How do I get my prints to look better with new Plus-X

[foto_hess]

I shot a roll of the new Plus-X to see how it looks. shot it at

125. I developed it in Xtol 1:3 for 5:15 at 75 degrees. This

seemed short, but by the numbers I had for dev times, this is what I

came up with. Well, anyways, the film ended up low in contrast and

underdeveloped. I tried making some prints, but they looked poor

and I didn't want to play arund with it any more than I did. Well,

I guess my question is: How do I up the contrast of the developing?

I also would like to know what the proper dev time is for new Plus-

X. I plan on finding my own, but would like a starting point.

Thanks. Here is a direct scan of the neg.<div></div>

[foto_hess]

Here is after I adjusted in PS. I was hoping the print would turn out more like this. Maybe, I should just give up the wet printing and go to Piezography.<div></div>

[goemon]

The Massive Dev Chart doesn't list a time for Xtol 1:3, but the older Plus-X wanted about 10:30 at 68F, which is 7:15 at 75F. You might try that for a better starting point.

[andre_noble4]

Generally, B&W film shot at the box carton ASA will yield negatives one doesn't like.

[greg_smith4]

I kind of like the first on better.

[jay ott]

It's difficult to tell from just one frame but I think that your contrast problem is due to not only underdevelopment, but underexposure as well. Most people shoot Plus-X at ISO 80 thus giving the film about 1/3 stop more. Just out of curiosity, why did you decide to use Xtol?

[scott_eaton]

1:3 seems a bit dilute for Xtol + PlusX as well.

[foto_hess]

I developed in Xtol 1:3 because that is what the school I develop my film at uses. I do have some Ilford chemicals, but I only shoot about 3-4 rolls of black and white a month and usually develop them all at the same time. I feel that mixing up a small batch will be a waste since I wouldn't use it all before it went bad. The instructor that is in charge of the darkroom mixes the chemicals and he mixes it 1:3 just so it will last. I have been using these chems for the last four years. I usually use Tmax 100 but thought I would try the Plus-X. I had a large stash of the old TMax, but that is running out. As long as I need to learn a new film, I thought Plus-X would be a nice match to the Tri-X that I like to use: a little consistancy across the speeds.

Well anyways, thanks for the help.

[lex_jenkins]

I tried Xtol once. Didn't care for the low contrast results. You might try another developer.

[scott_eaton]

Try Plus-X at EI 100 for 8-minutes in Xtol 1:3. Bracket a few shots on either side see what 'hits'.

 

Plus-X is normally a high contrast film anyways.

[ole_pet.]

I develop lots of TriX and PlusX daily in my darkroom. The combination Xtol and the "classic" TriX/PlusX are still great. But You´ve be very careful about the minimal needed amount of Developer!

To develop 35mm with 36 frames, you´d probably use 300-400ml at 1+3.

Didn´t did so myself in the beginning and got this low contrast too.

 

To save time, I use 1+1 or 1+2. For my purposes still excellent!

Buy 1 litre yourself. Shelflife of stocksolution is at least hals a year!

[jack paradise]

If i'm not mistaken, Kodak no longer recommend higher dilution than 1+1 for film development. Too many reports just like yours. Next time try it with a 1+1 dilution.

[jack paradise]

The previous response was in regards to Xtol only.