I have read recommendations on this forum to rate XP2 Super at EI 200. As I understand it, this will result in less grain and lower contrast. If I am shooting a scene with a light background, should I add (+) compensation or just assume that the film will be able to handle it at that speed? Also, should the film be processed normally or pull processed?

FWIW, my camera is a Contax G2 with center weighted metering.

-- Rob Goldstein (robgo2@earthlink.net), October 21, 2000

Answers

I only use XP2, and before that XP1, with Leicas and have never had a grain problem at up to 20"x16". I used to process in Ilford XP2 chemicals but since they have finished I use Photocolor II with no problems.

Has anyone had a grain problem with XP2? Many of our club members now use XP2 and no one has ever complained about grain.

-- Anthony Brookes (gdz00@lineone.net), October 24, 2000.

My sense is that you get even finer grain if you shoot at a lower EI.

No, the film should not be pull or push processed. C 41 is just developed 'out' when it is processed.

On the scene with the light background, that depends on how you meter it. Generally, XP 2 has a nice exposure range and thus can handle that kind of thing, to a degree.

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), October 25, 2000.

Anthony;

Could you give us some more info about home developing of XP-2?

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@worldnet.att.net), October 25, 2000.

Re: Developing procedure.

I don't profess to be an expert but have had many years of experience. The usual rules apply but I ensure the following using PhotocolorII chemicals.

I never invert the drum, only rotate it. I always ensure drum sits - about one third up the side of the drum - in a hot bath just before and during processing - at water temperature you can just dip your fingers in. (This is simply to maintain temperature during processing) I always add draining time to the set processing time. I always bleach fix for 20% longer than stated. I wash for a good twenty minutes after reducing the temperature of each wash of 4 minutes by 5%C till I get down to cold tap temperature. the last two washes are carried out with filtered water, and the final wash is a soak of 5 mins. in filtered water with Ilford Ilfotol wetting agent. I then air dry the films in a room with a stone floor and no one is allowed in till the films are dry (to avoid dust) This has given me about a 95% success rate the only problems being occasional water marks - my fault. Hope this is of interest but i'm only an amateur. Good luck

-- Anthony Brookes (gdz00@lineone.net), October 28, 2000.