I'm developing 4x5 film for the first time and have some basic questions. For reference, I'm developing 4 sheets of Ilford HP5+ ISO 400. The developer is Ilfosol 3 1+9. I'm using the BTZS tubes, and have and 8x10 tray for the stop and tanks with holders for the fixer and wash aid. Also, I'm using the Massive Dev Chart app to tell me the times.
1. Do the developer, stop, fixer, and wash aid all need to be at 68F (not just the developer)? How long does it take to bring the chemicals up to the correct temperature before using (if I put the bottles in a bin of 68F water)?
2. Should I only used distilled water for the developer, stop, fixer and wash aid? What about rinsing and LFN?
3. For BTZS tubes, it is 60ml or 2oz of developer solution per cap, correct?
4. Massive dev chart says developing time is 6min 30sec. Do I take off 15% since I'm doing continuous agitation? That's 5min 32sec, correct?
5. How much total solution do I mix for the stop, fixer and wash aid per sheet of film? Or do I just fill up the tray/tanks? What about LFN solution? Do you just fill up a tray and add 2 drops?
6. Do you double the fixing time with BTZS tubes? Massive dev chart says 5min, so actual time would be 10 min?
7. What are the steps after fixing? Do you rinse with running water before or after the wash aid (or both)? For how long do you rinse? Or do you just fill up the tank a few times and then dump it out?
8. How long do I put the film in LFN solution? Or do I just run it through once?
9. For how long do you let the film dry? Do you need to periodically tap the bottom corner to shake off the water that accumulates?
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