whiteride
Hello there,
I’ve been following the forum for quite some time now, but so far the search function has always been more than enough to help me :-)
But now I’m really at my wits’ end.
Today I developed a roll film of HP5 in a Cube XS (CG512, RLS).
I exposed the film at 200, the developer was at 24 degrees (+/- 0.2) and I conducted the development according to the instructions for 13.5 minutes (30 sec. agitation) -> so nothing really out of the ordinary...
The result (as on the two previous occasions) is a faint grey negative...
What could be causing this? Am I misinterpreting any of the instructions?
Many thanks in advance for your help...
Philipp
zensusa
Hi Philipp,
Just a quick reply to your question: *The result is (as on the two previous occasions) a faint grey negative... What could be causing this?*
If all your specifications were followed correctly – negative correctly exposed, developer mixture 1:4, at least 52 ml of developer per film!, 24 degrees throughout, 13.5 mins etc.– then, if the negatives are still pale and grey, you have probably made the typical CG 512 user error, which is, however, hardly known. In other words, you forgot to shake or tilt the developer vigorously before mixing it 1:4 – whichever you prefer. This is no joke, as CG 512 tends to separate, with some components settling at the bottom (though you can’t see this). That’s why many CG 512 users have always claimed that the developer doesn’t keep for long. However, that isn’t true. It lasts just as long as other well-known developers (apart from R09 and Rodinal, which are almost indestructible).
So, before using it, give it a good shake, and then it should work fine for you too. By the way, because of this, you shouldn’t use Protectan – pssssss – with CG 512; instead, either decant the developer into suitable, smaller brown bottles so that they’re always filled to the top, or use *glass marbles* to displace the air. Storing it in the fridge doesn’t do any harm either!
I hope I’ve been able to help you.
Best regards,
Lothar
whiteride
Hi Lothar,
I think the processing and exposure were correct, and I was quite careful – it wasn’t the first time, after all...
However, I really didn’t shake the bottles or move them in any way – do you think that alone could be the reason?
I’ll give it a go....
THANKS Philipp
zensusa
Hello Philipp,
If the CG512 is left standing for a long time, key substances in the developer tend to settle at the bottom and become concentrated over time. It is therefore very important to shake the concentrate vigorously before measuring it out (ideally by turning the bottle upside down a few times).
If you don’t do this, the negatives may show a (milky) grey haze after development, sometimes more pronounced, sometimes less, depending on how much the concentrate is in the process of settling. This could be the reason for the grey tinge on your negative. I experienced this problem myself through *first-hand experience* at the start of my time using the CG 512.
So, very important: shake the concentrate vigorously before measuring it out!
Otherwise, as far as development time is concerned, I would tend to develop the HP5+ roll film version for 14 to 14.5 minutes. Shake constantly for the first 15 seconds (tilting about 10 times), then tilt once every 30 seconds.
I only work with rotary development and haven’t used HP5+ for a long time, but the times mentioned above should actually produce good results with HP5+ roll film.
Perhaps a personal note. Of the classic 400-speed films, the APX 400 or Retro 400 (200 ASA) is particularly well suited to CG 512 development; very good sharpness, very nice tonal range/grey tones.
Good luck
Lothar
