Tri-X and DD-X

[Thomas78]

Hello,

it looks like I might have some problems developing Tri-X with DD-X (14 min push for ISO 1600).

At first I thought the camera (Canon IIS2) has some problems with the shutter curtain, but I think perhaps it is an issue of development, because of the "rings" at the secound one.

I have also observed that nearly all films I developed with DD-X show dark spots, oval or round at the edges.

But Efke 100 done in Rollei RHS shown no such spots at all.



Canon IIS2_Canon 50 1,5_01_Tri-X 400_1600_001 von thomas.78 auf Flickr


Canon IIS2_Canon 50 1,5_01_Tri-X 400_1600_029 von thomas.78 auf Flickr

 

[john_s]

Is there any chance that the DD-X has been subjected to very low temperature and has crystallized particles in it? I have noticed crystals in it when it's old and mostly used also.

 

[Thomas78]

Is there any chance that the DD-X has been subjected to very low temperature and has crystallized particles in it? I have noticed crystals in it when it's old and mostly used also.

Maybe it got cold when it was shipped in the mid of winter.
Do you think filtration of the developer might cure the problem?

 

[sepiareverb]

People pay money for iPhone apps to do this very thing.

I've had some minor crystallization of DD-X before, but nothing that good mixing when diluting hasn't eliminated. You're running at 1:4?

 

[john_s]

Maybe it got cold when it was shipped in the mid of winter.
Do you think filtration of the developer might cure the problem?

There is a thread over at APUG on this very topic.

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum37/102186-crystals-ilfotec-dd-x.html

Once there is crystallization in a concentrated developer it is often difficult to re-dissolve it. I'd be concerned that grinding the crystals would introduce air into the developer so it might not last a long time thereafter. Just a guess. I am a pessimist, so take that into account.

 

[Max Power]

I'm the chap who posted that over on APUG!

I'd be interested to know from the OP if there are/were crystals in the concentrate.

So far, after filtering, grinding down the crystals, and re-dissolving them in the solution, all is well.

K

 

[Thomas78]

Hello,

I had the same effect, but to a much less extend on another Tri-X (at ISO 400) before i figured out that it might be a development problem:


Zorki Ic_I 22_04_Tri-X 400_037 von thomas.78 auf Flickr

Last weekend I developed a Delta 100 in DD-X from the same bottle, but after dilution I filterd it with a coffee filter.
(If there were crystals, they were very small since I didn't see them but I did no search for them on the filter.)

The result was very nice and without this kind of spots:



Rolleiflex 3,5F_FF_Ilford Delta 100_10 von thomas.78 auf Flickr



Rolleiflex 3,5F_FF_Ilford Delta 100_12 von thomas.78 auf Flickr

Next weekend I will perhaps filter the whole bottle of the DD-X concentrate to see if there are any crystals visible.