Underdeveloped negatives D76 & Tri-X

[mgrinnan]

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!!

 

[danwilly]

Rwo things to check because they happened to me. 1. Thermometer out of calibration and 2. mixing chemistry in hard water.

 

[Rayt]

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]

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