Film Developing for N N- Workflow

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Ian-Barber

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To conquer my quest to get to understand this FomaPan film 100 more, I shall be conducting a series of tests.

  1. Photograph a scene 3 times, all at the same exposure
  2. Develop one sheet in HC-110 at N
  3. Develop one sheet in HC-110 at N-1 (20% reduction)
  4. Develop one sheet in HC-110 at N-2 (25% reduction)
Will I have to mix 3 separate lots of developer for each film, or can I simply re-use the developer 3 times.
 
You are trying to establish a baseline here Ian so why compromise the results by re-using developer. In fact, why not invest a few more sheets of film and do a comprehensive test such as this http://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/tech/testing.php Ok, it uses a bit of film but it's better than wild guesses and wasting more film and it should give you most, if not all, of the answers you are looking for. It's also make the best use of your developer by developing three films at a time.
 
How will you know you've reached the correct development time for N-1 and N-2? Have you tested for proper 0.10 above Fb+F exposure and correct development for Zone VIII print density? In other words, you need to have one foot on a rock; and, that's your tested N negative. Once you know that and you know the proper exposure (in your enlarger) to achieve max black through unexposed but developed film, then it all becomes rather simple.

Expose one sheet of film for Zone IX exposure, and then develop for what you think might be the correct time for N-1. Using the same enlarger, same enlarger head height, same focus position in the enlarger as used to produce max black through clear film, put the N-1 negative in the enlarger and expose your normal paper for your tested max black time. If you see a print density ever so slightly gray when compared with paper white, then you've got your correct N-1 time. If you have too much print density or too little, adjust development time and try, again. Testing for N-2 works the same way, except this time expose for Zone X, and then develop for Zone VIII.

Or, if you want to get it all done easily and accurately, then see this page:

https://viewcamerastore.com/collections/btzs-products/testing-service
 
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