APX 400 in Rodinal or DDX

[bob haight]

I just shot several rolls of APX 400, rated at 400, and would ask

whether to use DDX or Rodinal (all I have available). The box

reccommends Rodinal at 1 to 25 but the achives here seem to dislike.

Lex liked Rodinal in a thread but I did not see the dilution he

liked or the rating. Thanks for the responses.

[buttons_de_ridder]

I Like it at 1:100, 20 degrees, somewhere around 28 minutes.

First 30 second agg. then once every 5 minutes ....

[bobmichaels]

I happen to like Neopan 400 in Rodinal and assume APX400 is similar. But not everyone likes it. And, those of us who do like it shoot it around 200 or 250.

 

So if you shot your's at 400, I would think DDX would be the choice. I also use DDX occasionally and know it works at 400. I'd have to look up the time but I remember it is the standard Ilford recommendation.

[benlloyd]

For Rodinal, I would defnitely go to at least 1:50, its just too contrasty at 1:25. It not a full speed developer at all, for me more like 200/250 at 1:25, 250/320 at 1:50.

 

Sorry but I can't be any help with DDX...

[paulh]

I liked it in Rodinal at 1+100. Unfortunately, I can't remember for certain the time, but I think it was around 22 minutes.

[benlloyd]

Sorry, lethargy has set in, the above applies to my experience with Tri-X. Not APX400.

[buttons_de_ridder]

Rodinal is a responsible choice, it's versatile and cheap... well worth testing your favourite films with different combinations and timing

[al_divenuti]

Not to speak for Lex, but I do believe in the past he wasn't too keen on his recent experience with the latest APX 400 and Rodinal.

 

There are a few problems with that combination. Firstly, APX 400 isn't an ISO 400 speed film despite what the manufacturer claims.In my experience it may be as much as 2/3s stop slower than Tri-X. So shooting APX400 at EI 400 is already a bit of a push, and Rodinal gives less speed than many developers.Secondly, some folks have reported that it is very hard to develop APX 400 to adequate contrast using Rodinal. Lastly, Rodinal itself is somewhat difficult to find. Yes, Calbe does produce a Rodinal formula but it's hard to find. APX 400 is no longer being produced, but it is still available and that's more than I can say for AgfaPhoto Rodinal.

 

DD-X is a good developer for pushing film one stop or more. It's a bit expensive but it gives relatively fine graine for pushing and is once again easily available.

[william_john_smith]

APX 400, rated at 400 developed in Rodinal 1:50 for 11 minutes. I did it by the book, figured

Agfa knows what they are doing.<div></div>

[todd_phillips1]

Steve Anchell (spelling?) in his "Darkroom Cookbook" says APX 400 and Rodinal is a fantastic combination. I've never shot APX 400 though I have shot APX 100 and processed in Rodinal using his times. Negs (to me) were on the thin side, but he states that is the way 35mm negs are supposed to be. Regardless, a Kodak 3 or 31/2 filter made great prints.

 

I did get some rolls of APX 400 when the Agfa scare hit and look forward to trying them. I've heard some people think this film is grainy...but I'd like to compare with Tri-X.

 

I'd also like to hear more views on APX 400 and Rodinal.

[lex_jenkins]

APX 400 doesn't work too well in Rodinal unless the film is rated at around 200. Otherwise the negs turn out flat and lifeless.

 

If I were to use APX 400 again I'd try it in a speed enhancing developer like Microphen. DDX should be fine.

[paulh]

Here are a couple of shots from APX400 exposed at 400 and developed in Rodinal 1+100. No problems with contrast, grain or shadow detail:<P>

 

Amsterdam:<P>

<img src="http://www.photo.net/bboard-uploads//00C4Lc-23280484.jpg"><P>

 

Ami 6:<P>

<img src="http://www.photo.net/bboard-uploads//00C4LZ-23280384.jpg"><P>

<P>

The above shot of the Ami was taken in a shaded side street. Both shots taken with a YashicaMat LM.

[peter_suasso]

Hi Guys,

 

I recently received a free roll of Rollei Retro 400 (which I understand to be identical to APX 400)with my order of 6 x 500ml Rodinal (should be sufficient for the next 3-5 years). I am thinking of shooting it at 200 at developing in Rodinal 1+50. I am unable to find development times for that combination, any experience/ideas here?

 

Thanks

 

Peter

[lex_jenkins]

P C Headland's photos are pretty similar to what I got with APX 400 at 400 in Rodinal. Granted, it's a matter of personal aesthetics. I'd consider that to be unsatisfactory contrast and tonality. It's murky. But it could also be considered moody and appropriate for a particular effect.