What B/W film/developer makes the Hexar AF sing?

[pismo923]

I asked a similar question a while back but specific to color film. I have been using primarily Delta 400 in DD-X but for some reason the look doesn't always grab me. I think I prefer a more classic look. Since I am almost out of Delta I thought maybe I could get some suggestions here for a different film/developer combo that makes the Hexar lens really shine. 400 speed film is fine as using a ND filter is not an issue for me. Ideally I want to limit myself to one film/developer combo. I have tried TMax 400 and did not care for it. I enjoy low light photography so being able to shoot up to 1600 is essential for me. What are your favorite combos?

 

[f16sunshine]

What sort of a look are you trying to achieve (can you post an example)?
I'm running only my third roll through my new to me hexar AF.
It's a modern, near surgical sharp, mid contrast lens from what I can tell so far and from the images of others.
For me, I like edgy ...sort of gritty grainy sharp images from 135 B+W which often mean... HP5 or Tri-x and Rodinal in higher dilution ratios.
It would be the same if I was shooting my OM lenses or other M hexagons to get that look I'm familiar with.

If your looking for smooth and low grain from 35mm. Try tmax 400 or Delta and use Tmax Developer. Or try Tmax 3200 at 1600 and again use Tmax Developer.

Not sure what you are looking to get but I hope that helps in some way.

This was Arista Ed Ultra which I think is Foma run in Rodinal 1:100.
Was the first roll through my Hexar AF. It's edgy even with this "High Key" sort of image.

 

[pismo923]

This is the look I am after as an example.

 

[mfogiel]

I think you do not realize, that one film hardly fits all uses, but if there is a film that comes close, that film is Tri X, and its best companion is D76 1+1, but you can develop it in almost anything: Acufine will give you nice ISO 1000 negs, while Rodinal will be good at ISO 160-250. My usual developer is HC 110.
If you want to shoot wide open, you will benefit from a high MTF film ( Delta 100, Tmax 100, Rollei RPX or Foma 100), as this mitigates the MTF loss from the lens.

 

[benji77]

Hi, I'd say you would hv to try 'older' film like FP4. Btw, it would be good if you credited Jmanivelle for that sample shot. It's a really nice shot first posted in the Hexar thread.

 

[Turtle]

pismo,

Judging by the example you showed, I feel very confident suggesting TriX and D76 1+1.

Alternatives include HP5+ and Foma 400. Both give a fairly classic reportage look.

Xtol 1+1 will give finer grain and a touch more speed, but a not dissimilar look.

Stay away from Tmax and Delta films if this is the look you seek, because they wont give it. Stick to traditional grain films.

Rodinal can be very rough and crisp and IMO its too 'in your face' with 400 speed films in 35mm, unless you want the grain and look to dominate. While this is not too obvious with a small print, make a 16x12 or larger and there is no escape.

If you do want a fine grain film with lots of snap in the midtones, D100 is my choice. Rodinal makes it exceedingly sharp but the grain is still reasonably controlled. Its a far cry from the tones you get from Tmax100 in most developers.

 

[pismo923]

Hi, I'd say you would hv to try 'older' film like FP4. Btw, it would be good if you credited Jmanivelle for that sample shot. It's a really nice shot first posted in the Hexar thread.

Indeed he should be credited with the photo. My overisight. JManivelle posts some great photo's in that thread. Classic look with lot's of "snap"

It sounds like Tri-X /D-76 will give me what I am after. It checks most of the boxes. I have tried the Arista 400 before but not with the Hexar. I liked the results but not the easiest film to scan (curling problems).

 

[benji77]

I too like the results that Jmanivelle achieves. I've noticed such results through Helenhill too, and I just can't describe it. Other than the image having a very 3D effect at the edges, the tones and overall IQ is outstanding. I don't know if this is the characteristic of the lens, but I am assuming its film + developer and method of developing that gives it such a 'look'.