Lith film gives high contrast in lith developers, but when used in dilute
normal developer (such as PQ universal) it can give a full range of tones.
You need to adjust exposure, dilution and developing time to give the
tonal range you require. Most films are pretty flexible in this way.
Don't try too short dev times or you will get uneven results - dilute the
dev more if necessary. I've made good platinum prints with a full range of
tones using lith film for both the intermediate positive (made very low
contrast and very full exposure so that everything is well above film base
+ fog) and the negative - where you need to keep the exposure to a
minimum.
Peter Marshall
On Fixing Shadows and elsewhere:
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~ds8s
Family Pictures, German Indications, London demonstrations &
The Buildings of London etc: http://www.spelthorne.ac.uk/pm/