Processing Tri X 400 & Plus X 125 in HC110

[blumesan]

<p>I normally use Professional Tmax 400 and Tmax 100 for B&W work. I develop in Kodak HC-110 (dil B). 35mm film in small tank.<br>

<br /> Someone has just gifted me with rolls of Professional Tri X 400 and Plus X 125. I note that the development times for these films in HC-110 are well short of 5 minutes, which just invites problems. Since I would prefer not to purchase a different developer for these emulsions, can anyone suggest an alternative method using HC-110; like using a more dilute solution? If that is even possible, what can I expect in the way of grain and contrast changes?</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Try the unofficial <a href="http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110/"><strong>Dilution H</strong></a>. It's just half the solution and double the time for Dilution B. Works great for 35mm and 120 Tri-X. I usually develop for about 10 minutes, give or take depending on lighting and subject contrast and desired contrast in the negatives.</p>

<p>Regarding grain, I've never noticed any differences with various HC-110 dilutions. Unlike D-76, Microphen and similar powdered developers, HC-110 doesn't seem to show significant differences in solvent effect with different dilutions. Tri-X in HC-110 Dil B and H both closely resemble Tri-X in D-76 1+1 dilution.</p>

[hoshisato]

<p>Tri-X in HC-110 dilution H (1:63) worked fine for me: I used 11 minutes for a film exposed at EI 400 in that dilution and was happy with the results.</p>

[BernardMiller]

<p>I use Dilution H nearly all the time in developing Tri-X. The Covington Innovations site is quite useful; perhaps even better is Greg Mironchuk's page: http://www.mironchuk.com/hc-110.html. I use the times/temps he suggests there.</p>

<p>Works great; I actually usually add a small amount of Rodinal (<1:100) to give it a bit more bite, but on its own it's just fine as well.</p>

[blumesan]

<p>Lex, et. al.<br>

Many thanks for the responses and the very valuable links.<br>

I will report back when I have a few images to display.</p>

[mendel_leisk]

<p>I developed Tri-X* in HC110 dil B for 6.5 min and it came it just fine, to my eye.</p>

<p>* Not sure if we're talking apples-and-oranges; this is the Tri-X I was developing:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/29170-USA/Kodak_8667073_TX_135_36_Tri_X_Pan.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/29170-USA/Kodak_8667073_TX_135_36_Tri_X_Pan.html</a></p>

[blumesan]

<p>Yes, that's the "new" Tri-X. ca. 2007<br /> Labeled "400TX" as opposed to "Tri-X 400"<br>

Kodak recommended development time in HC-110 B (small tank, 20C) is 3.75 min.</p>

[wblynch]

<p>I love dilution H. Make sure you have the minimum amount of developer per roll. I usually mix 640cc for simplicity.</p>

 

[larrydressler]

<p>I find Dilution H at 9-10 minutes with Tri-X is almost perfect. 10 for flat lighting 9 for contrasty lighting. 20C.</p>

[dave_redmann]

<p>No need to go to the unofficial "Dilution H" for HC-110 and Tri-X; the "official" Dilution B time of 3:45 is just wrong. Personally I found Tri-X in HC-110 Dilution B at 68 deg. F / 20 deg. C needs about 6:00, but depending on how you print (or scan), you might prefer 6:30 or so. So my experience is pretty close to Mendel's.</p>

 

[blumesan]

<p>Again thanks to all for the informative responses (even if they don't all agree).<br>

I guess the usual rules apply: Experiment, keep careful notes, change only one variable at a time while maintaining all other conditions constant. <br>

I will report back.</p>

[peter_schauss2]

<p>Since no one has mentioned Plus-X, I will. I find Plus-X works better in Rodinal (1+50 for 13 minutes). </p>

[Mike Gammill]

I use 5' for both Tri-X and Plus-X for dilution B. Scans and prints well. Since YMMV you should experiment. If dilution B

times are too short then try dilution H.

[carl_bretteville]

<p>I mostly shoot Tri-X. I rate it at ISO320 and develop in HC-110 Dl B for 6.5 minutes at 20C. I've also developed rolls shot at ISO400 the same way without noticing any significant difference. Its just 1/3 of a stop less light anyway. I find the negs easy to work with in my hybrid workflow.<br /> Carl</p>