Opinions on two bath developers

[pete_caluori]

Greetings,

 

<p>

 

After reading some of the posts about DiXactol and other two bath developers (D-23) I'd like to hear from people that have or are still using them. Which ones do you use? What do you like or dislike, etc? Can HC-110 be used as a two bath developer a la DiXactol and D-23? Thanks!

 

<p>

 

Regards,

[ed b.]

I have not tried DiXactol, but in the past I tried divided D-23 and D-

76 with so-so results. HC-110 cannot be so used.

[thies.meincke]

I have used Tetenal Emofin for years now with very good results.

Especially for high contrast subjects, as it is a compensating

developer. One other interesting point: you can reduce the exposure

(one or even two stops!). Sharpness is a little reduced (compared

to Rodinal), grain is average.

[scott walton]

I have been using Divided D76 and Diafine for years with GREAT results! Diafine is a higher acutance developer but the grain on either is superb! I

didn't much care for the results I got when testing Tmax so I went to the old standby of regular D76 to test and have since gone back to the older

emulsions and my 2 baths because of the lack of luster and luminosity of the new t-grains. Highly recommend the split baths, you cannot go wrong and

the results are superb.

Cheers

[wolfram_j._f._kollig]

Like Thies I'm using the Tetenal Emofin. I would say it does decrease

contrast by 2 paper grades, so I actually underexpose two stops,

compensate that with developing push 2 to get back on papergrade 2-3.

Grain is finer than usually, but for my taste sharpness could be

higher.

 

<p>

 

Also use split D-76 for HP5+ at 400 ASA, very happy with grain and

sharpness, but since Dmax is limited to a value close to 2-2.2, it is

only recommended in contrasty situations, otherwise you'll end up with

printing on grade 4-5.

 

<p>

 

All given papergrades are relative and given for systems similar to

Leica V35 multigrade modules.

 

<p>

 

Regards,

 

<p>

 

Wolfram