Tri-X and HC 110

S

Stan98103

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What is your favorite procedure for developing Tri-X?

I’m about to develop some 35mm Tri-X 400 in HC-100 for the first time and I would appreciate some advice. The Massive Development Chart at www.digitaltruth.com has confusing information. It shows two different entries for developing at dilution B for ISO 400 at 20C: one says 4.5-6 minutes and the other says 7.5 minutes. I shot the film rated at ISO 320.

Also, I’ve seen that some people prefer higher dilutions and longer developing times. What dilutions and times would you use?

It’s been a while since I’ve developed film and I can’t find my notes for the recommended procedure, but here is what I remember:

Agitate/rotate gently for the first 60 seconds, and then for 10 seconds during each remaining minute at 20C. Tap the tank at the end of each cycle to dislodge any bubbles on the film.

Pour out the developer and wash with three times with water, agitating gently.

Fix with Kodak rapid fixer agitating gently and continuously for 5 minutes at 20C.

Wash with running water for 5 minutes at 20C.

Agitate gently and continuously with PermaWash for 1 minute at 20C.

Wash with water continuously for 5 minutes at 20C.

Rinse with distilled water containing a drop of photo flow and hang to dry.

Am I missing anything? Also, do you recommend adding hardener to the fixer?

Thanks,

Stan
 
I just developed a roll of Tri-x @ 800. Nine minutes in dilution B at 20 C. First try with HC-110 but the negatives look pretty good. Massive chart didn't have a listing at ISO 800 so I guessed based on other ratings. If I have a chance I'll post one or two tomorrow.

Karl
 
Like you, I don't have my old notes, but (old) TX @ 200 and HC-110 was my standard for a long time. 1:31 @ 6-1/2 min, 20C, IIRC. But today I would retest and reestablish my workflow. I am currently working with Rodinal at high dilution, so if I were to try HC-110 again, I would work with dilution G or H.

The massive development chart has input from many different photographers. There can be great variations based on water, meter calibration, paper for final print, etc.

Agitate less. I also keep wet time down by processing at 23C or so.

Earl
 
I mix HC-110 1:100 (makes measurement really easy), then use approx 3 times the listing for Dil B. With continuous agitation the first 30 secs, then 5 gentle inversions each 3 mins. I've been pulling really nice results with Tri-X and Neopan 400 with this semi-partial-stand recipe.

Gene
 
GeneW said:
I mix HC-110 1:100 (makes measurement really easy), then use approx 3 times the listing for Dil B. With continuous agitation the first 30 secs, then 5 gentle inversions each 3 mins. I've been pulling really nice results with Tri-X and Neopan 400 with this semi-partial-stand recipe.

Gene
Gene's results speak for themselves. Another good resource for HC-110 is Greg Mironchuk's page.
 
It's the other way around!

It's the other way around!

back alley said:
usually the longer dev time is for a warmer temp developer - 20 vs 24 degrees.
The shorter time is for the warmer temperature.

I develop my Tri-X at 20 C at dilution B for 6 minutes.
 
Also, if you're processing the ISO 320 version (Tri-x Pan, 320TXP, comes in 120 and sheets but not 135) in HC-110, I've found it's best to overdevelop for a minute or two. Under normal times for 320TXP in HC-110, the film tends to lack contrast and often has really boring, gutless midtones. With extended development, things get a little more punchy and exciting.

I wish somebody would have told me that months ago. ;)
 
Trius said:
Gene's results speak for themselves. Another good resource for HC-110 is Greg Mironchuk's page.

Mironchuk also recommends about 10 min at 24C with Dilution H (as Alex recommends above).

I've never used HC-110 with Tri-X, but with HP5 Plus this time and temp (10 min, 24C, 1+63) has worked very well for me.
 
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