Tri X film dveloper combination

[GusW]

Dear all

I have always used Ilford HP5 developed with Ilfotec HC. We do not have Kodak film readily availible in South Africa. But I am now based in London, UK and thought i'd give Tri X a go.

First question, how does tri x respond to being pushed to 800/1600. Secondly, what developer do you guys suggest.

Thank you

gus

 

[laurentb]

I've -almost- always used HC110 for Tri-X in all formats (Tri-X 400 in 35mm, Tri-X 320 in MF and LF) and am pleased with the results.

 

[hans voralberg]

Looks good with a tad more grain, I used DDX with good result, I guess Xtol or Rodinal is also popular.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

D-76 diluted 1+1 probably is the best overall developer I have used for normal speed use. I have never pushed Tri-X, but Other films I have pushed work well in tmax Developer. Straight D-76 is the traditional choice for pushing Tri-X, but I have not tried that.

Tri-X in D-76 1+1

Rodinal 1+50 works well and has surprisingly fine grain, though its finer in D76 or Tmax Developer.

This is Tri-X in Tmax Developer diluted 1+7. I like it too.

So...tradition is D-76, Ilford ID-11 is very similar if you cannot find D-76 where you're at. If you can't find either, Tmax Developer is good too but rather expensive...but is convenient since its a liquid. Rodinal for higher sharpness but more grain.

 

[bidnez]

Well, after a friend on another forum preached the gospel of TriX + XTOL, I´ve never looked back. It´s a great combo - maybe especially at 1600 and 3200.

 

[jmcd]

Chriscrawfordphoto's first Tri-x example, in D-76 1:1, has a super smooth look, with full contrast on what looks like an overcast day.

And texture is simply outstanding in the second example, in Rodinal 1:50.

Great examples.

Do you shoot at 400, Chriscrawfordphoto?

 

[marke]

Straight D-76 is the traditional choice for pushing Tri-X, but I have not tried that.

Chris, I didn't know that about using straight D-76 when pushing Tri-X. I've always used it 1:1, whether pushing or not, but I might have to try it straight sometime.

Here's one pushing Tri-X to 1600 and using D-76 at 1:1.

 

[mfogiel]

Look at the end of this thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82050&page=2

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Chris, I didn't know that about using straight D-76 when pushing Tri-X. I've always used it 1:1, whether pushing or not, but I might have to try it straight sometime.

Here's one pushing Tri-X to 1600 and using D-76 at 1:1.

I haven't actually tried it; I feel that Tmax 3200 or Delta 3200 both give MUCH better results for speeds over 400. I got the recommeendation for straight D-76 from my photo professor in college years ago, and I have seen it repeated in several books too, including the Film Developing Cookbook.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Chriscrawfordphoto's first Tri-x example, in D-76 1:1, has a super smooth look, with full contrast on what looks like an overcast day.

And texture is simply outstanding in the second example, in Rodinal 1:50.

Great examples.

Do you shoot at 400, Chriscrawfordphoto?

They were all shot at 320. I think you could probably get away with using 400 for the D-76 or Tmax Developers, but for Rodinal you definately need to give more exposure than you'd get at 400. I have only done a couple rolls in Rodinal (I used to use that combo a lot yrs ago but Tri-X has been reformulated since then) and I am thinking that it has to have more exposure than you get at 400. I prefer Tri-X at 320 in D-76 and Tmax too but I think the results would be ok at 400 in them.

 

[pschauss]

I use HC110 dilution H (half of dilution B) for box speed. For pushing to 1250 I use Diafine.

 

[padraigm]

When you are rating Tri-x at 320 do you pull the development times? I have been rating it at 250 lately and pulling the development 30% and quite pleased with the results.But I am loosing speed. Rating at 400 with normal development always seemed to be a bit grainy unless in very dull conditions for me. I typically use Hc-110.

 

[marke]

I haven't actually tried it; I feel that Tmax 3200 or Delta 3200 both give MUCH better results for speeds over 400.

That's interesting, Chris, because I've had exactly the opposite results. I've never tried Delta 3200, but I like the results I got of Tri-X at 1600 better than Tmax 3200 at 1600. I use Tmax dev for the Tmax 3200 film too.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I haven't actually tried it; I feel that Tmax 3200 or Delta 3200 both give MUCH better results for speeds over 400.

That's interesting, Chris, because I've had exactly the opposite results. I've never tried Delta 3200, but I like the results I got of Tri-X at 1600 better than Tmax 3200 at 1600. I use Tmax dev for the Tmax 3200 film too.

Depends on what you want. Some people like the high contrast look of pushed Tri-X. I want some shadow detail, which pushed 400 films just don't have much of. There's no 'right' on that, depends on your artistic style.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

When you are rating Tri-x at 320 do you pull the development times? I have been rating it at 250 lately and pulling the development 30% and quite pleased with the results.But I am loosing speed. Rating at 400 with normal development always seemed to be a bit grainy unless in very dull conditions for me. I typically use Hc-110.

Depends on what light conditions you shoot under. If I am shooting on overcast days, I use normal development times and EI-320. If its harsh and sunny, then EI-160 and 30% less development. With normal development times Tri-X gives a true EI of 320. I measured with a densitometer and my actually real world exposures bear this out. Assuming your meter is accurate...many are not. I have 2 handheld spot meters and four 35mm SLRs with built in spot metering and all of them are calibrated to match each other and are spot on. Most people are not so obsessed with technical consitancy/perfection. I am.

 

[bmattock]

First question, how does tri x respond to being pushed to 800/1600.

It is one of the most versatile B&W films made. Very pushable.

Secondly, what developer do you guys suggest.

D-76 1+1 or if you can't obtain that, Ilford ID11 which is supposedly the same stuff. I also use Diafine with Tri-X quite often. I rate the film at EI 1200 when using with Diafine.

 

[md2008]

I use HC110 Dilution H with film rated at 400 or 800 - for 1 stop underexposure, I generally don't change my development times because I'm usually developing a roll of EI400 with a roll of EI800 in the same tank - I don't have much time to do developing and when I do, those are the two rolls that always seem ready to go. Results might be better if I did them separately but I've got to make the most of the little photography time I have 🙂. I've found this combo is very convenient due to the one shot developer and shelf life of the syrup. It also scans quite well if you have a hybrid workflow:

(Film is actually Arista Premium 400)

 

[le vrai rdu]

I do love trix with D76 1+1 but I would like to try HC110 🙂

 

[shadowfox]

Tri-x and Rodinal with minimal agitation (3 inverses per 4 minutes):

 

[charjohncarter]

TriX at 250 in HC-110 using Ansel Adam's compensating method: