Andreas1
Good evening,
I’ve tested my first films using the Eco developer (Delta 400). I started with the developer specifications from the data sheet: 20°C, 10.30 mins, ISO 400. The initial evaluation showed: Zone I = 0.08 log density and Zone VIII = 0.91 log density. A strikingly high base fog of 0.4 log density – does that seem high to me? For the second attempt, I extended the development time to 11.30 minutes at 20 degrees. Now I had Zone I = 0.13 log and Zone VIII = 1.10 log. Zone VIII was still too low for me, and so was the contrast. So I made another attempt and this time increased the temperature by one degree, to 21°C (using a temperature-controlled box). I performed the exposure at ISO 500 and developed the film again for 11.30 mins, achieving the following results. Zone I = 0.16, Zone VIII = 1.19. The gamma value is still too low because of the high Zone I and II. So I would now have to perform an exposure using ISO 640 and extend the time again. What I don’t understand is that this would mean I’d almost have an N+1 development. Either my thermometer isn’t reading correctly or the densitometer isn’t working. It also strikes me as odd that I have to go so high with the ISO sensitivity just to achieve a density of 0.10 in Zone I. My camera’s light meter should be accurate; at least my other two cameras are showing the same readings. I carried out the test using a grey card under overcast skies. And another thing that strikes me is that the prints have a very pronounced grain for Delta 400 (24x30).
I’d appreciate any advice or insights.
Kind regards,
Andreas
