I’ve read mixed reviews about this concept online so I decided I needed to try it myself. I chose Ilford XP2 Super and Kodak BW400CN, both in 35mm as test films. My results were mixed…the Ilford out-performed in my opinion the Kodak (with regards to tonal range as the Kodak was much harsher) but was anything gained over say TX or 125PX in Diafine?…you be the judge. I will say that the look of a print made using this technique is different and in some cases could be used in a very creative way. The test image was shot with a LOMO LCA+ with the Ilford XP2 Super rated at EI 200. Be sure to click on both images to see them at a larger size.

Tech Notes:

• EI Range for full expressive negatives: 100 – 200
• Diafine Developer at 80F!!!!
  
• Part A for 5 Minutes with two inversions at the start of each minute.
• Part B for 5 Minutes with two inversions at the start of each minute.
• Wash for 2 Minutes
• Fix: 5 Minutes or package suggestion.
• Wash 5 Minutes
• Perma Wash: 2 Minutes or package suggestion.
• Final Wash, LFN and Dry!

I have also found that these negatives scan really nicely using most generic gray scanner profiles and the grain is there but acceptable for a process such as this. Give it a try!

Viva la Revolution!!!!

Final Note: The LOMO LCA+ is a Zone Focus camera and as such comparing the sharpness to say a Leica is a real mismatch…but the LOMO has an amazing quality all its own!