320TXP Drum Processing Question.

[Keith Tapscott.]

Is D-76 stock or 1:1 best for processing this film? It`s expensive in 8x10 for ten sheets, so good advice from experienced users would be appreciated.:)

[Bruce Watson]

Is D-76 stock or 1:1 best for processing this film? It`s expensive in 8x10 for ten sheets, so good advice from experienced users would be appreciated.:)

If by "drum processing" you mean continuous agitation rotary processing, I'd go with 1:1. You'll trade a little bit of extra graininess for a little bit of extra sharpness, and you'll get processing times that are a little easier to manage, especially if you do much N- processing.

Also, if you have control over rotational speed, as with a Jobo CPx processor, turn down the rotations toward, say, 25 rpm or so. This will also extend processing time a bit, but mostly it just cuts down the noise level some and makes the process a bit more pleasant.

[Oren Grad]

The one issue with using 1+1 for 8x10 is that if you're using a 3005 Expert drum (5 sheets), the weight of all that dilute developer together with the heavy drum is quite substantial. My CPA-2, even thought it's a late serial number with the most robust motor, struggles under the load. So for 8x10 I use D-76 straight.

If you're doing one or two sheets in a print drum, or using a 3005 with a print drum motor base or manual rotation rather than a Jobo CPA/CPP, YMMV.

[Keith Tapscott.]

I will be using a print drum which accepts two 8x10 sheets. It will hold 500ml of each working strength solution easily and more, but I don`t want to strain the motor more than necessary so I will keep to 500ml. I have a Jobo CPA2 with lift.

[Oren Grad]

The print drums are much lighter than the Expert film drums because they don't have the inserts with the wells. So you have a bit more latitude.

[Keith Tapscott.]

Do you find the times suggested by Kodak to provide satisfactory contrast on normal paper grades, depending on the SBR? Also, is 500ml of D-76 1:1 sufficient for two sheets of 8x10 or would it be better to use stock solution with this film?
Kodak suggest around one-quarter U.S quart for each 80 square inches of film.

[venchka]

The Gospel according to Kodak is 8 ozs. stock D-76 per 80 square inches. Some folks claim good results with 4 ozs. and increased time. I chose to use Xtol which Kodak says requires only 100ml per 80 sq. inches. I have had good results from Xtol 1:3, Jobo 3010 & 2553 drums and HP5+ in 120 and 4x5. I use 400ml to 800ml of dilute Xtol depending on the amount of film in the tank.