Too much contrast.

[_larky]

Hello.

Souped a couple more rolls today, Neopan 400. The contrast is extreme. I got the dev mix correct (1+25) and the times, maybe I was 30 seconds over, but I wonder if I agitated too much? Does excess agitation increase contrast?

I like punchy negs, but these are quite extreme. Almost binary. 🙂

 

[cary]

The main variables in developing black and white film processing are time, temperature and agitation.

 

[muser53]

If by too contrasty you mean the highlights are too dense then
try reducing you development time say 20%.

If the shadows areas are too weak try "over" exposing the film,
maybe rate it at 320 or 250 ASA.

If you can post an image or scan...might make it a bit easier to see
what is going on.

Lastly be consistent with your methods...change one variable at a time and
soon you be getting the results you crave!

PJ

 

[Tim Gray]

Good answers above. But to answer you question directly: Yes, excess agitation can increase contrast.

 

[tlitody]

The main variables in developing black and white film processing are time, temperature and agitation.

Don't forget dilution. Dilution makes a big difference.

As for agitation, yes it does effect contrast but not as much as some think.
Jobo recommend using 15% less time when using a rotary processor which is constant agitation compared to using hand inversions. So if you are leaving film for between 30 and 60 seconds between inversions, an extra inversion or two every 30 or60 seconds won't make a massive difference but it will make a little difference. I would suggest using 1+50 or 1+100 instead if your negs are way too contrasty. Alternatively reduce your time by 20% or so and try again.

 

[_larky]

Thanks all. I did a lot of reading last night, I have 1001 possible things to change! I'm going to start with dilution and may look into stand dev, which gave me lovely negs with Neopan 1600.

Cheers.