Developer Properties

[Russell J Rosener <rrosener@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It seems that there is some confusion about how film developers affect
grain structure of film. The best way to get smoother, finer grain is to
use a slower speed film, not a different developer. 
Someone mentioned that Rodinal makes grain larger. This is not exactly
true. What it does is to make the grain more visible. So called "fine
grain"developers like D-76 mask the grain by use of large quantities
of sodium sulfite. This actually dissolves more of the silver and makes
the image appear finer. Actually it reduces sharpness, or acutance.
        Rodinal contains virtually no sodium sulfite, so the intrinsic
grain structure of the film comes through. You also get sharper
enlargements with better detail. D-76 used at a 1:1 dilution is better at
resolving detail than D-76 used straight. 

Russ Rosener


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