Arne Norris
2-Apr-2010, 15:50
I'm currently using medium format Tmax 400 on a project and was planning to use Adox MCC paper for enlargements.
I have never used staining developers, but am intrigued by the Moersch Finol developer for developing my roll film in a tank by hand. In the past I've used Xtol for most of my developing, but found myself wondering if a staining developer would give me any improvements. I've done "research" online, but this has raised more questions than answers.
I'm asking my question here on the LF forum as I assume that users with a lot of knowledge of other staining developers might be able to help answer my questions or point me in the right direction for further info.
My main question is whether a staining developer like Finol or Tanol could be considered a general purpose developer, or if staining developers are special purpose. I'm not really sure of the benefits or limitations of the resulting negatives for my needs.
I understand the basics of how staining/tanning developers work during negative development, and I know that various staining developers have unique characteristics, including the stain color.
So my basic questions:
Do staining developers that produce a stain color similar to Finol or Tanol work well with VC silver papers, or are they best for graded papers or UV contact printing?
Are staining developers suitable for negatives used to photograph both high and low contrast scenes?
How well do stained negatives scan (in case I want to scan the neg rather than scan the print)?
I hope my questions make sense!
Thank you in advance for all of your knowledgeable help!
I have never used staining developers, but am intrigued by the Moersch Finol developer for developing my roll film in a tank by hand. In the past I've used Xtol for most of my developing, but found myself wondering if a staining developer would give me any improvements. I've done "research" online, but this has raised more questions than answers.
I'm asking my question here on the LF forum as I assume that users with a lot of knowledge of other staining developers might be able to help answer my questions or point me in the right direction for further info.
My main question is whether a staining developer like Finol or Tanol could be considered a general purpose developer, or if staining developers are special purpose. I'm not really sure of the benefits or limitations of the resulting negatives for my needs.
I understand the basics of how staining/tanning developers work during negative development, and I know that various staining developers have unique characteristics, including the stain color.
So my basic questions:
Do staining developers that produce a stain color similar to Finol or Tanol work well with VC silver papers, or are they best for graded papers or UV contact printing?
Are staining developers suitable for negatives used to photograph both high and low contrast scenes?
How well do stained negatives scan (in case I want to scan the neg rather than scan the print)?
I hope my questions make sense!
Thank you in advance for all of your knowledgeable help!