Comparing Ilford to Kodak developer agitation

[StS]

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Some slightly idle thoughts, while the film is rinsing - Kodak recommends 5-7 agitations for five seconds every 30 seconds, Ilford recommends four agitations for 10 seconds each minute.

 

While I simply follow each manufacturer's instructions, I wonder about the difference - few and slower agitations should give slower but more uniform development, while more and faster agitations should give a better mixing of used and unused developer.

 

Most probably, each manufacturer simply set up a rule a long time ago, against which each process was set up then. Changing this recommendation would, of course, require to determine all development times from the beginning...

 

Stefan

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[dave_d]

Your thinking to much. Pick an agitation method and stick with it. Consistency in your methods is more important than the method itself.

[250swb]

Yes, choose your own method of agitation that is doable and stick with it, its a datum point that helps with consistency and also helps spot problems. The Ilford method is perhaps the easiest to adopt because it gives you more time in between.

 

I have always found the Kodak times and methods very commercial and 'aggressive', more in keeping with a fast turn around lab than what people can do with more time and care at home. I would use the Digital Truth times and methods for Kodak film, which do generally go with agitation one the minute. Ilford on the other hand give times and methods more in keeping with general home use.

 

Steve

[tobey bilek]

They both work. I use Kodak with Kodak, Ilford with Ilford. If you want to cross over, add 10% to Ilford method. I worked it out experimentally.

 

What works well is a two reel tank with film on the bottom reel only and 8 oz of developer. Invert twice for Kodak, 4 times for ilford.

 

I never try to control contrast with agitation. Use the clock.

[Cedric Agie de Selsaeten]

Some slightly idle thoughts, while the film is rinsing - Kodak recommends 5-7 agitations for five seconds every 30 seconds, Ilford recommends four agitations for 10 seconds each minute.

 

While I simply follow each manufacturer's instructions, I wonder about the difference - few and slower agitations should give slower but more uniform development, while more and faster agitations should give a better mixing of used and unused developer.

 

Most probably, each manufacturer simply set up a rule a long time ago, against which each process was set up then. Changing this recommendation would, of course, require to determine all development times from the beginning...

 

Stefan

 

Dilution, agitation and developping times influence the contrast, wich depend of your enlarger i.e. brand, type, lens, with or without a condesor etc. If your results are good don't change anything.

 

Cedric