The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

Film Development 37
include Efke IR820®, Rollei Infrared®, and Kodak High Speed Infrared®. Ilford SFX 200® is
considered a near-infrared fi lm, as it is only able to record in the 740 nm range. (The higher
the spectral sensitivity the further into the infrared spectrum the fi lm is able to record. Efke
and Rollei both have spectral sensitivity in the 820 nm range, while Kodak records in the
900 nm spectrum. This makes SFX easier to use although the results are not as dramatic as
those obtained with true infrared fi lms.)
With the demise of Kodak Tech Pan® only two document fi lms remain: Adox CMS 20®
and Rollei ATP 1.1®.
Ilford XP2® Super chromogenic fi lm is an excellent fi lm choice for those who are not
able to develop their own. Based on color negative fi lm technology it can be taken to any
one-hour photo lab for development, and the resulting negatives can be printed using an
enlarger. Because of the orange dye mask, similar to the one seen on color negative fi lms, it
does take longer to expose photo paper when making a print, especially if the fi lm has been
overexposed. Use at the rated ISO of 400 or EI 500 for a slightly thinner negative that is easier
to print.
PRESOAKING FILM
There is absolutely nothing wrong with presoaking fi lm prior to development—it just isn’t
necessary in most cases. Presoaking is necessary and should always be used for the following:
● Tray development of multiple sheets of large-format fi lm using the shuffl e method.
● With development times less than fi ve minutes. Presoaking will ensure the complete removal
of the anti-halation backing with short development times—otherwise unevenness may occur.
Always presoak when making internegatives which are typically developed for 1.5 to 2 minutes
in D-72 (see also Chapter 13: Interpositives).
● With stand development (see below).
● When a specifi c process calls for presoaking.
AGITATION
The Importance of Agitation
Agitation is an integral part of fi lm development. It prevents chemical defects from occurring,
builds contrast in the negative, and has a direct effect on image sharpness. The fi rst benefi t,
preventing chemical defects, is accomplished within the fi rst minute of development. This
is because there are certain irreversible chemical defects that can begin within that time.
If allowed to begin, they become worse during the course of development. The solution is
continuous agitation for the fi rst 50 to 60 seconds.
The second, increased contrast is created by keeping fresh developer in contact with
high-density areas of the negative. The problem is that the developing agent becomes
exhausted in areas of high density such as clouds, snow, white clothing, etc., while in areas of
low density such as shadows or dark clothing the developing agent remains relatively fresh.