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Thread: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

  1. #1
    3d Visual Effects artist
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    Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    Hello, I have a question in regards to placing highlights in the developing stages. Over and Under developing is something new for me, I haven't tried this yet, but I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

    I'm currently developing Tri-X for 10 minutes (HC-110 at 1:31) first 30 seconds of constant agitation and 3 consecutive inversions after every minute of the remaining develop time. This has given me good results, and from now on I'll be considering this my 'normal' developing time.

    For discussion sake, lets say I would like to bring my highlights in my negative down by 1 stop, or 2 stops. On the zone system, lets just say the highlights are are currently in Zone 9, and I'd like to bring them down to Zone 8 or even Zone 7.



    Here is where my speculation beings:

    Since each zone is a full stop of light (double or 1/2 the light), would this equate to 2x or 1/2 the development time to move the highlights up or down a single stop/zone? So, instead of 10 minutes develop time, 5 minutes develop time to bring the highlights down by one stop? (And 4x or 1/4 the development time to move the highlights up or down 2 stops/zones?) Is it as linear of an equation as this? Or am I sorely off base with my speculation?

    I don't shoot alot of film (usually only 2 or 4 sheets per weekend) so I don't really have alot of time/resources to do extensive testing. What I'm looking for are some suggestions as to where to start my testing, to hopefully get myself off on the right foot.

    Any suggestions as to where my starting point for testing should begin? Thanks for any thoughts!

  2. #2

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    Re: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    Quote Originally Posted by Daniel_Buck View Post
    Hello, I have a question in regards to placing highlights in the developing stages. Over and Under developing is something new for me, I haven't tried this yet, but I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

    I'm currently developing Tri-X for 10 minutes (HC-110 at 1:31) first 30 seconds of constant agitation and 3 consecutive inversions after every minute of the remaining develop time. This has given me good results, and from now on I'll be considering this my 'normal' developing time.

    For discussion sake, lets say I would like to bring my highlights in my negative down by 1 stop, or 2 stops. On the zone system, lets just say the highlights are are currently in Zone 9, and I'd like to bring them down to Zone 8 or even Zone 7.



    Here is where my speculation beings:

    Since each zone is a full stop of light (double or 1/2 the light), would this equate to 2x or 1/2 the development time to move the highlights up or down a single stop/zone? So, instead of 10 minutes develop time, 5 minutes develop time to bring the highlights down by one stop? (And 4x or 1/4 the development time to move the highlights up or down 2 stops/zones?) Is it as linear of an equation as this? Or am I sorely off base with my speculation?

    I don't shoot alot of film (usually only 2 or 4 sheets per weekend) so I don't really have alot of time/resources to do extensive testing. What I'm looking for are some suggestions as to where to start my testing, to hopefully get myself off on the right foot.

    Any suggestions as to where my starting point for testing should begin? Thanks for any thoughts!
    Film developer combinations respond differently to increases and decreases in time of development. Process and paper also change the relationship.

    However, in the specific case of Trix-X and HC110 1:31 I would offer the opinion that if N development is 10 minutes, N-1 would be about 5.5 minutes and N+1 about 18.5 minutes.

    Sandy King

  3. #3

    Re: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    Hey.. new guy here... just wanted to throw my .02 in... film development doesn't necessarily follow the same 'rules' as those for exposure. Mosts the information I have read suggests that n+1 should start at around a 40% increase and that n-1 should begin around - 30%.. so.. given your example.. you might try around 7 minutes first and work back from there.. anyway.. nice to meet you guys..

    billparrott

  4. #4

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    Re: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    I would do 15-20% decrease for N-1 and 25% increase for N+1 with this combination.

    steve simmons

  5. #5
    kev curry's Avatar
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    Re: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    Heres a shortcut method of computing your N+ and N- Development times

    Normal Minus
    For your N-1 time multiply your Normal Development time by 0.7
    For your N-2 time multiply your Normal Development time by 0.6

    For eg if your N time is ten minutes your N-1 time would be 7 minutes
    and your N-2 time would be 6 minutes.

    Normal Plus
    For your N+1 time multiply your Normal Development time by 1.4
    For your N+2 time multiply your new N+1 time by 1.4

    For eg if your N time is ten minutes your N+1 time would be 14 minutes
    and your N+2 time would be 19.5 minutes

    Chris Johnson in his book 'The Practical Zone System' gives the following times for


    Tri-X / HC-110B

    Normal / 6min. N+1 / 8.5min. N+2 / 12min. N-1 / 4.5min. N-2 / not recomended.

  6. #6

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    Re: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    I'd go with 7 minutes as a starting guide.

  7. #7
    3d Visual Effects artist
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    Re: Developing N-1 or N-2, how much less time?

    thanks for the replies! I think I have somewhere to start now. Thank you!

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