Foma 100 in HC 110

[bbarna]

Those who has used already the tray developing with this film please let me know:
- if you pre-soak the negative or not? If yes, what would be the pre-soaking time?
- what is your developing time at 20C? what about the agitation?

I'm gonna to try tray developing with this (4x5) film in HC-110.
The exposure was made at ASA 100, the lowest value was placed on Zone III, while the highest on ZOne VIII (portraiture),...

Thank you for the answers in advance.

[Emil Schildt]

don't use tray development - don't use the zone system...

But I use HC110 and Foma 100 all the time, and I develop for 6 min (5.5 if outside with lots of light). (agitation firat half minute: continous, then every 30 sec)

IF I were to develop a film in a tray, I'd stick to 5.5-6 min - with slow continous movement..

I don't pre-rinse.

[antaios]

I have tried tray development of Foma 100 in HC-110H dilution (1:63) with good results. The pre-soak time was ~2 min, in order to clear the anti-halation layer of the Foma. Then the development time I used was 9:00@20 deg (for dilution H). In order to avoid scratches on the emulsion surface of the sheet, I developed two sheets in a tray of 18X24 cm (when I tried with 4 sheets, scratches were observed on one sheet). Regarding the agitation, every 30 seconds I applied 2 light movements to the tray (the same way when you develop paper). For 1 lt of developer (theoretically is enough for 2X135 films=8 sheets) i usually develop 6 sheets (in order to avoid oxidation problems) with very good results.

[bbarna]

Thank you for your replies.
I developed a negative last night in my bath using trays.
Pre-soaked for 30 sec and developed in HC-110 (H) for 9 min, agitation every 30 sec.
I know there is a lot to improve, but I was so happy as a child when I turned on the light. It is really a delight to develop your own negatives. Thank you once again for your suggestions.

Here it is
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=41094&d=1275073265

[Roger Vadim]

That looks pretty nice! Foma 100 tends to become quite contrasty if overdeveloped IMO. I normally use Adox Atomal (also known as ATM 49) in a rotary processor and rate the film an optimistic ISO 64.
keep us informed!