Monday, April 30, 2012

Can't Seem to Work With Ilford HP5+

Called in sick for work today. I've been running a slight fever and inflamed throat since last friday. It's a good chance to catch up on my backlog of undeveloped film.

The price of Kodak films went up by 15-20% in Singapore. I used to pay about S$6 on a roll of 400TX in 120 format. Now, I'd have to shell out something like S$8 once the new stock arrives in the store. No doubt that film is getting more and more expensive. The reason why Ilford HP5+ is looking more and more like a viable option. So, 2 weeks ago, I bought 10 rolls of them film in 120 format.

After developing about 6 rolls of them, making some developing adjustment in timing, I can say that it is nothing like the 400TX that I am used to. I rate both at EI800 most of the time and the negatives come out looking so different that either I learn to like HP5+ or mass import them from freestylephoto.biz(Have to wait about 2-3 weeks for each order though). I am too used to Tri-X. Even after adding 30% to my development time for HP5+, the negatives come out looking thinner than I am used to.

With film getting more and more expensive; I'll have to get rich, switch to a cheaper film or give up totally.