CAFFENOL: Should I risk it?

Hi. Recently, I came across a video on Youtube about a method of creating a homemade developer from Instant Coffee and Vitiman C. What I want to know is:

Should I risk 1 roll of expensive HP5+ for this?
Bear in mind, that I cannot regularly afford this film.

Will it destroy my film?

Thanks,
Tom

PS.
I ask this because I want someone with someone with a decent amount of chemical knowledge, AKA Not me.

[Rob Archer]

It won't destroy your film and caffenol recipes work well with HP5. I personally don't think the results are as good as 'regular' developers (my favourite for HP5+ is Microphen) and the times can be a bit long but I know others swear by it. I personally found it a bit grainy but if that's your thing........! Well worth a try. It might be all we're left with one day. I'm abroad at the moment but when I get back I'll scan a couple of prints and post them here.

[MKCarberry]

Before you do it go here and download the book and peruse it. Lots of good information. Have fun.

[alexmuir]

I have used caffenol for prints. It works well with FB papers, and ok with RC. I can't see any advantage for film. Although some ingredients are cheap, Vit C can be expensive.
Alex

Originally Posted by MKCarbery

Before you do it go here and download the book and peruse it. Lots of good information.

Thanks, will do.

Originally Posted by Rob Archer

I'm abroad at the moment but when I get back I'll scan a couple of prints and post them here.

Cool! Looking forward to it!

Originally Posted by alexmuir

Vit C can be expensive.

That'll blow my budget then! Meh.

[namir]

properly done it won't destroy a HP5. (So DON'T do things like use deacidified coffee or subsitute vit-C with citric-acid... just stick to tried and tested recipes published by reliable sources).
As a coffee-addict I really like the idea to develop my film with coffee, but have not tried it so far. I think mainly because I fail to see any big advantages over ordinary developers, which I have at hand.

That someone with a decent amount chemical knowledge could be Reinhold, who runs caffenol.blogspot.com. Over the last years he wrote quite a bit, when you are through with this blog, you will have learned a good deal about caffenol.

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by namir

As a coffee-addict I really like the idea to develop my film with coffee

As a coffee hater, developing film is the only thing I will do with the vile stuff!

My experience of Caffenol was very good. I would happily use it in place of a regular developer.


Steve.

Thanks all! Maybe I will use some caffenol as a developer!