Developer suggestions for Tri-X?

Jeffrey D. Mathias (jeffrey.d.mathias@worldnet.att.net)
Sat, 25 Oct 1997 18:25:39 -0400

I have always had excellent results using HC-110 to develop Tri-X.

One of the valuable features of HC-110 is the consistent linear
results. I use HC-110 in dilutions from 16 ml/l to 512 ml/l (ml/l =
milliliters of HC-110 per liter of water) with development times ranging
from 3 to 6 minutes.

By linear, I mean that double the time at half the dilution gives the
same results. [Linearity is excellent up to 256 ml/l. At 512 ml/l, I
generally will give a ten percent increase in time.] All this makes
this developer versatile for a wide range of development compressions
and expansions. For example, it is convenient to develop the N+2
negative, dilute the developer, then develop the N-1. Also, only one
calibration negative is needed to shift the entire matrix of results.
[This means, for example, that a N-2 would have development time
adjusted by the same factor as a N+3.]

Also, I cannot give enough credit to the Zone VI temperature
compensating development timer.

One of the most important features of HC-110 is that I like the
results. Although it is sometimes fun to experiment with other
materials, it is just satisfying to get a print that looks like I
expected it would before I set up the camera. The materials selected
behaved as expected.

Jeff