Digital BW, The Print

Frank:  If you used 400 as the speed, the film has probably been under-developed a couple of stops at least (if temp at 20 degrees and intermittent agitation).  I have had good luck with HC110 and TX large format, but the film requires a different exposure index depending on whether development is compressed or expanded (in my case, with TX pro N-2 is EI 100, N+1 is 200 and so on -D76 1:1).  HC110 can be a little soft, so perhaps is not the best choice for 35 or MF.  Also distilled water can cause soft grain.  My 35mm and MF TX negs developed in D76 1:1 scan fine.  I suggest you try bottled drinking water to mix the developer, and try D76 1:1.  Here we have Ozarka brand drinking water.  It is distilled at the plant, and then the exact same amount of minerals are added in every batch.

I too have transited from the wet darkroom.  I tried the Ilford Delta roll films with Ilford DDX, with miserable scanning results.  My current favorite is Kodak Portra b&w.  It appears to be a true 400 speed, sharp, nice grain, and great tonal range (35mm).  The only trick is finding a pro lab with a dip and dunk line to develop it.  Hope this helps.

  --Ken Carney

From: frankg_photo 
  To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2002 10:29 AM
  Subject: [Digital BW] Tri-x/HC110 user needs a change


  For eons I've used Tri-x (the 400 not the 320 pro) and HC110 dil B 
  for 4.5 min in distilled water. Keeping the dev time low to prevent 
  highlights blocking and making sure to give enough exposure in the 
  shadows.I took up this 'formula' from Adams' The negative and 
  Picker's book & newsletters. 
  This has worked well for my silver prints.
  I've packed up my darkroom and now that I'm scanning my negs (for 
  1160 quadtone printing/MIS) I find the grain objectionable - it's not 
  crisp and it's big.
  Any advice on adjusting my 'formula' or....a change ? I'm not too 
  sure about changing to a chromogenic film as on occasion I may still 
  want to have a silver print made.
  thanks
  Frank


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