[APML] TP for terrestrial work

[Tim Povlick <potentate@cox.net>]

I've been trying to use Technical Pan in a Pentax 67II camera
on terrestrial subjects to get the kinks out of the process
before moving into celestrial work.  I had come to the conclusion
that TP is strange stuff and wouldn't work as a normal B&W film
unhypered until I saw Mt. Leroi's stunning moon picture.  What
I am seeing is parts of the image are either way over exposed
or way under exposed, there is no in between.  It's like the
middle range of the contrast has been nulled out.

I've tried shooting with camera set at 25, 50, 64 and 90
ISO (ASA?) with 64 or 90 looking the best.  For developing
I use Kodak D19 and the Kodak Fixer.  Note I don't use stop
bath (do I need to?).  To make up the chemicals I measured
by weight in proportion to how much water I was going to
add.  For example if I was going to make 1 quart of liquid
and the chemicals were for a gallon, I would use 1/4 of the
contents by weight.  I used filtered water.

I load the film in a dark laundry room at night with all
lights off.  It is pitch black believe me as closing my
eyes is no difference.

I fill the container with the film well above the film
and tap to remove air bubbles.  Kodak says to
invert the container every so often, which I do, but it
sure seems like the developer is flowing across the
'delicate' film compared to just rotating the film.  
Kodak says don't rotate.  I've developed between 8 to
10 minutes.  The film base will be clear after developing.
I've read thru Mr. Reeves most excellent book (and I'm
glad to hear your safe in Tx) and while I haven't been
nearly as methodical as spelled out, I can't beleive
how badly this is going!  I just reviewed his book and
see I should have added enough developer to remove all
air pockets in the tank, my bad, but still...

I wouldn't even think of hypering until I can get past
this stage.  Let's see, hypering, developing, getting
an auto guider to work, good polar alignment, mount
tune ups, optics selection etc. etc. are we having
fun yet? :-)

I tried having a pro-lab do the development and they
faired no better.  Can I develop Tri-X in D19?


Thanks for any insite,


Tim Povlick
San Juan Capistrano, CA




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