Need Help with HC-110 vs D76 1:1 with Tri X

[andy_sprauer]

I want to start using HC-110 and achieve the same look as D76 1:1

with my Tri X 120 film. Can anyone give me their proven results with

development times, dilution, & temps. I'm going to print on my

condensor enlarger. Thanks

[ann_clancy3]

We use HC110 solution b at 68 degrees for 6 to 6.5 minutes. The time difference relates to various students equipment . We have found the published times to be too high (in our working environment). As to the same look as D76 i don't have a clue since the last time I used that developer was in 1960.

Am sure someone else can provide details about d-76

[ronald_moravec1]

1;45 from stock 4.5 min and agitation 5/30. Ei will be 200. You will get negs with copious shadow detail and they print easily on a condenser.Less grain than D76 1:1 at 400. Same tri-x look.

 

I have sent negs made this way to many for examination and they are always amazed. Try 6 exposures on the front of a roll. Pulloff 10 in and develope it.

[andy_sprauer]

Ron, I shot the Tri-X at 400 - what changes should I make?

[ronald_moravec1]

Try 5.5 minutes. I came up with 1:45 because the official 1:32 was too fast and 1:64 was too grainy.

 

Take another roll and shoot 6 frames, pull off 10 inches in the dark, and develope it. If it is ok, then develope the good roll.

 

I have been waiting for your E-mail. I do answer.

[hil3]

Ron,

 

You mentioned 1:45 from stock. Do you mean from concentrate, or do you make the stock dilution first and dilute again? Thanks for clarifying this for me.

[ronald_moravec1]

1:45 from the syrup in the original bottle. That is in the US. European stock is different.

 

Measure with a syringe or 10ml grad cylinder. Accuracy is extremly important with high dilutions. Rinse the measuring container several times into the finished solution to get all the thick syrup out.

 

If you are new to HC110, I suggest you do a PN search on it. There are lots of tips.

[hil3]

Thanks, Ron.

 

Are your times for 68 degrees?

[ronald_moravec1]

Always except for PMK. Grain size is smaller at 68, but many will disagree. Use ice to bring down the water bath amd keep some photo water in the frig to dilute warmer water stored or from the tap that you use for developing.

 

You can also ice down water for stop and fixer. Keep all solutions including wash the same.

[lex_jenkins]

I've begun using the Dilution H described by Michael Covington on his website:

 

http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110/

 

It's simply twice as dilute as the more familiar Dilution B and, in my observation, produces entirely comparable results. Dilution H has the advantage of allowing a little more breathing room (Dilution B is great if you're in a real hurry but now that I'm no longer a photojournalist I don't need my negs in five minutes). I just double the time to around 10 minutes, depending on temperature. I usually develop a little longer than others might for my Durst M605 dichro head. You might want to pull back a bit for your condenser.

 

I've always thought that HC-110 and D-76 produce results that are so little different from each other that it's not worth arguing over. I quit using D-76/ID-11 simply because I never used it very often and the stuff tends to vary in potency (or chemical activity, whatever is more precise) over a six month period, the typical time the stock solution would sit in my darkroom. HC-110 is simply more predictable.

 

I've compared my recent Tri-X negs developed in Dilution H to those developed 20 years ago in Dilution B, as well as some developed in D-76. I don't see any significant difference, from grain to apparent sharpness to shadow detail to overall tonal characteristics.

[lee_shively]

Not sure why you don't use D76 1:1 instead of trying to duplicate its look with another developer. Seems like a lot of trouble to go to when D76 is so universally available and you appear to like its look.