slappyfin3
film enthusiast
Hi Rangefinder forum-ers,
I was going to try the 1 black and white film for 1 year with 1 developer challenge to fully master 1 film and developer combination and to give me a basis to compare future film choices instead of just trying different films on a whim and getting nowhere. However, with the dwindling choices of "stable films" (those which I think will be in production for a while) out there, I've pretty much narrowed it down to Ilford HP5 plus for both 135 and 120. For developer I would ideally get HC-110 but with Kodak leaving the picture I might just bite the grain bullet and go for Rodinal, which is pretty different from the D76 that I've used in the art studio of my university.
However, I would love your suggestions for films and developers as long as the film is available in both 120 and 135 formats. In fact, I want your suggestions because I really don't know what's out there and I don't want to make this 1 year commitment on the information I've gleaned from just a few hours of googling.
Ideally I would "master" this film, fall in love with it, develop a bond so fierce that should a "to be discontinued" notice be made by the company producing it, I would buy it by the boxes directly from the manufacturer.
The last part was a bit of hyperbole thrown in for good measure.
I was going to try the 1 black and white film for 1 year with 1 developer challenge to fully master 1 film and developer combination and to give me a basis to compare future film choices instead of just trying different films on a whim and getting nowhere. However, with the dwindling choices of "stable films" (those which I think will be in production for a while) out there, I've pretty much narrowed it down to Ilford HP5 plus for both 135 and 120. For developer I would ideally get HC-110 but with Kodak leaving the picture I might just bite the grain bullet and go for Rodinal, which is pretty different from the D76 that I've used in the art studio of my university.
However, I would love your suggestions for films and developers as long as the film is available in both 120 and 135 formats. In fact, I want your suggestions because I really don't know what's out there and I don't want to make this 1 year commitment on the information I've gleaned from just a few hours of googling.
Ideally I would "master" this film, fall in love with it, develop a bond so fierce that should a "to be discontinued" notice be made by the company producing it, I would buy it by the boxes directly from the manufacturer.
The last part was a bit of hyperbole thrown in for good measure.
sreed2006
Well-known
The company that makes the chemicals is not the same company that makes the film products. HC-110 ought to be around for a long time.
it'sawhat?
Established
I do love foma 100 & 400 developed in either diafine or xtol 1 +1. Not everyones choice but it works well for me.
kxl
Social Documentary
I have 3 combos that I use on a regular basis:
1) HP5+ and HC-110 Dil B = Strawberries and cream. As someone once told me, if you screw up that combo, you need to find another hobby.
2) The classic Tri-X/Arista Premium 400 + D76 (or XTOL). This combo will get a lot of votes.
3) Neopan 400 + HC-110 or XTOL
HC-110 and XTOL pretty much meet all of my needs. I do have Rodinal, Microdol-X and Diafine, but for experimentation purposes only and not for regular use.
1) HP5+ and HC-110 Dil B = Strawberries and cream. As someone once told me, if you screw up that combo, you need to find another hobby.
2) The classic Tri-X/Arista Premium 400 + D76 (or XTOL). This combo will get a lot of votes.
3) Neopan 400 + HC-110 or XTOL
HC-110 and XTOL pretty much meet all of my needs. I do have Rodinal, Microdol-X and Diafine, but for experimentation purposes only and not for regular use.
gb hill
Veteran
HP-5 is a good choice but I wouldn't worry about any demise in HC-110. Like the other poster stated it's being made by another company, not by Kodak. My choice would be Arista Premium 400 which is Tri X. Mostly because of cost & availability, plus being on a tight budget at the present moment.
Vics
Veteran
Either Tri-X and D-76 or HP5+ and D-76. Choice depends on whether you think Kodak or Harmon will outlast the other. Lots of companies make D-76, or you can make it yourself.
thegman
Veteran
As far as I am concerned, supply of film is not dwindling. Types will come and go as they always have, I have no trouble buying film, or getting development. In fact I was just at a new classic camera shop yesterday, offering lots of film cameras, film, and processing.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
In my experience HP5 and Rodinal is grain city. HP5 and HC-110 on the other hand is very nice indeed.
Snowbuzz
Well-known
...and, of course, HC-110 lasts half-way to forever undiluted.
I love Pan F in medium format; Tri-X Pan in larger formats. I liked Delta 100 but I'm moving away from the 'steely' Delta look of late. I tried HP5 Plus long, LONG ago but I remember being a bit ambivalent. I should try it again sometime.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
llford Ilfotec HC developer is identical to Kodak HC-110, so even if Champion Photochemicals (the company Kodak outsourced chemical production to several yrs ago) stops making HC-110, you can get the Ilford version.
jamais
Established
So far I like Delta 400 developed in Champion Promicrol.
Photo_Smith
Well-known
I've never found HP5 in Rodinal that bad...
Marginally grainier than HC110 but you'll need to print pretty large to notice the difference.
Snowbuzz
Well-known
I've never found HP5 in Rodinal that bad...
Marginally grainier than HC110 but you'll need to print pretty large to notice the difference.
Great tones! Very nice.
V-12
Well-known
Just do it and don't worry about film going AWOL, it isn't, and certainly won't be defunct in the coming year or for many years to come.
Snowbuzz
Well-known
It must be my bad early processing but I found I blew out highlights all too easily with HP5 Plus. I really have to try it again.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
What do I use? Same as I've used for years. HP5 Plus.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Snowbuzz
Well-known
^ Probably all of the above.
DNG
Film Friendly
HP5+ or Tri-X/Arista P 400 in HC110 B
I Have Rodinal, but, to flat for my taste. even shot at 1/2 box and 20% more time at 1:25
I Have Rodinal, but, to flat for my taste. even shot at 1/2 box and 20% more time at 1:25
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
Since neopan 1600 has been out for sometime...400 became my Steady
TriX ,Tmax 400, & Arista Premium
I do hope Tmax 400 stay around
TriX ,Tmax 400, & Arista Premium
I do hope Tmax 400 stay around