Thank you for sharing your tests Andrew, fascinating as always. Ive got fab results with HP5 @1600 and likeable results @6400 in Ilfotec HC. I’ll definitely give the Mortenson method a whirl.
Very interesting article Andrew, especially as I have been experimenting a lot with pushing Fomapan 400 over the last couple of weeks and trying to achieve the best results possible. I managed decent results with stock D76 (obvs the same as ID11) but when my subjects were a bit more on the contrasty side this becomes a big issue the more the film is pushed. I was getting decent results at 1600 with Fomapan 400 with normal contrast subjects but not so good in higher contrast situations (especially when compared to EI 200 which I think is the correct rating for this film). Would you say that the Mortensen method has more contrast than ID11 (that seemed to be the case from my reading of the negs) in which case would it be a good option for normal / low contrast subjects but not for high contrast? - Cristian
Thanks for sharing this info, Andrew. Have you ever tried Xtol for pushing film? I've had good results with that developer. The stock solution dies after 6 months without warning so it's something to be mindful of. Possibly the best results I've had with pushing film is Delta 400 in DD-X but unfortunately it's one of the least cost effective developers if you're not pushing film on a regular basis.
I'll have to give ID-11 stock a try for pushing because I buy the 5L packs and always have some mixed. Do you ever dilute it? I always use it 1+1.
Hi Nasir, as far as I am aware (from conversations with Ilford staff) DD-X is very similar to ID11. I used it quite a lot about 15 years ago, but didn’t like how it died when not used for a while. I have used Xtol, but not for pushing. I mix up 5L of ID11 and then put a litre of it in a separate bottle. The 1 litre bottle is used as stock and I dev my 35mm HP5 in it until I’ve had about ten films through. The larger quantity is used for 1+3 development of 120 films.
Hello Andrew, thanks for this reply. I assume you don't mind the soft grain when using ID11 as stock compared to diluting it? I've seen comparisons and the sharpness difference between stock and 1+1 is really noticeable.
Thank you for sharing your tests Andrew, fascinating as always. Ive got fab results with HP5 @1600 and likeable results @6400 in Ilfotec HC. I’ll definitely give the Mortenson method a whirl.
Thanks Mark.
Very interesting article Andrew, especially as I have been experimenting a lot with pushing Fomapan 400 over the last couple of weeks and trying to achieve the best results possible. I managed decent results with stock D76 (obvs the same as ID11) but when my subjects were a bit more on the contrasty side this becomes a big issue the more the film is pushed. I was getting decent results at 1600 with Fomapan 400 with normal contrast subjects but not so good in higher contrast situations (especially when compared to EI 200 which I think is the correct rating for this film). Would you say that the Mortensen method has more contrast than ID11 (that seemed to be the case from my reading of the negs) in which case would it be a good option for normal / low contrast subjects but not for high contrast? - Cristian
I would begin by knocking back that last stage and giving about six and a half minutes instead of the ten.
Thanks Andrew, will give it a go!
Very interesting post. I will definitely have to try out the Mortensen method.
Appreciate you taking the time to share your results with us.
Thanks Scott.
Thanks for sharing this info, Andrew. Have you ever tried Xtol for pushing film? I've had good results with that developer. The stock solution dies after 6 months without warning so it's something to be mindful of. Possibly the best results I've had with pushing film is Delta 400 in DD-X but unfortunately it's one of the least cost effective developers if you're not pushing film on a regular basis.
I'll have to give ID-11 stock a try for pushing because I buy the 5L packs and always have some mixed. Do you ever dilute it? I always use it 1+1.
Hi Nasir, as far as I am aware (from conversations with Ilford staff) DD-X is very similar to ID11. I used it quite a lot about 15 years ago, but didn’t like how it died when not used for a while. I have used Xtol, but not for pushing. I mix up 5L of ID11 and then put a litre of it in a separate bottle. The 1 litre bottle is used as stock and I dev my 35mm HP5 in it until I’ve had about ten films through. The larger quantity is used for 1+3 development of 120 films.
Hello Andrew, thanks for this reply. I assume you don't mind the soft grain when using ID11 as stock compared to diluting it? I've seen comparisons and the sharpness difference between stock and 1+1 is really noticeable.
I prefer Rodinal for HP5 35mm, but don't have it in all of the time.
Hi Andrew,
Very interesting article. I normally develop my films using the stand process. Will try the Mortensen one and see if I get something different.
Thank you so much for your always very elucidating posts. I always saved them. You’re my private encyclopedia on film processing. Thanks again!!
Thank you Luz, what a lovely compliment.