I've chosen FP4+ in X-Tol 1:3 to learn 4x5 B&W processing. I've read where some have rated this film as low as EI 64. (35mm at EI 80) What's your experience?

-- Wayne Crider (waynec@apt.net), July 28, 2000

Answers

I get very good negs rated at 125/64 with HC-110-E x 9:00 @ 68-F Pat

-- pat krentz (patwandakrentz@aol.com), July 28, 2000.

if you have access to a densitometer ansel adams describes a method of doing a film speed test in his book the negative. Its always better to a little over because you can print the shadows down but if the shadows are to thin it llks flat.-J

-- josh (devil_music@usa.net), July 28, 2000.

I read somewhere that a bloke raters Fp4 at 50, as it gives greater tonality/luminosity for larger prints.

-- David Kirk (David_J_Kirk@hotmail.com), July 28, 2000.

No densitometer, but I did read that paragraph. The film developing cookbook does have a listing for FP4 developed at different EI's. From EI32 to EI1000!, in XTOL 1:3. So I guess it doesn't matter what you shoot it at. But I've got a feeling that the best negative isn't going to be shot at 1000EI. I'm thinking that something under EI 125 (normal rating) is going to be it.

-- Wayne Crider (waynec@apt.net), July 28, 2000.

Wayne, you should not guess at your EI. It is not that hard to figure out for yourself. Shoot no more than 5 sheets of film at an out of focus, single tone, flat oject such as a grey card or towel. Make the exposure at the EI recommended by the manufacturer and then make two more at EI's below this and two more above. Each exposure should be Zone I. That would be what your spot meter reads, then closed down four f stops (example, if meter reads 1/30 at f16, expose at f64). Now develope them all as recommended by the manufacturer, but also include a sheet of unexposed film. Your EI will be the exposed sheet that just begins to show density above the unexposed sheet. If you have a densitometer the correct EI will be the one that has a density of .1 higher than the density of the unexposed sheet of film.

-- Paul Mongillo (pmongillo@thurston.com), July 28, 2000.

The "out of focus" target above should be:

lens focused at infinity, target is close to the lens, say 2 to 4 feet

The reason: the f/stop on the lens is only valid when the lens is focused at infinity. As you focus closer the actual f/stop for is smaller (a bigger f/number).

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), July 28, 2000.

Wayne I regularly rate FP4 at 80 asa, and have used it as low as 50 asa, both with great results (great "luminosity" in shadow areas). I used to dev in PMK but at present I am experimenting with Barry Thorntons' DiXactol. Regards Paul

-- paul owen (paulowen_2000@yahoo.com), July 28, 2000.

After using FP4 and PMK for several years, I have begun to process it in Ilford's new Ilfotek DDX. The results have been stunning. My EI tests at 80. So far, with DDX I actually find no advantage in using PMK Pyro.

Perhaps after another month or so and differeing conditions will change my mind, but so far I am impressed.

Mike

-- Mike Kravit (mkravit@mindspring.com), July 28, 2000.

Well, I don't know about you guys, but I've had great success with FP4+ rated at 125, developed in HC-110 for 7.5 minutes at 68 deg. F. Also, I've had some impressive results in Rodinol, still with the film rated at 125. I guess it's all a matter of personal preference and developing technique.

Just a thought...

-- Dave Munson (orthoptera@juno.com), July 30, 2000.