Best all-round film & chemical combinations

I am comparatively new to black & white, and would really value advice/opinions. I currently use Ilford Delta 400 Professional, which I develop in either Ilfotech HC (1+31) or ID-11. I then use stopbath and Hypam fixer. I need 400 ISO film, as I often use it in variable light. If the light is better, I do use the Delta 100, but I have found I usually need 400. Oh, and I use 120 rollfilm (in case it's relevant!).

 

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From the little research I have done so far, it appears that there are lots of trade-offs and differences of opinion. My aim is to achieve moderate-high contrast, fine grain, sharpness and a good range of tones. Oh, and it needs to push well, by 1 or 2 stops! I know, this is a long wish-list! Any views on the best combinations of films and chemicals?

> moderate-high contrast, fine grain, sharpness and a good range of tones. Oh, and it needs to push well, by 1 or 2 stops!

 

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Hmm...you don't want much. <g>

 

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Delta 400 does all that except push very well. There's a new version of it that's said to give more exposure/development flexibility but since we can't buy it yet it doesn't count.

 

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My pick for those characteristics is Ilford HP5+. For "normal" usage I develop it in D-76H (D-76 / ID-11) 1:1 or 1:3, EI 400, and for speed I use Microphen. The "normal" speed based on shadow density and normal contrast is EI 640, which gives a "free" 2/3 stop speed increase without higher contrast. It's good to around EI 1600.

Geoffry Crawley's tests in the BJP show the new Delta 400 to be a

significant improvement. Maybe 1/2 stop faster and pushes much better.

The overall conclusion is that it gives HP5+ a run for it's money,

unlike the current film which is slower then HP5+ and doesn't push as

well.

 

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I still like HP5+. I had a roll on which I'd shot 1/2 at EI 400 and

1/2 at EI 1600. I didn't have time to split the roll so I processed it

in Microphen with a 1 stop push for EI 800. The negatives shot at 400

and 1600 were all quite printable and I was quite pleased with the

results.

HP5+ is definitely good stuff, but don't forget that 'ol standby, Tri-

X. Good in all the areas mentioned and pushes well.

Ilford XP-2 Super does all the above better than any of the above.

I second that Bill!

 

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chris

No one seems to like T-max 400, but I think it is under-appreciated,

particularly in 120. In PMK I get a speed of 400 out of it, and in

PMK+ I can rate it at 640. I don't push it, but it is certainly

feasible. I particularly like T-max 400 for low-contrast situations.

In high-contrast situations it can be hard to print the full range

the film records.

When you refer to the "new version of Delta 400", are you referring

to the film I use? It is described on the box as "Ilford 400 Delta

Professional".

I use Delta films exclusively. Processed in Kodak Xtol at 1:3 the

negatives don't seem to have a limit to the size that they can be

enlarged to. Delta 3200 @ ISO 1200 developed in Xtol looks more

like Delta 400. Really, a magic combination (Delta & Xtol).

I don't think you can actually buy new Delta 400 yet. In promo photos I've seen of the boxes, they have a big red "new" mark.

There seems to be some lack of clarity about what is and what is not

the "new version". Perhaps the marketing, launch dates and packaging

are different in different countries? I live in Britain.

Just managed to get hold of something I am sure is the new version

(see newer thread about this film). I'll let you know how I get on!