HC110 as a replacement for Rodinal

[rjr]

>I was thinking of going with HC110 as a replacement. Will it live up to my needs as described?

In short: no.

I am using both developers for different ocsasions and I learned to like them both, of course.
HC isn´t that cheap - here in Germany it´s heading for the mark of 30€ per litre, quite a lot for something one can´t be sure to appreciate.

Both developers last a long time; both developers are available from a bunch of producers with only slight differences to the formule - I can buy (and did buy) HC110 from Kodak, Ilfotec HC, Ilfotec LC29, I can buy it as Neopress HC from Tetenal and there is Fuji making a similar product, too.This whole range will give me very similar results.

Both developers share a commonality - you can adapt it to the task by changing the dilution. HC is more versatile in this regard, since it´s stronger, more powerful, it works well within a broader range of dilutions while Rodinal is exhausted by time and oxidation.

I received different "styles" from the same film by simply changing the dilution of HC - 1+30 giving high acutance and REALLY coarse grain on a 35mm HP5 while 1+60 limiting the grain, smuding the grain etc.

HC works nicely with old school films as APX and HP5+ as well as with Filmotec´s N74 or Kodak TMZp3200 (at EI1000).

I like them both, Rodinal and HC - but I´d chose HC from any make if I had to make the choice, since it gives me a broader set of chances and possibilities.

Regards,
Roman

[mawz]

mawz, not to beat a dead horse (well, maybe to beat a dead horse), but do you have any friends who could receive a package for you?

Not at my address. Which is a major issue since only shipping to the billing address is a common credit card security measure.

If Blazinal is Rodinal, and is available at Henry's, my initial problem is solved. And thus my problems with mail order is rendered irrelevant.

[mawz]

>I was thinking of going with HC110 as a replacement. Will it live up to my needs as described?

In short: no.

I am using both developers for different ocsasions and I learned to like them both, of course.
HC isn´t that cheap - here in Germany it´s heading for the mark of 30€ per litre, quite a lot for something one can´t be sure to appreciate.

Both developers last a long time; both developers are available from a bunch of producers with only slight differences to the formule - I can buy (and did buy) HC110 from Kodak, Ilfotec HC, Ilfotec LC29, I can buy it as Neopress HC from Tetenal and there is Fuji making a similar product, too.This whole range will give me very similar results.

Both developers share a commonality - you can adapt it to the task by changing the dilution. HC is more versatile in this regard, since it´s stronger, more powerful, it works well within a broader range of dilutions while Rodinal is exhausted by time and oxidation.

I received different "styles" from the same film by simply changing the dilution of HC - 1+30 giving high acutance and REALLY coarse grain on a 35mm HP5 while 1+60 limiting the grain, smuding the grain etc.

HC works nicely with old school films as APX and HP5+ as well as with Filmotec´s N74 or Kodak TMZp3200 (at EI1000).

I like them both, Rodinal and HC - but I´d chose HC from any make if I had to make the choice, since it gives me a broader set of chances and possibilities.

Regards,
Roman

Thanks for the rundown on HC. It pretty much indicates that HC wouldn't suit my desires anyways. Rodinal suits my low-speed uses very well and I don't want to depart too far from that look.

[JBrunner]

Besides the fact that they are both developers, both come in bottles, and that they both keep forever, I can't think of anything else they have in common.

[alanrockwood]

Besides the fact that they are both developers, both come in bottles, and that they both keep forever, I can't think of anything else they have in common.

I think also I read somewhere that both are low-fog developers and both are somewhat speed-losing.

[wogster]

1. Not possible. Shipping gets annoyed when that is done.

2. Even less possible. I pretty much don't know my neighbours and the Super is in another building.

I said mail order is out because it pretty much isn't an option for me for any sort of regular use like periodic chemical buys.

Three options:

Option One, have it shipped Purolator, they have stores and agents practically everywhere in Canada, items can be held for pickup at any location, not just depots. In fact if you contact them at 1-888-SHIP123 or the web site you can get the address of locations near you, have the items shipped there as a hold for pickup. The location should call you when it arrives so you can go get it.

Option two, Canada Post, they also have locations and agents everywhere, not sure if you can arrange pickup at a specific location or not, check the website for more info.

Option three, have your local photo dealer order stuff for you, Henry's can special order some stuff they don't normally have in stock, you pickup and pay at the store. May take longer though.

[mawz]

Folks,

I'm aware of the various options for mail order. They either won't work for me or are more hassle than they're worth. I really don't need solutions for that non-problem and we've now got 3 pages of solutions for an irrelevant comment and a couple posts that actually addressed my real question.

aluk's post solved my problem. Thanks aluk. Blazinal from Henry's is the answer, not HC110.

[mawz]

I think also I read somewhere that both are low-fog developers and both are somewhat speed-losing.

That too, and both have at least a mild reputation for accutance.

[PhotoJim]

mawz, we're just puzzled that you are willing to go to a camera store to pick something up but not a post office or courier shop. Anyway, it's up to you what's convenient and inconvenient. Hopefully you will be able to get Rodinal or some equivalent at a store for the foreseeable future.

[Ian Grant]

I think also I read somewhere that both are low-fog developers and both are somewhat speed-losing.

Never found any speed loss with Rodinal, I also now use the same EI's with Xtol or Pyrocat HD, but I don't shoot at box speed with any of them usually, however I did find a speed loss with HC110 & Ilfotech HC.

Ian