This is one of those open-ended questions, which is hopefully going to be answered in a way to help guide me to my next film.
I am ready to switch from T-Max 100 and go with one of the Ilford films, mainly because from what I've been reading here and a few other places, Ilford seems to more traditional- oriented, and hope fully will be around a long time.
I started out in 4x5 Tmax 100, using a Jobo sheet film tank and inversion agitation. I had a condenser enlarger, then went to a diffusion colorhead. I am now doing Tmax 100 8x10 in trays (still using TmaxRS), using an Aristo V54 cold light head, and using different lenses on the cameras than when I made my first film tests at the very beginning. I have made all these changes, all affecting my working E.I. Now Kodak has thrown one more monkey wrench in the mix by changing the emulsion. So I'm back at square one, starting all over with film tests. One more thing I will mention is that awful magenta stain that takes forever to wash off the film! I'd like to be rid of that challenge!
I'm wanting to stay with a slower film, so I'm looking at FP4 Plus or Delta 100. Does one of these films have that anti-halation backing like the Tmax does? Does it wash out easier ?(I hope!) Do both of these films respond well to N+ and N- development?
I'm also open to suggestions as to which developer to use with the film you would recommend. I have used only Kodak developers in the past, and know nothing about the ease of use or longevity of other developers once they are mixed at a working dilution, replenishment, etc. There are things I'm going to miss about the tMax RS---ease of mixing, long shelf life, and definite replenishment directions.
So........I'm open to suggestions. The film and developer I'd like to use needs to continue to be around for a good long time, so get out your crystal balls! The developer needs to be relatively safe (tray development)and long lasting, and something I can buy and just add water. I've thought about mixing my own using raw chemicals, but I need consistency in results if I'm to move forward in trying to perfect my craft, so I'd rather not do that. I know, I know, the zone system is not perfect, but I need to get a lot closer than I've been in the past.
Thanks in advance for all your enlightening answers!
DG
Bookmarks