Fuji Neopan 400 on LOMO LC-W

(developed in Ultrafin Plus 1+4 @7:30mins)

Ultrafin is a film developer from the acclaimed and legendary Tetenal known for their high quality manufacturing standards. Ultrafin Plus is a super fine grain developer made for film like the Kodak T-Max, Fuji Neopan and Ilford Delta and so far, there is nothing that will make me say otherwise!

I have always been developing my B&W film with the Ilford DD-X up to now, but after the Ultrafin Plus I don’t think I am going back anytime soon. Why?

1. It does not have a strong toxic odor. 

2. It does not leave my film with an extreme soapy slippery feel post-development. (and this is just after a 10-min wash)

3. As you know alkali does not create a burning sensation like acid, but it does still eat through skin creating a prickly itchy feeling. The Ultrafin Plus? Not so much!

4. Results are more consistent without extreme super exposures by following the recommended times available on Digital Truth Photo.

5. It can be reused!!

From Wiki,

Developers, like Ultrafin Plus, can be mixed up and the mixed liquid can be kept and reused a number of times. Ultrafin Plus for example gives you approximately 12 rolls per 1 litre batch before depletion begins, and comes in bottles enough to make 2 litres, so effectively, 24 rolls.

With all that said, I am in no way saying that the Ilford DD-X is not a good developer because it is! I love how the DD-X treats grain and I have never been unsatisfied with my results. The Ultrafin Plus however is just a lot easier to predict and handle. The best thing about the DD-X is that I have gone through one dilution for over 15-20 rolls and it works fine. Let’s see how many rolls I can develop with my Ultrafin Plus mix before I see some loss in quality.

I also obtained some Kodak Professional T-Max developer just because I shoot a lot of T-Max film. Will check that out soon and compare results.

-eleanorrigby236