Paterson FX39 developer algorithm for sheet film (deep tank)

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RJ-
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Paterson FX39 developer algorithm for sheet film (deep tank)

Post by RJ- »

Hi there,

In case any fans of Paterson FX39 are wishing to explore this exceptional developer with sheet film, I've posted an algorithm at higher dilutions for sheet film (whole plate 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch) here:


http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholep ... evelopment


Comments are welcome.

Kind regards,

RJ

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholeplate/web

Keith Tapscott.
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Location: Plymouth, England.

Post by Keith Tapscott. »

Interesting RJ, although the description of some of the developers is incorrect. Kodak make Microdol although I suspect that you meant to say Fuji Microfine. Kodak Xtol does not contain Metol (Elon). Xtol contains a Phenidone derivative combined with an ascorbic acid derivative and is designed as an eco-friendly alternative to D-76 which does contains Metol (Elon) and Hydroquinone.
The image shown seems to have very compressed tones which is probably due to the extreme dilution of the developer, although the flat shadowless lighting hasn`t helped much either.
With large-format films, acutance is of little importance as the sheer size of the negative ensures freedom of grain with excellent tonality of which the latter is of far more importance.
For deep-tank use, I would suggest a developer which saves speed well and provides good seperation of the midtones where the excitement really lies and that can be replenished.
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/200 ... 292749.pdf

Ornello
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Re: Paterson FX39 developer algorithm for sheet film (deep t

Post by Ornello »

RJ- wrote:Hi there,

In case any fans of Paterson FX39 are wishing to explore this exceptional developer with sheet film, I've posted an algorithm at higher dilutions for sheet film (whole plate 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch) here:


http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholep ... evelopment


Comments are welcome.

Kind regards,

RJ

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholeplate/web
The best dilution for FX-39 for most films is about 1+16 or so.

RJ-
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2008 8:08 pm
Location: London, England
Contact:

Post by RJ- »

Keith -

Microdol & Microfine are indeed correct. I'll update this for factual accuracy.

Thank you too for your thoughts. The compression of tones which you describe is more likely due to the deliberate use of a Red 29 filter (to rescind the mid-tones) and scanning artifact from silver gelatin paper which does not lie flat. The former augments the contrast range and alters the tonal range significantly, such that the mid-tone range can appear polarised.

Perhaps it is better to work a way to scan direct from the negative ~ I'll have to work on, however I have little experience with scanning from negatives.

Your comments on acutance require some clarification; acutance relates to high definition, particularly with adjacency effects. On a contact print, particularly one which is contact printed behind anti-newton glass, the visual experience of a contact print relies on high definition translation of the negative. Once it loses this high definition, it ceases to appear as a contact print.

Kind regards,

RJ

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