Hi

Just wondering why my prints appear grainy using 400 film (hp5 +). I process according to the manu. directions normally in ID 11 at 20 degrees. I hardly ever push process as there is normally plenty of light. Could overexposing the film and not pulling be causing the grain ? and i agitate 3 times (inversons in a paterson tank) per minute. The mixture is also according the manufactureres directions. Ta Ade...

-- Adrian (adriancobb@hotmail.com), August 09, 2001

Answers

The times given by the manufacture are only starting points. You have to adjust the times to your way of exposing and developing the film as well as your way of printing.

Also HP5+ is a conventional film. I hope you're not blowing it up 8x and expecting grainless prints.

Cheerio

-- floren (flcpge@yahoo.com), August 09, 2001.

floren has the answer to your problem. Don't expect to blow-up 35mm to 8x10 or larger and not expect to see grain. Speaking of size, the Sunday New York Times Arts & Leasure section from last Sunday has an interesting article dealing with the size photographs are printed. They try to answer the question is bigger better? R.

-- r (ricardospanks1@yahoo.com), August 10, 2001.

You didn't say if you are shooting 35mm or not, but I assume you are. I find HP-5 to be grainy in 6x7 format. You might be happier with Delta 400 or T-Max 400, but even they will show some grain in 35mm.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edb@unblinkingeye.com), August 10, 2001.

Try XTOL diluted 1:1 it may help.

-- Melvin (bramley@nanaimo.ark.com), August 10, 2001.