Trying to get more contrast from negs

M

mllanos1111

Well-known
Local time
1:05 PM
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
284
I've been processing my Tri-X in ID11 1-1 dilution 68 degrees for 11 minutes.
I agitate for the first 30 seconds and then 10 seconds every minute.
The negs seems to come out ok, with a decent amount of contrast, but I would like to get a little more contrast out of them.
Should I alter the agitation, time, both what do you recommend?

Thanks
 
In my experience, it is easiest to control contrast with time. You may find you want to adjust film speed after you achieve the contrast you want - as in, a little less exposure to avoid blocking the highlights.
 
Try adding another minute to your developing time as a starting point. If you like it, fine, if not (as in my case with D76 1:1) get some Rodinal and develop with about 8cc per roll for 10-11 minutes. 10ccs will give you even more contrast, but you'll probably have to pull to about asa250.
 
I say stick with the developer and film you are using, don't change your exposure (ISO) just increase development time. Agitation and temperature should remain constant. When you get into the 'ballpark' you can then either if it is small adjustment reduce agitation (less for less development or more for more development) or reduce or increase development times. Contrast as was stated above is a function of development time. Agitation, if increased, has the effect of increasing development time and vice versa.

Post another thread if when you get the desired contrast you want to increase shadow detail or reduce highlights. One thing at a time.
 
charjohncarter said:
I say stick with the developer and film you are using, don't change your exposure (ISO) just increase development time. Agitation and temperature should remain constant. When you get into the 'ballpark' you can then either if it is small adjustment reduce agitation (less for less development or more for more development) or reduce or increase development times. Contrast as was stated above is a function of development time. Agitation, if increased, has the effect of increasing development time and vice versa.

Post another thread if when you get the desired contrast you want to increase shadow detail or reduce highlights. One thing at a time.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the info, I'm just getting back into this after 20+ years and I'm trying to get my negs where I like them.
I'm going to increase the time by 1 minute and go from there.

Thanks
 
I just processed another roll and added 1 minute to it and it came out much better!
It looks more like what I've been trying to get, I'll be able to tell more when I print.
Thanks for all the input.
 
perhaps try microdol x with trix....the more solvent developers tend to suck more of the subtle tones out. Microdol is out-standing with Tri-X and HP-5 and pulls tonality out of those films that D-76 and HC-110 can't.
 
I've been agitating less than you (3 inversions per minute) but I found I needed to up my temp to 24 C to get anywhere near dense enough highlights. I've been testing with grey cards using the zone system, plus the look of other shots supports the results (my shots were muddy).
 
You could agitate a bit more during the first half minute of development also, a less dramatic tweak to contrast, but it will give you a little more.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom