Response to Too much contrast...

Too much contrast is caused by overdeveloping. Assuming that your temperature is properly maintained, the problem could be that you actually believed what Ilford stated on the data sheet, a common error. I masured the real speed of Delta 400 at 250. If you expose it at 400, it will be 2/3 stop underexposed. Ilford's stated time actually 'pushes' the film to achieve the stated EI of 400. This will make a noticable contrast increase of nearly one 'grade.' There is a new formulation of Delta 400 that I will test as soon as I can buy it in 4X5. I suspect that Ilford may have increased the real speed, like they did with Delta 100 some time ago. At least this time, they are letting us know that it has been changed. For a novice, without a densitometer and such, I recommend that you simply divide the stated film speed by half and reduce your devleopment time accordingly. Sometimes you will have to go to a grade 3, but that can be an advantage for 35mm.

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