I would like to know where I can find a summary about the influence of agitation, dilution, temperature, etc. on grain, accutance, real film speed, etc.

For example: If I want fine grain: Do I need to extend developing and use weaker solution or just the opposite? And if I do so, do I get more or less contrast on film? (in this case I guess that I get more accutance).

Any suggestion?

Thanks

-- Martmn H. Trucco (martintrucco@tutopia.com), October 14, 2000

Answers

_Controls in Black & White Photography_ by Dr. Richard J. Henry.

Unlike many so-called experts, Dr. Henry thoroughly explains his experiments, gives raw data and then presents conclusions.

Although a couple of the specific films are no longer made, the overall conclusions are still valid.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), October 14, 2000.

I recommend Stephen Anchell's Film Development Cookbook.

-- Thomas Wollstein (thomas_wollstein@web.de), October 16, 2000.

I second the recommendation for The Film Developing Cookbook.

It discusses types of developers: solvent (fine grain), non-solvent (high-acutance), staining (like Pyro), super fine grain, special (two- bath, high contrast, low contrast). It explains how they work and what the various effects are. Much more, too.

It's probably the best photographic book I've purchased.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), October 19, 2000.