Rodinol...what's the deal?

[joeyk49]

I've viewed a number of impressive photos who's creators proudly tout the wonders of Rodinol. Some contributors here are devoutly loyal to the stuff. I can't blame them. Once you find something that works well for your, you tend to stick with it...

So, please forgive my naivete, when I ask, "So what's the big deal?"

Now remember, I'm a greenhorn, who's yet to process his first roll in a tank. But as I eagerly look forward to that day, soon, I wonder, "Does a beginner like me start off using what some consider the Elixer of Life? (12 year old single malt Scotch, notwithstanding). Or, do I start with the lesser touted general purpose developers?

[clogz]

Rodinal is very good stuff. However, do not use Glenlivet to dev a film as you'll never forgive yourself.
Cheers
Hans

[TPPhotog]

Joey,

Try this thread which is quite similar (I only know of it because I took part in the thread )

http://www.apug.org/forums/showthrea...hlight=rodinal

Any questions ask away there are many of us happy to talk about Rodinal and Scottish Single Malt Whiskey till the cows come home LOL

Tony

[david b]

I agree. Rodinal is very good stuff. It's a great dev for APX 100. Probably my favorite combo.

It's not the sharpest or most fine grain developer but it's worth using. Try it.

[photomc]

The previous posters have said it all..Rodinal is not the latest or greatest. It is cheap (like me), last forever on the shelf (no comments) and does a very good job. D76 (ID11) is the developer that most are compared to, Xtol, Pyrocat-HD, PC-Tea, are others you will see a great deal of here. Read all you can, learn the basics (I still am) and enjoy...no darkroom needed to develop a roll of film, so do it.

[joeyk49]

Thanks a bunch. I wish I was around in June for the thread TPPhotog linked up...It looks like Rodinol will probably be in my future...since I'm also known as CheapJoey..LOL...

[TPPhotog]

Joey, The important thing is your here now and I LOVE RODINAL arrrrrrrrr. We have to warn you as we do with everyone though that Rodinal is A ... A ... Addictive Right I'm off to bed it's 2am here LOL night

[mikewhi]

I've viewed a number of impressive photos who's creators proudly tout the wonders of Rodinol. Some contributors here are devoutly loyal to the stuff. I can't blame them. Once you find something that works well for your, you tend to stick with it...

So, please forgive my naivete, when I ask, "So what's the big deal?"
general purpose developers?

I've used for a number of years, primarily in my 35mm days, but I still develop LF negatives in it, too. Rodinal, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1) Real sharp grain, not fine, but sharp.
2) Extrememly easy to mix and use
3) Really easy to vary dilutions for various film's contrast curves (slower films, more contrast, more dilution; faster films lower contrast less dilution)
4) Inexpensive
5) Lasts forever in it's concentrate form in the bottle. I must have some over 10 years old and it's still great.
6) Look at my gallery. All the night shots and the church interior are all Plus-X and Rodinal. I love the look of the negatives to this day. One of the rock abstracts is 5x7 EFKE ASA 25 film developed in Rodinal.

You really really can't go wrong using this developer.

-Mike

[Alex Hawley]

I compare Rodinal to single malt Scotch. Well worth the purchase.

[doughowk]

Article Appreciating Rodinal is good first step in use of Rodinal. Includes developing times for some popular films.