Processing HP5+ in PMK developer for salt prints.

[Greg]

Up to now have been using Ilford FP4 plus and "over" processing in Rodinal 1:25 with very good results. Now have 2 boxes of 11x14 HP5 plus which I would like to use for making salt prints. Shot one sheet and processed it as I was processing FP4 plus. The base + fog density was well above a FP4 plus base + fog level. Made a Salt print from the negative and found the tonalities in the print to be a little bit disappointing. In the book THE SALT PRINT MANUAL by Ellie Young, she states that "Through extensive testing I have found the combination of Ilford's HP4 plus film and PMK developer produces the best salt print negatives to date." So I am now will be using HP-5 plus instead of HP4 plus. Personally didn't find all that much of a difference between HP4 plus and HP5 plus.

Am looking for any experiences and recommendations for processing HP5 plus in PMK for Salt printing.

Thanks

[peter schrager]

I routinely do alternative printing with pyro negatives
You can also get good results with straight d76
If you have the dick arentz book he has times in the back for developing different films
You need not go crazy with density levels
I usually develop to one c.i. for all the alternative processes I do.

[Gary Samson]

Hi Greg,
Ellie Young’s conclusion in her manual is that Ilford FP4+ and PMK Pyro is the best combination for salt printing following her recommended processing procedure. When I taught salt printing, I followed her manual and my students produced beautiful prints with this combination. I would not use Ilford HP5+ as it will not produce enough highlight density to make a full range print.

[Greg]

I would not use Ilford HP5+ as it will not produce enough highlight density to make a full range print.

Thank you for confirming my suspicions. Will stick to FP4+
Greg

[esearing]

HP5 was always muddy in the middle for me until I figured this out with Pyrocat HD and M. LONG PRESOAK - 10 minutes(2 water changes) , Long Initial agitation 2-3minutes then 30 seconds at each 3 minute mark. Dilution & temperature adequate for 12-15minute processing time. I meter at 400 but tend to put textured dark tones such as wet moss on rocks at zone 3 to 3.5. for initial testing take two shots of the scene - process one how you think is normal, then alter the second sheets time/dilution/temp.

If just attempting to get more contrast out of it, try Ansco 130 paper developer diluted 1:10 for 10minutes @ 70 degrees.