FP4 (not plus) Dev times

[Puggie]

I have some FP4 from a kind member of the forum here in 4X5 sheet. Anyone got an idea for a suitable dev time? I have Paterson Aculux3 and FX-39, being a large format and relatively slow I was looking to use the FX39.

thanks.

[Dave miller]

Bear in mind that The FX39 is a speed increasing developer and that the Aculux3 assumes the film is rated at box speed. So the choice depends on how you are rating your film. Paterson recommend 7.5 minutes for both products as a starting point.

[Puggie]

7.5 mins in the rated time for FP4+ is it reasonable to assume the old FP4(not +) will have the same times then?

I have seen recommendations for 9.5mins at 1:16 for sheet film, but again for FP4+ not FP4.

[Richard Gould]

Puggie,
I would take the Patterson times as a starting point, develop 1 sheet at the suggested time, and then see what happens and adjust the time as needed,
Richard

[Dave miller]

Sorry, I didn't spot the missing +, so Richard is right you do need to test a sheet. Please let us know how you get on.

[paulc]

Ansel Adams has some times and speed ratings in the back of his book "The Negative". Unfortunately, only HC-110 at 1+7 and 1+15 dilutions. The little black book that I thought *might* have information doesn't (but it does have notch codes and edge numbers for a bunch of obsolete films).

If all else fails, a call to Ilford might elicit some information - I've found the customer service department to be extremely helpful and quick to respond in the past.

[Puggie]

right...

In FX39 I have found 8 mins to be ok, maybe a little overcooked so next one will be 7.5min. Both done at 1:9 dilution.

Is the orbital classed as 'rotary processing' rather than stand processing with intermittent agitation? I believe this requires a 15% cut in processing time (which would about figure with my times as ilford recommended going for the FP4+ time and adding 2 minutes due to the age of the film, then tweek from there (FP4 was produced from '68 to 91 apparently).

I have a printable I think neg and will fine tune from here.

[Martin Aislabie]

I used to use FP4 at 8 mins in ID11 @ 1+1

Agitate for 10s in every 60s

Always gave nice printable negs

Martin

[Paulographic]

When I was student, mid 70s, the college "pro" taught us on FP4 and Tri-X, both in D-76, 10 mins.1:1 70f.

This was 35mm, incident light reading recommended. He shot for publications, industrial stuff.

Always worked for me and printed at grade 2.

[DavidH]

If it's of any help, looking at my 1971 copy of Discover Rewarding Photography by Ron Spillman, I find the following for FP4 in D76 at full strength-
Sheet film - 6 min.
35mm and 120 - 9 min.
FP4 Plus in full strength D76 is listed as 8 min.
All times assume exposure at its rated speed. You could perhaps extrapolate times for your chosen developer from this.