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Response to Unaccurate info on developers

from John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net)
You're essentially asking a question that's impossible to answer; I'll break it down into pieces...

Shadow detail...depends entirely on how much exposure you give the film. Nothing else. You must give an exposure suitable for the developer you're using and how long you develop the film, and you can't develop what hasn't been exposed onto the film.

Contrast range...all three developers provide virtually identical gradation characteristics and a density range that extends far wider than what can be printed.

Graininess...the three are essentially equal in graininess for film developed to the same level of contrast. More or less development will have a greater effect than which you choose. Dilution will have a minor effect.

Sharpness...the three can provide equal sharpness, or acutance, which can be enhanced by by dilution, but the penalty is increased graininess.

Speed...for negs developed to the same contrast, speed varies no more than 1/3 stop.

That's about as objective as can be. I can be _subjective_, but my results may not be applicable at all because I may be using a different film, different development methods etc

If you really want to know, the only answer is to try them for yourself, developing and printing imho at least 10 rolls in each developer at varying dilutions etc. Your preference will become obvious.

Film and developers have sort of a performance triangle, with speed at one point, graininess at another point and sharpness (RP) at the other point. A gain in performance in one or two areas will exact a penalty in the opposite one or two areas. Most of the characteristics are built into the film and can only be significantly changed by developers that are grossly different than "normal" developers.

(posted 8503 days ago)

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