Use of X-ray film: technical discussion with example images

[photoevangelist]

It's going to be great shooting with small apertures at infitity again!

[jb7]

Great pictures again, I love this thread-

I see Dektol mentioned a lot, at various dilutions, short times- however, I see some have moved on to other developers, notably Rodinal. I don't think I can get that easily in Maine; I'm not far from Hunt's, and they have D76 and Dektol, so I'll be testing those...

Is there any benefit to a hardening fixer? I have yet to develop, but it seems that just getting the emulsion wet is enough to strip it off. Damage might be done before ever getting to the fix, and the film seems relatively robust when dry. Will be covering the bottom of the trays with something flat, I think...

[SergeiR]

It's going to be great shooting with small apertures at infitity again!

gratz, man I wish i could afford 14x17 right now.. i got some spare wooden planks though.. might get around to build one at long last

[rdelung]

Great pictures again, I love this thread-

I see Dektol mentioned a lot, at various dilutions, short times- however, I see some have moved on to other developers, notably Rodinal. I don't think I can get that easily in Maine; I'm not far from Hunt's, and they have D76 and Dektol, so I'll be testing those...

Is there any benefit to a hardening fixer? I have yet to develop, but it seems that just getting the emulsion wet is enough to strip it off. Damage might be done before ever getting to the fix, and the film seems relatively robust when dry. Will be covering the bottom of the trays with something flat, I think...

Just a thought, but how about having some glass cut to size, and sanding the edges so as to reduce any chance of a cut. If I were to have a problem with my trays, I was going to consider this. Has anyone tried this already? Rde the Seattle guy ( the other Randy )

[Ralph Weimer]

I tray process my 8x10 xray film with a glass plate covering the ribbed bottom of the trays. Works fine. No scratches. I don't strip the film, either. Plenty sharp for me.
Ralph

[photoevangelist]

My first 7x17 negative ever!


Adams Building by Lee Smathers, on Flickr
7x17 F&S, Konica Hexanon GRII 260mm, Fuji HR-U (green sensitive xray), Rodinal 1:50, Epson v750 double scan and stitched

Not very happy with my results here - but it's fun that it's my first 7x17!

[photoevangelist]

Here's another one. The processing errors are quite evident here. Any advice would be much appreciated!


Courtyard by Lee Smathers, on Flickr
7x17 F&S, Konica Hexanon GRII 260mm, Fuji HR-U (green sensitive xray), Rodinal 1:50, Epson v750 double scan and stitched

[SergeiR]

Lee - there is bugger all you can do till you get processing streamlined..

I believe in rotary processing , specially when it comes to ULF. Imho - thats where you might consider stripping just because it seems like easier and more solid approach.
At least once i am migrated to larger sizes - i plan on this

and PMing rest..

[Tri Tran]

Lee,
You have quite a few issues here. Check your camera or holder for light leak, especially the holder. Uneven developed caused by the mechanical work flow. You need at least a gallon developer for this size . Flip and shack it every 30 sec and filter your developer if silver particles presents excessively . No fancy developing tool needed. Hope this helps. TT

[Tin Can]

Great start Lee!

It's now refinement, wonderful formal locations!

The big advantage is V750 double scanning those negs, that is very handy.

Seems I am progressing on my economy ULF, last night I scored one, that's right, one 14x17 holder in very good condition. Now I need to build an extension back. My camera is getting bigger...