Response to Too much contrast...

The time of most developers that manufacturers put on their packages are just a starting point. If you have to much contrast, do a clip test and pull the film at about 20% under what they are saying. You might have to go down 25% or 30% on the next part of the clips but you will have to be the judge of this. If your temperature was at where it was supposed to be, your clip tests will tell you what your "normal" developing time will be. I would stick with Ilfosol 1:9 for now. In doing clip tests, shoot a roll of your Delta on a scene that has deep shadows and good sunlight. The whole roll should be shot for this scene and when you are ready to develop your clip tests, take about 5-6 frames off in the dark and start as your first clip test at -20%. Typically this is called pulling your film but your highlights are being processed to long (as per recommended by the manufacturer) so you need to determine a new time. Testing, whether it is a new emulsion or a new developer is part of our life... Cheers, Scott

[ Previous | Next ]