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Response to TECH PAN OR PAN F which is easier.

from Brian Hinther (BrianH@sd314.k12.id.us)
Pan F is easier--and cheaper. For one thing, you can develop it in XTOL 1:3 for around 10 minutes @ 75 degrees (whatever the Kodak data sheet says) and be done with it. For another, it's a lower contrast film, so it's easier in that regard. And the cost at B&H is less than half of Tech Pan.

That said, however, I sure have some beautiful, grain-free Tech Pan 16 x 20 inch prints hanging on my wall. Photographers Formulary's TD-3 Tech Pan developer is the best way I know to get the film to behave. The glycin in it gives highlights a bit of a glow, too. On the down side, they recommend a 21 minute development (but with agitation only every three minutes). On the up side, you get to shoot at ASA 50 and get some decent gradation to go with your sharpness and lack of grain.

Finally, someone mentioned Agfa 25, and I would have to say that's another very good way to go. It's like Pan F, but with a little more contrast. XTOL 1:3 does marvelous things for it, too, although there is that ISO 25 thing. Of the three films, I would put Pan F last, but not by a lot.

(posted 8944 days ago)

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