Mass Order Diafine b/w Developer

[Patryk]

Hi, anybody interested in ordering Diafine developer? Does wonders for black and white developing, just drop a little note if you're interested. You can find out the great stuff diafine can do on the internet, especially the ability to push tri-x to 1600 without the grain being affected and almost leaving developing times worry-free, as it has such a big developing time latency. Just finding out who's interested, and if possible, will find out a way to mass order.

[West_ray]

how much will one cost?

[sequitur]

i'm interested. subject to cost.

[Patryk]

I'll get back to you guys with the price. It will evidently be slightly more pricey than normal developers, but it'll be worth it as you can reuse this mother quite a number of times....and for those who are also interested just drop a little note too...i think i can go order from overseas through someone in offstone...

here's the link on what diafine can do:
http://sddunnam.home.comcast.net/diafine_developer.htm

[sfhuang]

Do check out a similar thread on Offstone forums some time back (about 1 yr ago). The costs in bringing it in via MO are very high because of customs cost (that is, *IF* US/Singapore customs allow it through, with the heightened security checks). Fact is, you will likely end up paying >$100 for just 1 gallon mix. A cheaper alternative is to ask someone who's flying to the States to bring it back for you. I got mine this way for just $50 (or $60 I can't remember).

[sequitur]

lol

yeah perhaps

i'm not dying for diafine, i'm happy with my current developer..

[canturn]

I'm ordering about six of the 1 gallon pack from the States. It's about $53-56 per unit via airmail. The last time I ordered it was $60 per gallon pack, during the days when US dollar was high.

Each gallon pack can last you for a VERY long time.... let's put it this way, I've ran through 70 rolls of tri-x from the 1.5 liter bottle and it is still going strong. Still have another 1.5 liter in sealed bottle waiting to be opened

Anyone interested?

[OpenLens]

Originally Posted by canturn I'm ordering about six of the 1 gallon pack from the States. It's about $53-56 per unit via airmail. The last time I ordered it was $60 per gallon pack, during the days when US dollar was high. Each gallon pack can last you for a VERY long time.... let's put it this way, I've ran through 70 rolls of tri-x from the 1.5 liter bottle and it is still going strong. Still have another 1.5 liter in sealed bottle waiting to be opened Anyone interested?

I certainly am if:

1) I can pay via PayPal
2) If you can get it to Taipei

Looks like it works well with my favorite flavor HP5+, too. Has anyone tried it with the new Tri-X emultion?

[OpenLens]

After some quick calling around to friends, it looks like Adorama in NY will ship to Asia...well, at least Taiwan but I can't see Singapore being an issue. I mean, it's not like it's *gum* or anything

Anyway, they tell me that shipping is about the same price as the product itself, so the total for 1 Gal. would come to ~US$30. Just to be sure that they would ship to the region I dropped a note to their info email.

Here is their catalog link:

http://www.adorama.com/CHDG.html?sea...fine&item_no=1

[canturn]

Originally Posted by OpenLens I certainly am if: 1) I can pay via PayPal 2) If you can get it to Taipei Looks like it works well with my favorite flavor HP5+, too. Has anyone tried it with the new Tri-X emultion?

Okay, HP5 vs tri-x in diafine...

Ever since I started darkroom printing, tri-x in diafine has been my fav. combination.

Skin tone wise, HP5+ has the advantage.

However, a few things about tri-x that has an edge over HP5+ in diafine...

1. HP5+ loses out in terms of speed. The ideal ASA to use is 800, which IMO is a little slow. I've done a couple of HP5+ pushed to 1250 developed using microphen - fine grains and doesn't give you that 'pushed' look. Tri-x, on the other hand, can go as high as 1250 (some folks even pushed it to 1600).

2. Personally, I do find the negative a little flat when using HP5+ in diafine. End up having to print at grade 3.5 to 4 to get the desired contrast. Tri-x on the other hand, is very contrasty in diafine...prints very well on diffuser type enlarger at grade 1.5 - 2.

3. This sounds lame, but there's no bulk film for HP5+ in Singapore. But tri-x's readily available in tins

[OpenLens]

Originally Posted by canturn Okay, HP5 vs tri-x in diafine... Ever since I started darkroom printing, tri-x in diafine has been my fav. combination. Skin tone wise, HP5+ has the advantage. However, a few things about tri-x that has an edge over HP5+ in diafine... 1. HP5+ loses out in terms of speed. The ideal ASA to use is 800, which IMO is a little slow. I've done a couple of HP5+ pushed to 1250 developed using microphen - fine grains and doesn't give you that 'pushed' look. Tri-x, on the other hand, can go as high as 1250 (some folks even pushed it to 1600).

Are you referring to the old or new Tri-X emultion? There may be differences. The insert that comes with Diafine lists the optimal EI for the old emultion.

Quote: 2. Personally, I do find the negative a little flat when using HP5+ in diafine. End up having to print at grade 3.5 to 4 to get the desired contrast. Tri-x on the other hand, is very contrasty in diafine...prints very well on diffuser type enlarger at grade 1.5 - 2.

Yeah, that's where the major difference is between Tri-X and HP5+ (developer-not-included). Tri-X has a higher "default" contrast while HP5+ has a better "default" tonal range. Both can be adjusted as one sees fit through developer choice and bath time/dilute...but diafine doesn't have that ability. Basically, you have to take what you get with it...can't water it down for a longer bath and thus higher contrast or vice-versa. And reading the material on it, it seems that diafine is better suited to higher contrast films and scenes...a natural for Tri-X

Quote: 3. This sounds lame, but there's no bulk film for HP5+ in Singapore. But tri-x's readily available in tins

Not lame. I can't find bulk roll HP5+ (or any Ilford film) in Taiwan either and it frustrates the h*ll out of me.

[canturn]

New elmusion...

Friend uses old 320txp 220 format... that one u can rate at EI 1600, no prob

[OpenLens]

Originally Posted by canturn New elmusion... Friend uses old 320txp 220 format... that one u can rate at EI 1600, no prob

I have a few rolls of new Tri-X already (HP5+ has sold-out island-wide thanks to their 2+1 packs). Now I will just have to wait with CC in-hand for Adorama to get back to me on shipping cost

[Patryk]

Hey canturn, pls contact me again when you're about to go to the states so that i can order a bottle... thanks...

[plsoong]

can turn,

anyway u can think if bringing in contrast graded AGFA papers?

[alloy]

Will definitely be interested to buy this developer if the deal is still on. So is the MO still on

[nicky]

Is this MO still on ? I'd like to place orders if it is.

[Larry]

sorry to disturb any MO if there is, but i've 2 cans of Diafine available. bought too much from the last MO, and i hardly got time to do B&W processing nowsadays. anyone interested, pls PM me, i will let go @ the same price i got them - $60 each.

[canturn]

Originally Posted by Larry sorry to disturb any MO if there is, but i've 2 cans of Diafine available. bought too much from the last MO, and i hardly got time to do B&W processing nowsadays. anyone interested, pls PM me, i will let go @ the same price i got them - $60 each.

I can verify that Larry did get them @ $60 each, coz I was the one who organised the MO

The usual supplier that I'm buying from ran out of stock, probably takes around 2 weeks to re-stock.

If any of you want to share one tin, make sure someone MIX the ENTIRE CAN with 1 gallon water FIRST. Diafine powder is like soap powder, they're not homogenous crystals, but composite of different types of salt and powder...

[nicky]

Hi Larry ,

Sent you a PM. I'm interested to get a can.