mgrinnan
Member
Hello everybody
I'm new to photography in general, and have been shooting B&W for a little while. With some exceptions, I've chosen to stick with 1 film (Tri-X) and 1 developer (D76 1:1). However, basically every roll I've developed myself has come out extremely underdeveloped. Is there any practical workaround for this? Or any DIY resources for an uneducated/untrained films newb? Let me know if you have any tips!!
I'm new to photography in general, and have been shooting B&W for a little while. With some exceptions, I've chosen to stick with 1 film (Tri-X) and 1 developer (D76 1:1). However, basically every roll I've developed myself has come out extremely underdeveloped. Is there any practical workaround for this? Or any DIY resources for an uneducated/untrained films newb? Let me know if you have any tips!!
danwilly
Established
Rwo things to check because they happened to me. 1. Thermometer out of calibration and 2. mixing chemistry in hard water.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
Please explain how you processed the film, including time/temp, agitation, type tank, anything relevant. Also how you meter your shots because underdevelopment can be confused with under exposure. Post some photos if you can.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
D-76 is not a very strong developer, so when it is diluted, you must have at least 8 ounces of the D-76 stock solution in the tank per roll of film. So, if you develop one roll in D-76 1+1, you must have a16 ounce developing tank full of developer. That's a two-reel tank, but you can only develop one roll in it with D-76 1+1.
Also, be sure temps are accurate. A lot of cheap thermometers are very inaccurate. The Paterson Color Thermometer, which is about $30, is the best inexpensive one I have used.
Mix your chemicals using only distilled water. Dissolve the D-76 powder in it, and dilute the developer in distilled water to make your 1+1 working strength.
Here's a video I made showing my process. I am using Tmax Developer in it, but everything is the same for D-76, except the developer and the developing time. Use 9 and 3/4 minutes at 68 degrees for Tri-X in D-76 1+1. This is Kodak's recommended time, and it works very well for me.
Developing video
How to dissolve D-76 powder in water video
Also, be sure temps are accurate. A lot of cheap thermometers are very inaccurate. The Paterson Color Thermometer, which is about $30, is the best inexpensive one I have used.
Mix your chemicals using only distilled water. Dissolve the D-76 powder in it, and dilute the developer in distilled water to make your 1+1 working strength.
Here's a video I made showing my process. I am using Tmax Developer in it, but everything is the same for D-76, except the developer and the developing time. Use 9 and 3/4 minutes at 68 degrees for Tri-X in D-76 1+1. This is Kodak's recommended time, and it works very well for me.
Developing video
How to dissolve D-76 powder in water video