This is my basic process for developing black and white film, it includes developer, times and film I use. I also use this as a reference each time I develop.
The primary film and developer I use is Kodak Tri-X 400 with Kodak HC-110. Everyone has their own personal preference and make claim it's the best; I make no such claim. I just use what I am comfortable with; plus Kodak HC-110 is cheap and it stores well.
If you are just starting out, the most common combo is Tri-X film and D-76 developer.
Here's a page with all sorts of film+developer info.
| HC-110 | 68°F | 72°F | Dilution |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | 8 | 7 | H |
| Kodak Plus-X 125 | 10 | 8 | H |
| Ilford HP5+ 400 | 10 | 8 | H |
| Ilford FP4+ 125 | 9 | 7 | B |
| Ilford 3200 | 9 | 7 | B |
| Agfa APX 100 (Silver Tone) | 7 | 5.5 | B |
| Agfa APX 400 (Silver Tone) | 8 | 6 | B |
HC-110 Dilutions
Dilution B 1:31 --- Dilution H 1:63
I create a stock solution by mixing HC-110 1:3, for example 2 oz developer with 6 oz water.
To create a Dilution B: mix 2 oz stock with 14 oz water; for Dilution H: mix 1 oz stock with 15 oz water.
| D-76 1:1 | 65°F | 68°F | 70°F | 72°F | 75°F |
| Tri-X 400 | 11 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 8 |
| TMAX 100 | 14.5 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8.5 |
| Agfa 25 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Ilf FP4+ 125 | 11 | ||||
| Ilf HP5+ 400 | 11 |
1:1 Ratio means mix one part straight developer with one part water.
So for a 16oz tank, use 8 oz developer with 8 oz water
| Rodinal 1:50 | 65°F | 68°F | 70°F | 72°F | 75°F |
| Tri-X 400 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8.5 | |
| Agfa 25 | 10 | 9.5 | |||
| Ilf FP4+ 125 | 15 | ||||
| Ilf HP5+ 400 | 11 |
Rodinal Mix
9.375 ml of Rodinal for 16oz water
| Temperature Adjustment Chart | |||||
| Temperature | 65°F | 68°F | 71°F | 75°F | 78°F |
| Multiplier Adj. | 1.20 | 1.00 | 0.85 | 0.75 | 0.60 |