16mm plus-x rev. in Diafine?

[ALAN]

I'm interested in processing short test strips of 16mm - even single frame exposures - captured on my DIY workprinter. I'm very pleased with the neg. to positive conversion in the video camera,
so...

I'm curious about using DIAFINE developer - has anyone processed plus-x reversal [that's what I've got] as a negative, or anything else to recommend in Diafine - that they would be willing to share?

To keep it simple: I am thinking of processing 5-10 foot strips in a bucket line of DIAFINE (I'm 'out back' with minimal running water and temperature control) - of course a LOMO tank would be prefered, but their price seems to be doubling yearly.

TIA, alan

[richard p. t.]

I have never used diafine, but customers of mine have with good results. There is no reason to suspect it would be a problem. I think its a longer dev time than d76. Worth doing though.
A lomo is worth the investment. I generally find they cost me $200 including postage. If you do get one, don't expect it to work without 'tuning' the spacing between the spirals to 9mm for s8 or 17 for 16mm.
Am I right in thinking you are interested in Diafine because you feel you won't be able to get time and temp correct? Is that the perceived advantage?
cheers,
RT

[popcassady]

I haven't tried Diafine myself, but I don't see anything wrong in trying it. I'd be very interested in hearing how it turns out. I've been meaning to try Plus-x neg in a metol based two-bath that I use for my stills... but haven't had the time recently.

[ALAN]

Thank you for your kind responses.

Correct, the interest in Diafine arose from minimal control over tempering, no running water (if the 12 volt pump dies) and personal fatigue re. some 25+ years of pro-processing -- retired, I'd like to keep it as simple as possible - of necessity.

Looking around, I've come across a very interesting assertion that I have no reason to doubt:
Reversal film (Plus-X) has a very coarse grain (for primary, camera exposure) and a very fine grain (reversal exposure) - when processed as a negative you are using the coarse grain (very coarse it is asserted) - if developed in Rodinal it is sharp and 'interesting.' I was thinkinking of abandoning Diafine (for lack of contrast control) and trying D-76 (time compensated) instead.

My primary interest in Plus-X reversal was for fine grain and it's clear, waxed base for projecting and DIY transfer. It sounds like I just can't get there from here. Besides, I wouldn't want to spend that much cr. $200 for a Lomo tank unless it was the 100 foot version, and I don't see any available.

Back to the drawing board...

Cheers

[richard p. t.]

Thank you for your kind responses.

Correct, the interest in Diafine arose from minimal control over tempering, no running water (if the 12 volt pump dies) and personal fatigue re. some 25+ years of pro-processing -- retired, I'd like to keep it as simple as possible - of necessity.

Looking around, I've come across a very interesting assertion that I have no reason to doubt:
Reversal film (Plus-X) has a very coarse grain (for primary, camera exposure) and a very fine grain (reversal exposure) - when processed as a negative you are using the coarse grain (very coarse it is asserted) - if developed in Rodinal it is sharp and 'interesting.' I was thinkinking of abandoning Diafine (for lack of contrast control) and trying D-76 (time compensated) instead.

My primary interest in Plus-X reversal was for fine grain and it's clear, waxed base for projecting and DIY transfer. It sounds like I just can't get there from here. Besides, I wouldn't want to spend that much cr. $200 for a Lomo tank unless it was the 100 foot version, and I don't see any available.

Back to the drawing board...

Cheers

Right oh ... but you might consider 7231 Plus-X neg. Fine grain. Works well in DIY transfers too. Done it many times.
RT

[ALAN]

Plus-X neg. now there's a thought -- the only reason I didn't consider it was the fear it wouldn't stand up to projection, even @ cr. 5fps, but I guess I'll have to give it a go.

Thanks for the tip, alan

[ALAN]

Yankee brand processing tanks (@ B&H and Adorama, cr. $10-$20) feature reels that collapse to 110/16mm size for 5 foot lengths of film -- run time cr.12 sec @ 16fps -- sounds unbeatable for short test strips Sure beats $200 for experimenting purposes.

Maybe if I heat up some DEKTOL I'll get a little 'snap' into that Plus-X.

Cheers