Thoughts on Pryro for IR film development

[agregov]

Hi all. I recently moved to Pyro development for my 4x5 sheet film (Tri-X). I have some IR film (Efke IR-820) ready for development and thought I'd try using Pyro (Pyrocat HD to be precise). For Tri-X, I'm processing in a Jobo 3010 tank following Sandy King's instructions for rotary development (my N development time for Tri-X is 14 min). Any opinions or tips on using Pryo for IR film development?

Many thanks.

Andrej.

[Scott Davis]

Well, it works just fine for IR film development. Process the same way you normally would. I don't have a better example for the time for it, but if you're using 14 mins for Tri-X (which is the Massive Dev Chart's recommended time), I'd look up the Efke 820 there and use what they recommend as a start.

[vinny]

Nope. That's what i use.

[Andrew O'Neill]

I use pyrocat-hd and Efke IR only if I intend to scan or print on gelatin silver papers. For alt processes such as carbon, no. It's a terrible combination, at least in my experience. You cannot get a decent density range. Extending the development time increases base fog too much. So, what are your intentions?

[agregov]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'll be printing these negs on silver gelatin. It sounds like there's no problem developing in Pyrocat. The Massive Dev Chart shows 9.5 min for 35mm film (no sheet film options). PMK shows 13 minutes. Given my Tri-X time is at 14 minutes, I'll likely develop between 12-14 minutes.

BTW, anyone have a good experience with any other IR sheet films given Efke is now gone? Would love to hear some options. Thanks again.

Andrej.

[Andrew O'Neill]

All that's out there is Rollei 4x5 but it barely dips into the IR spectrum. Much sharper and faster than Efke IR though. When there is no more IR films, I'll use my dslr with 87C on the lens. Works pretty good.

[evan clarke]

All that's out there is Rollei 4x5 but it barely dips into the IR spectrum. Much sharper and faster than Efke IR though. When there is no more IR films, I'll use my dslr with 87C on the lens. Works pretty good.

Won't hold sharpness against it.