Different films, different developers.

[@leslumieres1237]

The number of variables in shooting, developing and printing B&W photoś is nearly endless. One is bound to experiment, but once a nice combination is found, stick to it and refine to perfection. I developed and printed my first film in 1965 as a 12 year old, got lost many years, but 10 years later I stuck to Agfapan 100, Rodinal and Agfa paper; what a relief!

[@SteveONions]

I agree, after many years trying all sorts of films and developers I think the differences are exaggerated, picking one combination makes more sense.

[@justindavisphotography]

Steve, I’ve recently decided to get back into film for the first time since ‘98, and watching your videos have been really informative and helpful. I really do enjoy your photography and your videos. They truly are inspiring. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them and sharing them.

[@SteveONions]

I'm glad you like them Justin, KZbin is a great way of sharing ideas and I've picked up so much just by watching others at work.

[@mikehalsall8026]

Another issue to think about is what do you do with all the photos afterwards. With digital you file them on the computer and never see them again. Or with film you put them in a drawer and never see them again. We are told to make prints but are they worth putting on the wall, how much wall space do we have? So change them for the new ones and put the old ones in the cupboard and never see them again. Life is one long merry go round. Here’s to looking on the bright side.

[@SteveONions]

One of the reasons I started doing KZbin Mike, I needed an outlet for my photography.

[@1actionkamen]

I took me 10 years of going down that rabbit hole to find out all that i actually need for my photogrphy is Tri-X and D76. This is what I have actually started my film adventure with. Trying new stuff and introducing new variables to your photography is part of the fun. But over time when the thrill of trying the next best film and dev goes away you start realizing how little one or another combination contributes to your photography compared other factors like subject, light, composition or even your state of mind when you’re out shooting. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts on film photography.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve just recorded another video on this subject, I need to standardise a lot more 🙂

[@BRLaue]

The equivalent YT channel in the world of guitars and associated gear is ‘Five Watt World’. Well worth a viewing no matter your interest in the subject matter. A good place to start is: ‘How Many Guitars Do You Need?’

[@donyee8970]

I've been shooting since the 80's and I have a huge collection of developer and film. You're right it doesn't matter. This all reminds me of a Devo song Freedom of Choice. Part of it goes "Freedom of choice Is what you got Freedom from choice Is what you want" Its the images that matter. As with life, enjoy what you have and stop looking for something better.

[@rayjermyn4541]

so true, its funny ! After 40 years in the darkroom, I now use 2 films and one developer, one paper.It helps me to know in advance exactly what Im going to get

[@SteveONions]

My hero 😊

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

Excellent subject Steve!!!! Love the way you presented, especially the Final stroke with the appropriate music! So true and realistic, how we all have fallen into this labyrinth. Thanks for the options, love the simplicity one. And the others options are truly fantastic. Thanks for telling the truth, because most KZbinrs by ignorance and looking for more viewers are really bringing confusion to the analog world. Thanks, Steve! BTW Great images!!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Sammy 😊

[@jamessprenger7340]

Yep. Been there. Done that. Especially when I recently got back into film photography when I retired. After spending time (and money!) on the film/developer merry-go-round I decided to stick with one film and one developer. Not even going to mention what they are but it has been helping me to 'settle down' so to speak and learn about that combination and see what I can do with it. I'm sure I'll branch out eventually, but I want to make sure it's based on my understanding of how film and developers work.

[@SteveONions]

Now I’m really curious as to your single film/developer choice James 🙂

[@jamessprenger7340]

@@SteveONions HP5 and HC-110. I've been using the so-called 'dilution H' which I understand to be dilution B at half strength. Gives me some more leeway if I want to alter development times. I shoot both medium format and large format (4x5) although I am relatively new to the latter. I usually, but not always, expose at EI 200. In the recent past I have used FP4, Tri-X, the TMAX films, D-76, Ilfosol 3 and DD-X. However as my approach was rather scattershot I have decided to stick with my present combination for a bit. I started film photography in the late sixties but discontinued around 1985. So I even used Kodak Microdol back then. I even remember graded single weight papers, including AZO for contact printing! Glad to be back in it in my elderhood and re-learning the art. Your videos, along with other fine photographers are a big help.

[@emotown1]

@@jamessprenger7340 Pleased you elucidated on that - I found it very interesting. I have arrived at Ilford HC (the same stuff, I believe, so I'm told, as HC 110) as my do-it-all developer and I use it at 1:50. For 400 speed I found Rodinal too grainy and I found D76 too soft. HC seems to be in the middle somewhere - reasonably sharp, but not too grainy.

[@impressionsoflight9263]

0:08 “I’ve come out for a lovely easy ten mile walk today.” 10:17 Sucking in air like a Hoover 😂 Another excellent video Steve. 👍🏻

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@guilhermepachecomercado8226]

I commented here a few months ago (a year, possibly) and in my comment I said that even though I haven't photographed on film in over 10 years, I loved watching your videos. They relax me with your calm tone and always make me reflect on something in the photograph. And in these months (year, possibly) some things have changed. And it was quite recent. It hasn't been two months since I decided that I would go back to film photography. I bought some rolls of hp5 and apx 100 and a bottle of rodinal and I was still in the eternal doubt of "this was the correct way" to do it? And then I watch your video and, once again, you saved me. Thank you. =)

[@SteveONions]

Just shoot with what you’ve got Guilherme, it’s not critical which film and developer you use. 👍

[@johnlavin-ford8372]

OMG Steve!… That’s exactly how its been for me over the decades lol.. The attraction to those sweet boxes and fancy logos with the promise of something amazing…. I end up pretty much at the beginning again after a disappointingly long drawn out journey experimenting with marginal success with enormous amounts of deflation as most of the images were nothing like my mind promised me. Nice insight mate to the inner workings of a fellow photographer.

[@SteveONions]

I’m glad it’s not just me John, got another video soon on this subject, I have to change my approach.

[@ArguelloFlores]

It looks that Photography is a journey, with ups and downs. There are times that we want to be just on the "taking" role, and other just on the "touching" role, and other on both. As long as we manage to find joy in it, we will stick to it. Very appealing story about your "fictional" character, very well narrated Steve.

[@SteveONions]

It’s not me - honest 😀

[@richardhancock6235]

Interesting video. I'm asked all the time what film and dev I use. One thing you didn't mention was maintaining consistency across your images particularly if your working a a particular project. I do use different film stocks but only one developer. But when I'm working on a particular project I stick to only one film stock which I feel will give me the results I want. This means when I choose the final collection of photos for printing, exhibiting and publishing there is consistency across them all.

[@SteveONions]

You’re right Richard and this is something I think about a lot. It’s also why I rarely carry two camera systems at a time, I don’t like any imbalance in the resulting images.

[@grahamkilpatrick1566]

Great subject and being new to film photography I have fallen in love with the geekiness of looking at how different developers and film combinations give such vastly different look :) I am like a boy in a candy store and this range of choice is exciting and makes me giddy and makes me want to capture more images to try different combinations. So I think I found your mythical character he lives he and he is as happy as a pig in mud. Keep up the great content.

[@SteveONions]

You’re going to need a bigger fridge! 🦈

[@richardsimms251]

What a great topic to discuss !! Thank you.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Well done. You've been spying on my thoughts. Gorgeous photography. You are one of the rare KZbinrs that have the chops to actually share knowledge.👍🌟🌟🌟📷

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

For me, using different films, developers, cameras, lenses, formats etc is all part of the fun. I don't go out with a particular view of what I want to shoot, though it its an important subject, eg a trip somewhere special, then I'll fall back on Ilford films and chemicals and my better cameras. If its playing with a pinhole or toy camera then I'll mix it up a lot and try all sorts of weird things, and sometimes they're my most interesting pictures.

[@SteveONions]

Fair point David. I like to mess around as much as anyone but I know my photography improves quicker when I limit my choices.

[@joeltunnah]

Nice discussion Steve. Between Rodinal and Ilford DD-X, I never really felt the need to experiment with other developers. There was no look I wanted that I couldn’t get with one of those two. With b&w films I did experiment a lot, but ultimately settled on HP5. Kodak Double-X and Tri-X close runners up. All shot at 250, then slightly underdeveloped. In the end though, with film prices going through the roof, and my tendency to switch things up every few years, I went thermonuclear… sold all my film, film cameras, and everything. Quite happy now with a Nikon Z6ii, Lumix G9, and GX9. DxO has some fantastic film simulations. I know it’s not a 1 to 1 substitute, but darn close.

[@SteveONions]

If it works for you Joel then who could ask for more. I love my M43 cameras and love film too, a foot in both camps!

[@stephendeakin2714]

All excellent points, the biggest problem is identifying why we take photographs, what's the point? And answers to that question will I guess run into thousands of individual reasons.

[@PatAcct]

Steve! This is a video full of monologue! BUT, it is such an excellent monologue, it is self-reflective and down-to-earth monologue full of truth, insigth and incurrent advice. I've had the same problem and since then have come to know that less is more, lean is the mean. Bye bye those "burden" forever. I am happier now. Thanks for the great video thematizing this very topic.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Patrick, I’m on a journey to simplify things this year.

[@PatAcct]

@@SteveONions me too, continuously also.

[@cuxietube]

Wait a minute .... did you sneak into my house and check out my darkroom and refrigerator? I still have film and paper dating back to the early 90s, some refrigerated but not all it. Every film format form 135 to 8x10, b/w and color. Similar thing with the powdered developers although the liquid concentrates are not quite that old. Although for me that's not a problem. I had to take a break from my darkroom hobby for while but started up again about 3 years ago. Right now, getting ready for retirement, I just want to have fun, experimenting with vintage and antique equipment and processes. No pressure to please anybody or to even display my prints, just enjoying myself. As always, great video. Thanks for putting in the work :-)

[@SteveONions]

Powdered chemicals seem to last forever and some liquids do very well too. I’ve also got to keep it fun, it’s just for me at the end of the day.

[@poniatowski3547]

This is so bang on. should compulsory watching for anyone getting into film photography.

[@FreakTimmah]

Great subject! I've stuck to my Mamiya C3 and Ilford HP5 for the last two years. It's nice because I've really learned what the film and camera can and can't do well. It's easy to get sucked down a rabbit hole where you're spoiled for choice. I prefer to make those decisions up front and just work with what I have. Sometimes I miss opportunities but I really enjoy the simplified process.

[@SteveONions]

Agreed Tim 👍

[@autisticlife]

Well made video. What you said about dates rang a bell, looking at bottles of developer knowing they must be emptied.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll bet I’ve thrown out as much developer as I’ve ever made use of Richard.

[@stefanberndt3734]

I got some real good laught from this! Have to check some expiry dates tomorrow …

[@andreeasoare1079]

Great video, as always! In terms of film, I must admit, I picked up FP4 after watching a few of your old videos and I liked it! HP5+ is next on the list but the one I prefer is Tmax 3200. In terms of developer, my husband only uses D76 and as for paper, Fomabrom.

[@SteveONions]

Good choices, I like to shoot Delta 3200 in bad weather, lovely grain.

[@MrJollybox]

Again inspirational stuff Steve, I love the silver bullet comment at 5:45. I know I am totally guilty of chasing such... be it in cameras, formats, light meters, lenses, filters, chemistry, media, socks, whatever... At the end of the day - I like what works for me :) (Fuji Acros and Acros II and PMK)

[@SteveONions]

Glad it’s not just me 🙂

[@JHurrenPhotography]

That pinnacle moment, ho ho ho! You are such a clever narrator. Always a witty moment :) my fridge and freezer are full, and I've finally bought some different developers than the single one I've used this past year. Ultimately, I'm further down this rabbit hole than I care to venture. I need more time for shooting and printing. My ultimate obsession is cameras and lenses. I must kick this film collector madness to the curb. Winter always fires up the acquisition syndrome. Like musical chairs, in spring time I settle into the best equipment I accumulated and just fly with it. Thanks for another great video, Steve!

[@SteveONions]

You’re doomed James 😀

[@antonroland]

Great video as always, and right on target for me, Steve! It’s like you are describing where I was headed! Fortunately a horrible exchange rate and many other hobbies prevented me from going too far down this rabbit hole…

[@SteveONions]

A close shave Anton, keep it simple and you won’t go far wrong.

[@antonroland]

@@SteveONions Cheers! My Mamiya m645J is waiting in the wings. Ironing out a few bugs in my workflow…and there are MANY! Just such a joy to keep it simple and go out for the sheer joy of it and enjoying simple but good gear - no mess no fuss. Thanks for a great channel!

[@anthonycollingridge970]

Steve I agree with you on the developing front. For too long I bought commercial off the shelf developer. That was great and coinvent but with a short shelf life they became expensive. I have moved more towards Pyro/PMK style developers now that have huge shelf life (if stored correctly) and can spend the savings on other "essentials".

[@SteveONions]

Interesting Anthony, I have an unused 510 Pyro that has promise, especially in terms of longevity.

[@trulsdirio]

I have some Rodinal that came with a starter kit that I only used once and I have my bottle of FX-39 II that I use each and every time. It works for me. With film I 90% of the time go for Kentmere (100 for work with a flash and 400 for everything else), but there I like to test out something different very now and then. Every time I get film I just pick up one roll of something I have not had before, just for fun. But at the end I love knowing what to expect from and how to handle my Kentmere. Practice makes perfect and honing in on one film is something really worth doing to me!

[@SteveONions]

Sticking with limited options is almost certainly going to improve a persons photography.

[@penttisomerharju9229]

Hi Steve. Very good discussion indeed. While the multiple film/developer approach suits some people, over 40 year ago I decided to use only Ilford FP4 (or PanF) developed in Rodinal diluted 1:50, 1:75 or 1:100. Looking back to my images I can conclude that using other films or developers would not have significant improvement on those mages. Of course I realize that this largely due to my choice of subjects and conditions (light). And scanning the negatives and using image processing allows me to greatly compensate for most shortcomings due to my choice of film/developer. As you said, all that matters in the end is the choice of the subject...

[@SteveONions]

I agree, I’m not sure my film or developer choice affected my results to any great degree but it is fun to dabble 🙂

[@donmacdonald5863]

I have only just started out in film about a year ago. I have only used Ilford FP4+ and Ifosol developer. I was more interested in learning the techniques and the effects of filters. I am only just now thinking of trying some other types of film but I am happy with the results I get

[@SteveONions]

Keep it simple Don, results rarely improve when switching materials and most times they suffer.

[@ventility]

Been watching you for a while. Thanks for introducing me to the Bronica line. My ETR haa become my favorite medium format camera.

[@SteveONions]

Glad to be of assistance 🙂

[@michaelbruchas6663]

I have too many out of date film rolls in the fridge. 35mm and 120. I used Tri-X and Plus-X in my early years. Kodak chemicals. Plays with all kinds of imported b&w film. Loved EFKE. Basically an HP-5 fan for over 20 years but stopped developing at home. XP-1 then XP-2 for C-41 mini lab processing. Yeah - film is SO ADDICTIVE!

[@SteveONions]

I do like XP2 Michael, overall the best I’ve ever tried.

[@donaldcrawford5577]

interesting conclusions. we have all been there. agree, it is all about the image. film is still what it is all about. waiting for that image to appear, great feeling.

[@SteveONions]

Very true.

[@Paul020]

Steve, back when I started to do my own processing the choices were Tri-x, Panatomic-x, D76. 1 camera, 1 lens, eventually 2 lenses. Grade 3 fiber paper, eventually multi grade and RC. Think I was lucky. As has been said, there are too many voices with a lack of experiance expounding on photography. I feel sorry for people trying to start out with film now, they don't have the benefit of few choices. Using too many different materials can make someone a jack of all trades, master of none. Or just confused and have inconsistent results. Keeping it as simple as possible until one has a clear understanding of the variables regardless of how long the person has been shooting film makes the most sense to me.

[@SteveONions]

I also think people getting into film take the wrong route Paul. A lot will buy a medium or large format camera and struggle. I believe that staring out simple with 35mm and one film is a better approach and only step up once you’ve found your feet.

[@Paul020]

@@SteveONions yes, that's exactly how I was taught.

[@bigjim4231]

I really miss Kodak's Supper XX!

[@buyaport]

Oh, and by the way this funny Finnish guy Ari Jaaksi (I am sure you are also following his channel) actually made a spreadsheet about all the factors that come into play with film photography, and his conclusion was that film doesn't matter (it is not completely true, but he has got a good point! It is called Which film should you buy?)

[@utekopka7920]

Very interesting video Steve! I must confess I am a many films and one developer person. My main film is UN54 by Orwo which is only available in 35mm and Fomapan100 and FP4plus for medium format. But I also shoot N75 with less light and DN21 to shoot portraits wide open. LF10 is great for experimenting with overexposure solarization. My one and only developer is Rodinal. This is what my dad used when I was a kid and what he taught me to use. And I always develop and get wonderful results with 1:50 at 18 degrees Celsius, like he did and as stated in the old Agfa recipe books, except for solarization, which doesn't work at 18 degrees and requires 20.

[@spaqin]

UN54 is not just available in 35mm, thankfully. Lomo Potsdam it is also sold as; or current (fresh batches) Shanghai GP3 100. There's a guy who also cuts UN54 from bigger spools himself and tapes them to 120 backing paper and sells that, at least in Poland there was few months back.

[@utekopka7920]

@@spaqin The rebranded Lomo films are quite expensive compared to the original Orwo. At least there in Germany it's twice the price compared to IlfordFP4 and 3 times to Fomapan100. For UN54 it is hard to compare because I buy it in bulk. I always order 100ft rolls directly at Filmotec, and it is 53 Euros tax included for 17 films, which is a great price. GP3 100 is not from Orwo as far as I know but produced in China.

[@SteveONions]

Rodinal is a good match to many slower films, I also had great results with FP4+.

[@jonathanparkes8977]

Great video, I've just returned to black and white film photography after a 20 year plus gap. I've not done any of my own developing again yet but it does bring back memories of the number of bottles I had in the lab.

[@SteveONions]

It’s just a matter of time Jonathan 🙂

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Great images, Steve. I really enjoy the close-in views - the leaf being one of my favorites. Someone below mentioned having the benefit of starting out years ago with very few options, and I did the same. Coming back to film some 30+ years later, I am of the mindset of using only a couple of films (depending on format) and one or two developers for film and paper, just to keep my sanity and to explore each to learn their limitations. I would rather understand a few films and chemicals well and work within those boundaries than know just enough about a lot of films and chemicals to be dangerous LOL! Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

Well I’ve just recorded a new video on the subject of standardising etc, might be out in a couple of weeks (or months) 🙂

[@oldfilmguy9413]

@@SteveONions I look forward to it!

[@borderlands6606]

When I returned to film in 2009, I had the same problem of stale developer. I couldn't shoot fast enough before a 5 litre bottle of ID11 expired. Since 2010 I've stuck to Rodinal exclusively, with either Fomapan 100 or FP4. Plenty sharp, not the finest grain but suits my binge film shooting with fallow periods on digital. Colour film is a different issue. A freezer full of the stuff I'm getting through at glacial pace, and C41 chemistry goes off way quicker than I can shoot. Why do we make life so difficult for ourselves?

[@SteveONions]

Hehe, I know what you mean. When it comes to C-41 chemicals I’ve found they last a lot longer than stated. I use them regularly up to 6 months one and even experimented with an exhausted batch that was 12 months old - worked fine. I store them in the fridge and top them off with a squirt of Protectan after each use.

[@barriegrundy4004]

great video, I really really enjoyed this ......great images....lots to think about....

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Barrie.

[@stuartbaines2843]

😂 ‘Not seeing wood for trees’ I only have One developer ! One camera? If Only 😅👍

[@FlosBlog]

That’s a timely video. I just started film photography a few weeks ago and referred to my ilford boxes as sweets yesterday 😄

[@SteveONions]

More like drugs to be honest 😊

[@azfactor7875]

You may have missed a few shots, but provided us with well-considered musings as a result. I think your conclusion points towards an Aristotelian Golden Mean approach.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bob - I’ve been mulling over the options since making this video back in September.

[@alasdairdougall7868]

Yes, the journey of discovery is not necessarily a bad thing, but you have identified a big issue in using the internet to discover things. While there is a lot of information that is really good, there is far more nonsense on how you have push, pull, develop a certain way or stand on your head to make things work. I will still explore different films, developers or papers, but I will immerse myself in a combination for a good few months to learn the true characteristics of the combinations. So, I guess I am saying that experimenting is good, but have a disciplined approach to your workflow to ensure you fully understand what you can achieve.

[@SteveONions]

Good point Alasdair. Without the internet I was forced to keep it simple as I slowly found things that worked for me. I had a smaller range of materials and this was a good thing.

[@marcosviniciod1830]

Great video and excellent subject! In my opinion, they are not just images, nor are they just correct and final choices of equipment and films, they are experimentation and alchemy, many of us are more than photographers, we are sorcerers' apprentices watching the captured "reality" emerge from each developer, in each moment in a different personality in a different size grain and with a bokhe that only "that" lens brings. I think it's not about the arrival, but about the journey. And for the practical and rational, those who are not complicated, always have the cell phone or that digital camera that imitates the "best" results, but then it's not a trip anymore, it's a teleportation, so how will I enjoy the way?

[@SteveONions]

I’m less concerned with the subtleties Marcos if I’m honest, although some films and developers appeal to me I am not certain that the viewers notice it.

[@marcosviniciod1830]

@@SteveONions I agree, few people notice some subtleties these days

[@tgchism]

In my case right now, choice is driven by necessity. I'm not shooting enough to use the developer I've been using before it all goes bad so, I'm looking more toward one that is easy to use (mix) and will last a while. Throw in that it's gets hot in the summer in my area and keeping 20C temps for my developing a challenge, trying developers that can work at warmer temps might be appealing too. Beautiful surroundings and shots once again by the way!

[@SteveONions]

I also struggle to use up large batches (5L) of developers like XTOL so I stick with long lasting stuff like 510 Pyro. I also make my C-41 developer go well past it’s sell by date by storing it in the fridge and top it off with a squirt of Protectan after every use.

[@tgchism]

@@SteveONions I'm hoping to try one of the Pyro developers at some point! I haven't tried color film development yet, it's on the list to try too! nice tip on keeping it longer! Thanks!

[@jasongold6751]

So true! KISS. Keep it simple. I use almost 100% Ilford products except film Developer HC-110. Later it will be Blazinol. I'm a cheapskate.. Us one film, keep Notes! Keep chemicals in normal heat room. Replace fixer regularly. 400 ISO is more than sufficient. Pushing is dumb! Use digital for "dark" light! Personally, never bothered. Again, a stellar episode!

[@SteveONions]

Wise words Jason 👍

[@jasongold6751]

@@SteveONions watching friends and fellow pros! Thank You.

[@c.augustin]

As film has a much longer shelf life than chemicals, and because it is simpler to have just one set of chemicals, I've gone with the multiple-films-one-developer route when I re-started doing self-develpment (it was different some decades ago). D-76 does a good job (or ID-11, but D-76 is cheaper here in Germany and easier to handle), and with C-41 it is always that way. Keeps things nice and simple. (Well, I actually shoot mainly 4x5 these days, and there film makes a larger difference than developer anyways.)

[@SteveONions]

I’d favour multiple films myself but I do like XP2 which means doing C-41 (or send it to a lab). I also see little difference with the larger formats.

[@fricki1997]

I can honestly say - when it comes to B/W developing, don't bother too much with the expiry date unless you're a professional photographer working for a client. Currently I'm using some old 35mm film stock that was originally used to image heart catheters via x-ray in a clinic in Münster in 1980. Got it with my first film loader, and it still exposes well at ISO 100 with very fine grain. I also develop my film in powder Xtol from the same year, still works like a charm, as does my film paper from 1990. If I wanted quick and perfect results, I'd use my digital camera anyway :)

[@SteveONions]

Some films last really well Leon, other are more temperamental. I keep most stuff in the freezer and have never had any problems thankfully.

[@jonnoMoto]

I used to be a 2 film and 1 developer person. Neopan 400 and 1600 with Rodinal. Used that for years. Then those films got discontinued and I've tried so many combinations, never truly happy with any. I'm trying to rationalise to a few films, delta 400/3200, foma 100/400 with 1 developer xtol. But the urge to try something else is always there. Btw, liked the pacing of the video more here.

[@SteveONions]

Plenty of grain with those Neopan films and Rodinal (I also used them and back in 2010 the 400 speed was just £2 a roll!).

[@geraldfawley5557]

I can't resist multiple films, but I have found that HC110 will give me what I want most of the time.

[@SteveONions]

It’s definitely one of the few great all rounders.

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

Love it, you didn't say which film and developer you were using it - that was the best bit! You made your point. Very enjoying discussion verging on a rant. However definitely worth saying. Fantastic bit of scenery, I miss Ireland though. These days I'm more interesting in printing on ancient Germanic bromide papers - auld Lith session once a week. Concerning my film and developer choices I'm content. Oh before I go, you forgot to mention about alkaline or acidic based fixers too.... so disappointed. LOL

[@SteveONions]

Hehe, the old fixer debate (let’s not even get into the bit about low dilution short fox times!). I’m all set to start wading through my old stash of Kodak paper on the quest to find a lith mix that works with it!

[@charlesfensky2105]

Thank-you Steve, at am at the start of this journey with home development and you wisdom is much appreciated.

[@SteveONions]

Keep it simple Charles 👍

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

My most used films are FP4+, HP4+ and Acros II which I all like in Ilfosol 3, which is so far the developer I used the most. I like to play around with various, discontinued films like Plus-X, Verichrome Pan, Agfapan APX100 and 400. Ilfosol 3 didn't exist when they were around so I use ID-11, XT-3 or Rodinol for those films. They are good to have as a back-up since Rodinal and the powdered developers last forever, something that is less true for Ilfosol 3. I have to say that only use one developer at a time. If I for example shoot Verichrome Pan which I want to develop in XT-3, I will wait with mixing up XT-3 until the Ilfosol is finished. For enlarging - which I only have done a couple of times - until know I stick with just one developer (Adox MCC) and one paper (Ilford Multigrade RC Pearl finish).

[@SteveONions]

Keeping to a limited set of materials is the way to go Uwe, that’s my goal for the end of 2022.

[@jameslane3846]

Thanks for the brief shout out for 510 Pyro, Steve! Good thing it's also something that never goes off like Rodinal and HC110! But it gives a completely different look from them of course There are many films, developers, papers and paper developers as you said but that's a good thing! It allows for people to experiment and find the combination that suits their style the best If everyone was just shooting HP5 with ID11 printed on Ilford FB Classic developed with Multigrade, it would get boring quick as everything will look the same no matter how amazing the composition and lighting of the individual photos. I use 3 main film developers to meet 90% of my work for example depending what I shot and what I want for results My opinion of course

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James. I think the differences between materials are often overstated and people convince themselves that they see things that don’t really exist. I take your point on the ‘standard’ B&W look from the classic materials and whilst I do enjoy that I also want to experiment at times. I’m sure I’ll get round to using the 510 this year 🙂

[@ldstirling]

I use both HC-110 and Rodinal to develop my B&W film. I chose them because they come super concentrated and are shelf stable for years. I don't develop enough to make a different developer with a short shelf life worth it. Additionally, HC-110 and Rodinal give a different look to film, can both be used at many different dilutions, and can be used to stand develop and push film pretty well. In terms of B&W film, I have tried a bunch, but I haven't devoted months or years to a single film. I don't particularly like Tri-X, and I prefer HP5. I love Acros II and have gotten great results with Fomapan 100. They no longer make Ultrafine Extreme film, so I'm sad to see that go. I have tended to shoot Kodak Tmax more than Ilford Delta. I have not come close to trying all the B&W films out there.

[@SteveONions]

The developers you use are indeed very long lasting, I have them as a backup to the likes of Xtol which I rarely finish in time.

[@1973sonvis]

Interesting thoughts! Great video! :)

[@brycepinson8641]

Great video Steve. I like the part at the end that it really doesn't matter which film or developer (camera, lens, digital, etc for that matter).You can firmly put me in the multiple films/one developer club. I started with Ilfosol 3, but it wasn't versatile enough so I switched to HC110 and have used it for everything since (with different dilutions/times/techniques)... I've shot with a number of films, but for 'important' work I keep it simple with just 2-3 films that I know well and trust.

[@SteveONions]

Simple is definitely best Bryce and HC110 is up there as the most versatile developer for sure.

[@armanddimeo6575]

It is interesting that you also shoot Micro 4/3, since I am a Micro 4/3 shooter who also shoots film, including B and W. I wonder if there is a correlation between Micro 4/3 and film. I remember in one of your earlier videos that you did say that you thought Micro 4/3 had more of a film-like look than other digital formats. I have resolved this dilemma by shooting a variety of films by one manufacturer, i.e., Ilford, and sticking to one developer, ID-11. ID-11 is a good middle of the road developer that works well with a variety of films and allows shooting the film at around the rated ISO. I grew up on Kodak B and W film and used to shoot it but have decided to stick with Ilford for sake of simplicity. The Pan-X and Plus-X of yesteryear are gone and I never really connected with the T-Max films. I find Ilford 400 Delta to be a good alternative to Tri-X.

[@SteveONions]

I still think M43 is more film like and less false. I also like Delta 400, video on this coming soon 👍

[@millerviz]

Been down more than a few rabbit holes with photography. I have way too many cameras for sure. Films and developers, however, has not been one of them. I've tried a few, but now I just shoot Ultrafine Extreme 400 and develop in Rodinal. The film is cheap and I like the look and Rodinal is also cheap, easy to prepare one batch at a time, and I like the look. I do play with agitation schemes a bit to vary the look, but that's about it. As for cameras, it's medium format. RB67 or maybe a Mamiya 645 or the C330. Now I need to do something with all those other cameras!

[@SteveONions]

If it works then stick with it. Im also struggling with drawers full of cameras and lenses, most rarely see the light of day.

[@motodiaries8204]

@@SteveONions Most of mine are just a collection of cool old artifacts. I love them but I end up shooting just 2 or 3.

[@dayadodds9940]

Love the video. I’ve now after many years of messing about with different films.. developers.. keep it dead simple. Fomapan 100 or 400.. dev D23 stock or rodonal R09.. focus on what I want to say with my images.

[@SteveONions]

Composition and light trumps everything else.

[@dayadodds9940]

@@SteveONions indeed. It is easy to get caught up in the tec but really it is an artistic expression. I now shooting 6x12 pin hole so… not even a lens! Haha

[@mesires1]

So true .... really great video.

[@GONZOFAM7]

A timely video for me as I am switching from cinestill df96. I'm going use the single film multiple developers method. I now have a bottle each of HC110 and Rodinal and Fomapan 200.

[@SteveONions]

Hope it goes well Jaime.

[@rgssaurus930]

Yes that was me filmwise and cameras. When I started developing i chose rodinal for longevity. Now I'm dumping c41 film and shoot mostly foma100 and TriX. Provia for color and that's it. This video is right on the spot, maybe it'll help some realise the path they're taking

[@SteveONions]

I do hope it helps Rogério (me included!). More on this soon in another related video.

[@GaetanCormier]

Ohhhh the stack of Bromide WSG.2S paper :O One jaleous guy here!!!

[@SteveONions]

I need to get a lith mix that works with that paper Gaetan 👍

[@Poverello2001]

Guilty as charged! I’m always looking for something new to improve my photos, whether it be analog or digital. If I only shoot the right film with the right camera and the right lens and print it on the right paper, my photos would be amazing! Or maybe if shot medium format, or instant film, then I would truly reach the apex in photography. In reality, not one piece of gear can make me better. The way to get better is practice, practice, practice.

[@SteveONions]

Being out there shooting is 90% of the battle, having the right camera is just a bonus.

[@CalumetVideo]

Steve, Great video as always! My workflow has most recently been developing Black and White negatives in Monobath, it’s a quick one step process. If I choose to go the 3 part development it’s usually using Kodak developer, stop and fixer. For color, it’s the Cinestill C-41 and E-6 kits they all work great for me. However, my color work is starting to go more digital. In B&W films I find myself using Tri-X 400 and Ilford HP5, I really appreciate the grain these films offer. In color, it’s usually Kodak Ektar 100 or Kodak Ektachrome. Ever once in a while I will use Fuji Provia or Velvia. It all depends on the look one is after, less grain or more grain.

[@SteveONions]

I’m committed to cutting down my options this year, too much choice kills creativity.

[@Dr.GeoDave]

Nice discussion of a shared topic. Personally I’ve migrated toward two liquid developers with reported long shelf life, HC110 and Rodinal. I got tired of disposing of oxidized chemicals as well as wondering if the chemicals were still good. Still considering films but trying to reduce to a couple in each of T-grain and traditional. While I love the darkroom part of photography, I need to concentrate more on just making images.

[@SteveONions]

HC-110 is a favourite of many, keeps forever and works with everything 👍

[@cdl0]

The answer to the question posed by this video is to watch this channel, and pick the ideas that you like best. Other channels are available for viewers who fail to find anything they like; there are probably not many of them.

[@kenblair2538]

Great one, Steve. Yes, it could be me, (7 bikes, 4 turntables, multiple cameras ) I have limited myself to using one 4x5 camera, two medium format and two 35mm cameras. I have settled on one film brand (Fomapan , except for large format , T-Max) and two developers. And three digital papers. I am most excited, with using film again and creating images, that are printable and hanging on my walls. Just love the images, and great inspiration . Thanks, Ken

[@SteveONions]

That’s hardly restricting yourself Ken!

[@kenblair2538]

@@SteveONions Thanks Steve, got to have some flexibility. 👍

[@thevalleyofdisappointment]

Its almost as if these endless options for you to research and buy are there to help you avoid actually going out and to take pictures! One camera one lens and one film. Add EFFORT and go flex your creative muscles...

[@SteveONions]

Surely you aren’t implying that I never go out and actually shoot ☺️

[@JohnTomasella]

No such thing as too many films and developers, though I do have 2 favorite black and white films, Fomapan 100 and Ilford Delta 100.

[@georgeosier5459]

I also make my own Kodak D-23 ... love this developer with medium format !!!

[@seoulrydr]

Your posture is as straight forward as your content. I bet a 90 pound bag couldn't slouch you. Fun vid - thank you!

[@SteveONions]

Not sure I’m up for a 90lb bag (unless it’s full of film 😊).

[@danem2215]

I find exploring film to be more interesting than developers, but I'd be perfectly fine with confining myself to the likes of Tmax and Foma. Also I'm glad I'm not the only one suckered in by packaging. I save my film boxes for no reason other than I like how they look.

[@SteveONions]

How long before Ilford and Kodak start offering customisable boxes? 😀

[@danem2215]

@@SteveONions That would be brilliant actually. Could make them akin to Coke bottles. Would be a great way to gift rolls to friends and family

[@AustenGoldsmithPhotography]

I'm still looking for a simple portfolio of films and developer combos , I'm sure I will nail it down eventually. You never mentioned DDX , I resent the cost per roll but so far it seems to be a potential one dev contender ( so far ) The pathway to simplicity can be complicated but perhaps we all have to do it Keep it humble

[@SteveONions]

I like DDX but it is very expensive and won’t keep like HC-110 or Rodinal. Nice look though.

[@frstesiste7670]

I've just started with film after 15 years of almost only digital. I'll just have the films developed at a local lab and scan them for now. Bought a couple of different types, but might end up standardizing on one type, or not. It'll be interesting to see if my film-interest take off. I have equipment for developing, but doubt I'll get into that again. Cant say I miss the chemicals and the darkroom.

[@SteveONions]

Keep it simple - resit the urge to experiment too much 😊

[@JOSEKLRANGEL]

So interesting topic !!! And is so true hahaha !!

[@MaggieKB]

Yet another spot on video! I have not succumbed to the multiple film stocks too much or developers as I bulk load Kentmere and use Rodinal but I have been repeatedly annoyed by doubt. That doubt is what it would be like to use another film and developer combo. I did purchase two 100 foot reels of Delta 100 and 400 and DD4 developer but I can't seem to free myself up to actually use them. That is super annoying. And if that weren't bad enough. I did succumb to the gear. Film cameras and lenses have been so cheap that somehow I managed to get over 20 bodies and far too many lenses. I finally answered the question of what it is like to use pretty much every top brand and many lower ones and found that I can get just as good images with all. So will I sell many off? Nagging stuff this is.

[@SteveONions]

There’s no answer Maggie unless you’re prepared to sell if the vast majority of the equipment and never buy it back again. I’ve done this twice 😊

[@buyaport]

Nailed it! 100%. No more to say. (Other than I only the other day discovered a 5-pack of Provia 100 exp. date June 2019, which escaped the fridge, between some newer Portra packs. Also wondering if that old box of E-6 developer is still ok...? "Forgot" to shoot slide, as I was in BW mood for a while. I guess I'll just give it a minute or so more developing time. Experimenting all the time.)

[@SteveONions]

I bet that Provia will be fine. Two years or so isn’t critical as long as it hasn’t been kept in a hot place.

[@greggreaves1727]

Is this really what wales looks like in the winter? Being from Canada, I could go for some of that scenery about now. #winterfatigue. Great video. it rings true.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll confess, it was September Greg, right now everything is dull and wet.

[@redbank542]

Having only just recently returned to film and home developing, I’m trying out Ilfosol 3. Happy so far. I used to only use ID11. After only ever using FP4 and HP5, I’m giving Kentmere Pan 100 & 400 a try. Have the 100 in my OM10 which I’ve just fitted new seals to and cleaned the lens inside and out. Time to test and see if the light meter is still accurate. Enjoyed the video

[@SteveONions]

Hope you have fun on your latest journey, can’t go wrong with those films.

[@oudviola]

Very nicely put Steve, and as always beautiful images (and thoughtful). I've gone the multiple films, one developer route, since I play with 35mm, 6x7 and 4x5 cameras already. Mostly FP4, HP5 and PanF, with HC-110 dil B. I don't like the look of the T-grain films, I gather they do better with other more dedicated developers.

[@SteveONions]

The more modern films do seem more sensitive to exposure and development Mark.

[@lgude]

I certainly fell into this labyrinth in the sixties but I suppose youthful poverty kept in check. Then I began to notice the when I would come back to D76. I tried Microdal-x to get finer grain but was somehow less satisfactory. So I kept trying different developers but always checking them against D-76. Roninal @200 to 1 was my favourite 1 shot. HC110, despite its attractions, never produced results I liked at all. Back to D-76 despite the then universal advice that HC110 was very similar to D-76. This may seem completely wrong to contemporary photographers- I don’t know, but my conclusion was to experiment, but avoid getting too far into the possibilities and limit myself to a few combinations the produced the most predictable results. I’ve tried going back to film but strongly prefer digital. I love m4/3 because of having an open system with a wide range of choices from Panasonic and Olympus and that I can still carry them around at 80.

[@SteveONions]

I'm also a big fan on M4/3 and have used the system for 10 years now, a perfect balance of quality and size. I'm also more fond of ID11 than HC110 for 35mm work, at 1:1 I prefer the tonality and grain. In larger formats I can see far less difference between them and at that point the long life and frugality of HC-110 makes sense.

[@Paul020]

Steve, 2 questions. I see you have a stove in that backpack. Looks like there's room for the kitchen sink too. Is it in there ? Seriously, I'm sure you must have thousands of frames on various film formats. How do you store and keep track of it all. I specifically mean the film not scans. Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@SteveONions]

I keep all my negatives in ring binders Paul. I write the date/location on them along with the developer and camera/lens. Seems to have worked fine for the past 40 years. 👍

[@richardhale9664]

Its not just film and associated developers and paper. I have been on a quest to find the perfect camera/lens for years. I now have more than I can shake a stick at. And all at considerably more expense than films, developers and paper! Still no perfect camera or lens. Actually though when it comes to film I like XP2 for B&W. I used to like Velvia for slides but it is now cost prohibitive. I also liked Superia 200 (no longer available). So now for colour film it is Ektar for ultimate saturation/detail but I am still struggling to find a medium speed colour film I actually like. If I shot people though I would be happy with Kodak Gold.

[@SteveONions]

I’m still looking too Richard, no camera fits me perfectly. Same with film, I do like XP2 a lot but it can’t do everything. For colour films I still miss Fuji Reala, the best colours I’ve ever seen in a negative material.

[@Kref3]

FP4 and HP5 (if necessary) in all formats, Delta 100 sometimes in small format if I need a little less grain. All developed in XTOL. Ektar 100 for color. And If I am honest: I could do with FP4 alone.

[@SteveONions]

XTOL does give a lovely smooth grain structure to most films, especially the Delta range. I’m less fond of it for HP5+ where I’d go with ID11 or 510 Pyro.

[@skipwilliamsnj]

While I should use more developers, I’ve standardized on HC110 and Ilford Rapid FIxer. Why? For most films, one of the dilutions works well. They’re both liquids, so don’t go bad quickly. I use HC110 one-shot for each developing session. All this is for simplicity. I would use XTol, but 5L is not by bag and it does bad. For Film, I standardized on Delta 100/400 or Double-XX 200. I have some specialty film, but those work well for me. Again, less things to think about.

[@SteveONions]

Nice choice. HC-110 is hard to beat although I prefer Xtol (just never finish a whole 5l before it goes off).

[@brianeibisch6025]

Whilst the real fun of film photography, is the chemistry; When confronted with this very real, multitude of quandaries, it is probably time to go digital.

[@SteveONions]

I’d never describe the chemistry as the fun bit Brian.

[@brianeibisch6025]

C’mon Steve, don’t be so negative!! (Excuse the pun)

[@jcollins1305]

Gear acquisition syndrome affects every hobby. I shoot three cameras (two rolleis and a Sony a7ii) and two films right now (tri-x and ektar) I have no plans to acquire more cameras or film, but plans were made to be broken! 😂

[@SteveONions]

I’ll give it till June 😊

[@wochenendedestodes9015]

LOL. Well my choice was very easy when I started with film photography: no money, thus use the cheapest option. Agfa was going down and APX100 was thrown on the market for no money. So THAT was my film ;-). Today mostly ADOX films.

[@SteveONions]

I remember just over 10 years ago when Neopan 400 was £2 a roll and Provia in 4x5 was dirt cheap 😢

[@RandyPollock]

Bravo!

[@SteveONions]

🙂

[@erichstocker8358]

I am partially guilty of this. However, my goto film is TMAX 100 and when I need more speed TMAX400. When I'm testing equipment or approach then I use a cheaper film like Formapan and Kentmere. I also based on some of your videos have started using XP when appropriate (mostly in 120). I love Rollei films but for special purposes use Rollei infrared. However, I mostly use XTOL 1:1. For those films where development time might be too long I use HC110 dilution B. For Adox films I use the appropriate Adox developer. I gave up printing as I just don't have the space anymore. So, I'm mostly a hybrid film shooter. I think I have built up an approach where I know when to use specialty films like the Rollei or Bergger. But still a bunch of film!! I don't have the paper problem though. ;-)

[@SteveONions]

I also favour Xtol 1:1 for most things that aren’t XP2 with HC-110 or ID-11 a close second.

[@rogers3252]

Spot on, Steve. Great video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert.

[@yl9154]

I could live with only the good old Acufine (the single part one, not to be confused with Acufine Diaphine)! The one that came in a can. Extra speed and fine grain. Sadly, it is hard to get these days. But maybe there are now others just as good.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve never tried that one but heard a lot of good things about it (must resist).

[@alanpods______8260]

Ha.. yes! I don't even shoot landscapes much, largely prefer colour to bnw, and get most of my stuff lab developed, yet so much of this rang true! Substitute 'developer' and 'paper' for 'lenses' and 'cameras', and this satire pretty much describes my-photography-hell. - Sigh -