I recently processed several rolls of Ilford HP5 in Kodak HC110, using a Jobo processor. I used the development recommendation of 5 mins @ 20 degrees C. They came out very dense and VERY contrasty. I like contrast, but these are over the top.

From the proofs, it looks like most shots are about 2 stops overexposed (I have ruled out the camera/meter, as 3 different ones were used, and all the proofs look about the same).

I would like to use the same film & developer next time, any hints on how to get the negs more printable? Does it change anything when using a rotary processor (with 5 min prewet)?

Thanks,

Jim

-- Jim Kish (jim@kishbike.com), September 06, 2000

Answers

I think 5m @ 20C is the recommendation for small tank work with intermitant agitation (HC110 dilution B). With constant agitation (rotation) you'd have to cut that back quite a lot or dilute the HC-110 more.

I'm currently using HP5+ exposed at EI 200 developed for 5.5m @ 22C with HC-110 diluted 1:47 from concentrate with 3 tank inversions every 30 seconds. Works for me.

-- Bob Atkins (bobatkins@hotmail.com), September 06, 2000.

Bob could be right. But, are you sure that your dilution was correct? Have you used these same times and dilutions before?

-- Ed Farmer (photography2k@hotmail.com), September 07, 2000.

I should have added a few more details, I guess. This was the first run through with the Jobo, as well as first time through with HC110. I used dilution B and 5 min development from others' recommendation, and the dev chart at freestyle.

What I'd like to know is:

A) Are very dark, contrasty negatives typical of under/overdevelopment, or improper dilution or ???

B) According to Jobo, with a prewet, normal (hand inversion) dev times can usually be used. Didn't work in this case, though. Do others modify remmended dev times for use with the Jobo?

C) If anyone has used this particular combo (HP5+, HC110, Jobo) I'd love to hear about it.

I don't mind experimenting, but I really have no idea where to start.

-- Jim Kish (jim@kishbike.com), September 07, 2000.

Dark, high contrast negs sound like overdevelopment.

Sorry if this is a dumb comment, but you did dilute 1:7 from STOCK and not 1:7 from CONCENTRATE to get your HC-110 dilution B right?

I never pre-wet and never use a Jobo, so I can't comment on that except to say I'm a bit surprised if it's true that normal intermitant agitation tank times can be used with continuous agitation.

-- Bob Atkins (bobatkins@hotmail.com), September 07, 2000.

Thanks so much, Bob and Ed. Your suspicion about dilution was correct. I had it mixed wrong. I did 3 rolls last night that came out great. I fine tuned the time/dilution a bit from private email suggestions from others and I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks for taking the time to help a beginner!

-- Jim Kish (jim@kishbike.com), September 08, 2000.

Bob,

Jobo says that you may still have to adjust slightly, but a 5 minute pre wet with intermittant inversion times will give you a printable negative. And with just about any developer film combination.

-- Terry Carraway (TCarraway@compuserve.com), September 08, 2000.

Bob:

I think that the dilution of HC110(b)is 1:8 (1+7)...

-- Pablo Schickendantz (schickendantz@ciudad.com.ar), September 12, 2000.