Henry, John B., Dave, Eric:
I'm going to approach the problem first as an exposure problem although I can't for the life of me see why. I am bracketing exposures N+1/2, N, N-1/2, and N-1 stop to get a grip. This batch develope N. I have switched to D-76 (Xtol in theory depleted- although it was still burning up the negs!?) I'm going to develop eight 4X5 exposures now. It's bad to change a variable in a test like this but I thought I'd give D-76 a try. I wanted to try Xtol 1:1 but there's a problem when using medium tanks- holds about a gallon: that means I would only get to develop 2 runs of film if I go by Kodak recommendations to discard after single use. Are you re-using 1:1 solution? I totally agree with you about long dev times- gives you time to be in control. It sounds to me like you are using tubes and single use developers. I need to research tubes more (I'll bet there's good info in archives). The only advantage I can see to tubes is that it might be the best way to avoid streaks/uneven developing. I've had big trouble with that type of thing sometimes- obviously with certain subjects (especially sky brought down around Zone V)- sometimes major turbulance patterns. Shooting people against white background- no problem with uneven dev. Another concern I have about tubes: it can only be a "constant agitation" technique. This in theory might not give shadow areas enough development if they needed it (I think they usually do). Maybe high dilution rates "compensate". Also, what if you want to do alot of films at once? I seem to remember that I liked the way HC110 B treated shadows but I don't see how I (we) could use it considering miniscule developing times. Eric: just saw your post: Xtol 1:3 could be something that could be reasonably used in large tank/single use routine; although I get the impression that all of you are using tubes (or trays?). D-76 is iced down now- let me see if I can stop torching these negs. Thanks, Kip.
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