I want information about this technique. I just tried developing Technical pan in FX-1 using the stand developing method. It was 1:1 dilution for 10 minutes @ 29º C. I only agitated for 30 sec at the begining then non. Tho the negative came out extremely underdeveloped it still look encouraging. So next time I'm gonna try it in an undiluted FX-1 developer but... for how long? And should I give it any tank inversions in the middle of this long period?

thanks

-- xosni (Xosni@gega.net), April 06, 2001

Answers

Hmmmmm, don't the times for stand developing be around one hour or more?

-- Patric (jenspatric@mail.bip.net), April 06, 2001.

I am testing FX-2(not FX-1) as of late, and I find that an hour at 68 degrees is not quite enough, and that you have to remember that your temp. can go up or come down, depending on the ambient temp. Setting the tank on the garage floor is the wrong thing to do. I don't know about those temps- 29C? Haven't tried. Don't think I will, and I don't think I'd try agitating, either. Good luck, I hope it works out.

-- Mike DeVoe (karma77@att.net), April 06, 2001.

I've done stand development with both FX2 and Acutol (FX14). The most dependable approach is to use distilled water that has matched the ambient temperature of the room. The temp needs to be between 65 and 70 degrees F. Presoak the film for two minutes. Put the film in the developer and agitate continuously for one minute and then let stand for 60 - 90 minutes. Slower films work best. The developer needs to be fairly dilute. 1/2 standard dilution for FX2. I've been experimenting with 1:36 and .5:36 for FX14. Also cut back on your film area by about 1/3. For instance, I use a Combitank and I develop four sheets instead of six.

Hope this helps.

-- Kevin Kemner (kkemner@tatesnyderkimsey.com), April 07, 2001.

Distilled water, is it a must? What if i add a pinch of sodium sulfite instead? What films did you try it with?

thanks

-- xosni (xosni@gega.net), April 07, 2001.

Xosni,

Distilled water isn't a must if you have good water. I don't so I use distilled. OTOH it IS important that the water be at the ambient room temperature or your results won't be predictable.

-- kevin kemner (kkemner@tatesnyderkimsey.com), April 07, 2001.

I did it! Techinal Pan in FX-1 1:1 for 50 min @ 29ºC; EI 25 Resulats are great (they seem so as I didn't print any yet). normal contrast, high acutance, great tonality.

I also tried it with Xtol 1:4 & techinal Pan for 60 min. @ 29ºc. It came out overdeveloped but still promising. I think there is some real spead gain here; we'll see.

-- xosni (xosni@gega.net), April 09, 2001.

Why do you use the stand developing technique? For acutance?

-- Patric (jenspatric@mail.bip.net), April 10, 2001.