David-(posted 8343 days ago)You're already using fine-grain Ilford films, so your request "to acheive fine grain results" strikes me as odd. Funny you should mention "apparent sharpness" in the next line as well- this is the definition of acutance! The "triangle" of speed, acutance, and tonality is funny in that you can't advance towards one or two of those without receding away from one or two of those. Methods to reduce grain generally result in poor edge effect, or acutance. This is not the look that I prefer, as it's very soft-looking to me. I am not too concerned with fine grain as I know that I will be happier seeing sharpness, even if grain is noticeable. Your films are finer- grained than my usual 35mm neopan 400, and I'm extremely pleased with the sharpness the Neopan provides me, so I's look for a High- Acutanced developer.
I would suggest Ilfosol-S 1:14 for 10min 68deg. F for Delta 100. Gives me very sharp results in 35mm.
I haven't shot FP4+ enough to recommend any developers, but I'm sure Rodinal will yield a great negative. Check www.Unblinkingeye.com- I'm sure you can find an applicable time.
Hope this helps.