X.
 
Nokton48 said:
It has a "retro" quality to it that I prefer.
Yes it is grainy but the midtones especially are amazing to my eye.
It's very forgiving and you can develop it in just about anything.

Before there was Triple-X there was Double-X.
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If it is good enough for a recent James Bond 007 film with Daniel Craig...it is good enough for me!!!:p
 
If 5222 Double X can generate 65 pages here, with 1588 posts, maybe it's time for someone to start selling it in Cassettes so those who want to use it without rolling their own, can do so!
 
OK, moving stuff around...I can come up with just enough for a 400' roll in a week. Bologna sandwiches and water for a month is not too much to pay for 80 rolls of this film.:)

I reckon I will stop by Wings Camera and pick up some more D76 and whatever else I need to replace. Just in time for Spring weather and getting out shooting. Man, I need that badly.:cool:

Edit: Or would you guys recommend HC110?
 
Ok, got the loading solved... Onward!

How many of you folks think this thread should have higher visibility???

Maybe make it a sticky?

Either way, I have now 25 rolls of XX. It is time to get busy shooting but having to wait a bit on the weather.

Looking back at my first roll or two with the M3, shooting XX, I am sure that this will be a fun way to return to photography. I am already having more fun than I can remember!

Leica M3:

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dave lackey said:
2. I have a photo tent but what else do I need to roll my own and where do I get it?
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I use an Alden 200 that takes half a 400' roll. I bought a few extra empty 200' cans to store the roll.

I use strips of duct tape to attach to the spool. I find it is a lot easier to work with.

I use the reloadable cassettes (plastic with twist top) but also old film rolls. The coolest is of course to use Velvia cassettes for b&w :)

Edit: I like HC-110 a lot. I will post some examples during the weekend.

br
Philip
 
Recommended XX Developers.

Recommended XX Developers.

Recommended XX Developers.
I have experience with these, plus a few more.

1) ADOX Borax MQ Developer. This is a D-76 derivative, very cheap and easy to make. Lasts about 50+ rolls (for replenished two-litre soda bottle) before pitching. Mix 2000mls of developer, and 1000mls of replenisher, and store in plastic soda bottles. This is by far my favorite XX developer. TomA is right, buy "The Darkroom Cookbook", I got mine for $5 at the local used camera store. See Here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Darkroo...453?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d5686fff5

2) Kodak HC-110. I got a bottle at the local used camera store for $8, it is glycol-based (no water) so the syrup concentrate lasts a very long time. Great for all kinds of film, has a bit more grain than the ADOX Borax MQ, but still quite nice. I have even added Rodinal concentrate to the HC-110 stock solution, for even more chemical fun. An excellent second choice for XX. HC-110 is a one-shot developer, use once and pitch it. But they did make a replenisher for it, I have some!

3) Agfa Rodinal. Super sharp rendition of grain structure, a bit more than I like. But everybody should have a bottle of this stuff around. The concentrate also lasts a very long time. An excellent third choice for XX.

Start collecting one and two litre soda bottles, they are perfect for all these solutions.
 

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Nokton48 said:
Recommended XX Developers.
I have experience with these, plus a few more.

1) ADOX Borax MQ Developer. This is a D-76 derivative, very cheap and easy to make. Lasts about 50+ rolls (for replenished two-litre soda bottle) before pitching. Mix 2000mls of developer, and 1000mls of replenisher, and store in plastic soda bottles. This is by far my favorite XX developer. TomA is right, buy "The Darkroom Cookbook", I got mine for $5 at the local used camera store. See Here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Darkroo...453?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d5686fff5

2) Kodak HC-110. I got a bottle at the local used camera store for $8, it is glycol-based (no water) so the syrup concentrate lasts forever. Great for all kinds of film, has a bit more grain than the ADOX Borax MQ, but still quite nice. I have even added Rodinal concentrate to the HC-110 stock solution, for even more chemical fun. An excellent second choice for XX. HC-110 is a one-shot developer, use once and pitch it. But they did make a replenisher for it, I have some!

3) Agfa Rodinal. Super sharp rendition of grain structure, a bit more than I like. But everybody should have a bottle of this stuff around. The concentrate also lasts forever. An excellent third choice for XX.

Start collecting one and two litre soda bottles, they are perfect for all these solutions.
Click to expand...


Great info!! Thanks, I will start with HC-110 since I am all out of D76 at the moment... I have all the bottles and such. Just can't wait to finish a couple of rolls of XX and have a go with the HC-110.

Who would have thought that 007 film (oops...XX film) would be part of my inspiration to return to photography and actually be an active part of my own therapy?:D:D:D
 
HC-110 works very well with XX. On most cine films it works pretty good like the already mentioned Bergger BRF400+, OrWo Filmotec N74+, UN54 cine films.
It won't last forever but if you split up the 1 ltr. plastic HC-110 bottle to some smaller glass bottles it is stable till 3-4 years which doesn't mean after this period it won't work anymore but hence my TRD-Z densitomter you get deviations.
The same with R09/Rodinal. If it stays longer then 3-5 years, maybe better to buy a 120ml bottle instead of a 500ml packing.

I am willing to pack 135-36 XX films but here in Europe you can not get a good Kodak XX bulk film price. Fomapan, Bergger BRF400+, OrWo Filmotec is here much cheaper so I doubt for a Cinestill price there is still any interest. :cool:
 
Just to mention that for D76/ID11 1 ltr. Foma has the equal type Fomadon P W37 Foton/Foma developer, made in Poland for less then half price compared to ID11 in the Netherlands has been sold. Cheapest is a Beutler/FX-1 home made formulae for less then Eur. 0,05ct each film.
 
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