Re: HIE grain question

[Peter De Smidt <pdesmidt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hondo wrote:
> 
> I hate to bring up an issue that has probably been dealt with a million
> times, but....here goes:
> 
> I love the look of Kodak HIE. However, I hate the grain.
> 
> I use D-76 at 68 degrees, for a time of 10 minutes with agitation every
> 30 seconds (which consists of 3 or 4 twists of the agitator knob on an
> old bakelite dev tank that I have).
> 
> Can anyone suggest something that might minimize the grain as much as
> possible? I know that if I really want less grain I should use another
> brand of film, but I just can't part with the look of HIE. I can deal
> with grain, I'd just like to minimize it as much as possible.
> 

Grain is pretty much a function of the film.  While the developer can
have some effect, this is only quite minor.  The best way to get
infrared response without much grain is to go to 4x5 HSI or 120 Konica
infrared.  If you can't do that, try xtol 1:1.  Finally, if you're
really gung-ho look up super fine grain developers in the Film
Development Cookbook by Anchell and Troop.  These developers, however,
will probably result in very low acutance.

Good luck,
Peter De Smidt
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