I just got a 4x5 and I am in the process of getting a tank but I am having issues figuring out which Chems to get.

I know it is depends on the film etc but my research is turning up conflicting info.

What I usually shoot with is Ilford or Kodak Tmax in my medium format cams but I just send those off to be developed.

What I would like to do is develop my own with the 4x5, Black and White Ilford B&W 100 iso. I have the developing time charts etc, but any recommendations for chems and any tricks for times you have played with let me know.

Thanks

All you need is Rodinal.

For times, check the massive dev chart (google it)

D-76 works great with Ilford delta. With stock at 70 degrees f, I think it takes about 5-6 minutes under alternating agitation in a uniroller drum. Kodak Tmax is TERRIBLE when it comes to remving the antihalation dye. I could never get it off, no matter how much fixer and stop bath/rinse cycles. I have used Ilford in D76 religiously for almost five years now and it has never failed me.

Rodinal & HC-110 those are your best friends.

*Rodinal is sold under many different names like Adonial, Blazinal (I use this), Agfa R09 One Shot.

Stop Bath - with these two, just use water for the stop, since they're already highly dilute. Then some Fixer, Ilford Rapid fixer is my go-to, however I do have some Kodafix (Hardener) for use with Adox and Efke stock.

Tb: were you using the right tmax developer (there is a different one for sheet and roll)?

I meant the tmax film. Never had luck with it and D76. Pink dye wouldnt rinse off.

Try a pre-soak?

Posted by yokes Try a pre-soak?

I'll second that, I had the same issue with Ilford Delta films when I first started, then I would do a 2-5 minute presoak on my films and haven't had an issue since. it's always fun to see what colour the water turns. In the case of Adox CHS 100 and APX25 it turns a wonderful blue colour.

I have never done 4x5 dev, but I had good times with X-tol when developing 35mm Tri-X. I did pre soaking and used a bit of white vinager+ water for stop. It should work as fine for 4x5 B&W.

Posted by SPEK Photo I have never done 4x5 dev, but I had good times with X-tol when developing 35mm Tri-X. I did pre soaking and used a bit of white vinager+ water for stop. It should work as fine for 4x5 B&W.

I just started using XTOL and I'm liking the results, even with Tri-x pushed to 1600, very little noticeable grain when done in XTOL.

indeed less grain when push to 1600, also better mixed shelf life. Just a bit long to fully mix the two parts when you need a fresh batch. It can be diluted also for different dev type and better results, I did it in the past for some long time ago forgotten reasons.

Another great developer I'm just starting to work with now since October is PMK Pyro or Pyrocat-HD available through the Photographer's Formulary.


Ilford Ortho Copy (4x5)


Tri-X Pan (120)


ORWO UN54 (35mm)

great rendering, I like them.

That's really nice