Re: Ilford


Carl Weese (cjweese@wtco.net)
Tue, 18 May 1999 08:47:59 -0400


LukaCA@aol.com wrote:
>
> I have recently purchased a 12 x 20 camera. Previously, I was shooting 4x5
> or 8x10 and using Kodak's T-max films in conjucntion with the old D-23
> developer. I found this combination worked well for my process of choice,
> Pt/Pd. Kodak does not make any 12 x 20 film, as I am sure you are all aware.
> I have found three options. Ilford FP4 and HP5, along with the new Lotus
> 200 film. I have no experience with any of these films and would like to
> hear any suggestions on film developer combinations.

For all three of these films in 12x20 and 7x17 my developer of choice is
PMK pyro. Properly handled, the negatives are ideal for Pt/Pd and also
print well on certain variable contrast silver papers. HP5+ is the
lowest contrast of the three with a fairly heavy film base density and a
stubborn shoulder. Useable film speed around 200. FP4+ tends to be very
contrasty, needs to be rated around 32 to 40. BPF is a middle ground,
very adaptable, speed around 64 to 80. The safest approach to processing
these big sheets is to do them one at a time in a tray. Given the number
of sheets you shoot in huge sizes, this is less tedious than it sounds
<s>.

HP5+ also responds well to HC110 developer, especially in a stronger
than normal dilution to raise contrast to Pt/Pd levels. FP4+ seems
tricky and hair-trigger in its response to this developer and probably
does better in D76 or similar. I haven't found a particularly pleasing
"standard" developer for BPF partly because its response to pyro is so
good it hardly seems worth the trouble to find an alternative.

Kodak, btw, *will* supply TXT in these sizes, but you have to order a
very expensive minimum--too rich for my blood though a group order is
always a possibility.

---Carl



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