So currently in my JOBO CPP2 I am running Diafine full strength Part A and full strength Part B for 5 minutes for all BW films at rotation setting “F” which is around 40 rpm. After part B I increase the rotation to “P” which is around 80 rpm and keep it at that for the remainder of the process. My tests have shown that times around 7+ minutes in A/B can stain some films- yet 5 minutes in A/B at 75F seems about spot on to me and perfect for most scanning applications. The 1:1 development of Diafine decreases the shadow detail at higher EI… for example at 1:1 TX dies after about EI 800 whereas with the full strength process as outlined above EI 1600+ is very solid (note: box speed at 1:1 is about perfect- for box speed). With regards to streaking…. none, full strength or 1:1. An obvious advantage to full strength is that Diafine can be used over and over again for a lot of film where as the 1:1 is a one shot developer. I have personally used Diafine (1 gal A/B) full strength for well over a year without issue…. if it becomes a bit dirty just run it through a new clean coffee filter and presto! Perfect developer ready for more film.
Viva la Revolution- Stephen
Figital Revolution 
Hi Stephen,
Thank you very much for your abiding commitment to film and Diafine. It’s a pleasure to dive into your blog and absorb all the informations, notes and experience. Regarding film measurement and in particular Diafine, I am wondering how you determine the usable EI. Do you make use of a Densitometer? Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.
Bye,
Gustav
I have used a densitometer in the past ALOT but now find that a zone scale chart from 0-10 of a textured surface and then scanning the set provides enough info for a hybrid workflow… and Diafine does not allow for any + or – anyways. If I were working with Xtol or some other developer than Yes I would use a densitometer and do a full workup. Diafine is some great suff!
Can you clarify/update something. In Sept 2009, you indicated your fav b&w combo’s were Acros/Xtol, TMY/Xtol & TriX/Diafine. Has that changed in last 5 years? Sounds like Diafine may be more prominent in your usage now.
I still use diafine for general developing but PMK at my own working solution and JOBO rotation is my norm for current works due to its great highlight separation…..
So your favorite b&w combinations today would change from Acros/Xtol, TMY/Xtol & TriX/Diafine to what?
I like Adox CHS II a lot for slower film usage and also Fomapan 100 also with PMK as it has great contrast control in PMK.
Hi, Stephen
I have been thinking about a Diafine issue lately and I’m grateful for any advice. Using sufficient amount of developer is paramount according to experts (for example Anchell who advices 250 ml of stock developer per 8×10 sheet of film or equivalent. But does this apply to using Diafine? I use Jobo Expert tanks that take up to 5 sheets of 8×10 film. I don’t want to strain the motor on the Jobo CPA-2 and use a maximum of 600 to 800 ml of developer. Does this imply that I can’t develop more than 2 or 3 sheets per session? Grateful for opinions on this.
on the drum it states how much developer per full tank… I always use that number with all my JOBO tanks and usually somewhat higher…