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Developer Review Blog No. 29 – Ilford Ilfotec LC29

When it comes to Ilford developers here in North America, we have access to most of their chemical stocks. But there is one that is a bit of a unicorn, and that is Ilfotec LC29, and I can't see why! This is a developer that, despite being close to Ilfotec HC, does not produce images in line with what Ilfotec HC produces, and it is far easier to pour than Ilfotec HC! I splashed it a little bit at how easily it flowed. Right from the start, I knew I had a winner here in LC29 and feel bad that it isn't readily available here in North America, so hopefully, we can start getting it more across the pond (even if we have to lose another developer, I could do without Ilfosol 3 tbh).

Technical Details
Manufacturer: Ilford
Name: Ilfotec LC29
Primary Developer: Hydroquinone
Type: One-Shot
Mix From: Liquid

Rolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 7:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 7:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 7:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 7:30 @ 20C

Handling
Probably the best part about LC29 is how easily it pours. If you're used to something like Ilfosol 3 or Ilfotec HC that has a bit more viscosity, LC29 has none. Seriously, you have to be cautious with the developer for fear of spillage. Mixing is easy, but you will want to have a small graduated cylinder on hand as it makes measurement easier even at the strongest dilutions. Ilford has three published dilutions, 1+9, 1+19 and 1+29; each produces the same image quality. It ultimately comes down to economy and time. Ilford does note that you want to use a minimum of 10mL of concentrate per working solution for the best results, so adapt your volumes as you see fit. For the best quality of your images, it is best to use LC29 as a one-shot developer. However, the most potent dilution (1+9) can process ten rolls of film (or equivalent) per litre of working solution; that number drops to five with the 1+19 dilution. Resuing the 1+29 dilution is not recommended. The shelf life of the concentrate is not listed, but I would assume that it has a shelf life between Ilfosol 3 and Ilfotec HC. The working solution should be mixed and used as it has only twenty-four hours from mixed to expired.

Nikon F5 - AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm 1:2.8D - Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm 1:2.8D - Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm 1:2.8D - Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm 1:2.8D - Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20C

Applications
I almost wish that LC29 was available when I first started developing film at home; as a developer, this is easy to use to get started in home development. You get good consistent results without too much trouble and insane calculations. And since you get it in 500mL bottles, it won't take up too much space, and you won't have to worry about mixing up powder and counting how many rolls in a bottle of ID-11 you've developed. LC29 works well with almost any black & white film you throw in the soup. Both fast films, slow films, traditional and t-grained. Plus, it can handle one-stop push and pull development without any significant difficulty or radical changes in the overall appearance of the images. One of the more exciting applications of LC29 is that you can stand-develop your film with a highly-dilute working solution. Examples I've found online call for a 1+100 dilution and then left standing for three hours. Or, if you're looking for a shorter time, a 1+120 dilution with a time of one hour with two inversions at the thirty-minute mark.

Minolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-800 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:30 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-800 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:30 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-800 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:30 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-800 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:30 @ 20C

Qualities
If there's one word to describe LC29, that word is utilitarian. But it's a little more than that; to be honest, this developer is a jack of all trades and good at all of them. LC29 will take the film's best qualities and let them shine while it simply does the job of developing the film. LC29 does a superb job in helping tame contrast, both in reducing and increasing contrast to help bring the best qualities out of the film. It also handles grain well, helping reduce the overall appearance of grain without sacrificing edge sharpness. These two items also help with handling push and pull processing and fast and slow films. But what makes LC29 shine is that it's consistent in how it does this development; no matter the dilution, you will get the same results every time. Adjusting dilution depends on how economical you want to be with the developer.

Rolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 6:00 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 6:00 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 6:00 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 6:00 @ 20C

Lowdown
After spending a lot of time getting my hands on LC29, I question why it is not readily available here in North America. I can certainly see that LC29 would be a potential popular developer both in the home and potentially in a lab environment. It fits between Ilfotec HC and Ilfosol 3, taking the best qualities of both and combining them into a single chemical. I'm sad that I have to import the stuff from across the pond, and I know that I would certainly purchase the developer from a local shop if they chose to carry LC29. I would even go so far as to say LC29 should be the chemistry of choice in the Ilford Simplicity Pack over Ilfosol 3. But if you are in Europe and looking for a one-and-done developer that produces excellent results from almost any film, LC29 might be a good choice.

Minolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 24mm 1:2.8 - Kentmere 100 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 24mm 1:2.8 - Kentmere 100 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 24mm 1:2.8 - Kentmere 100 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 24mm 1:2.8 - Kentmere 100 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec LC29 (1+19) 8:00 @ 20C

Recommended Reading
Don't just take my word on Ilfotec LC29; check out these other blogs on the subject!
No Other Reviews Found

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Developer Review Blog No. 17 – Ilford Ilfotec DD-X

Let me start this by saying that DD-X and I have not had the best of relationships. The first time I used it I wasn't happy with my results and decided that I was never going to touch the stuff again. But hey, almost every filmstock and developer are worth a second glance. DD-X, like its Kodak cousin, TMax developer was initially designed for use with the Delta range of films, specifically Delta 3200. Ilford has two versions of this developer, Ilfotec DD which is designed mainly for automated film processors that will use a dedicated replenisher and used in the stock formulation. White DD-X designed more for home processing how I do things. If I got that wrong, please leave a comment with the correction, and I can update this post.

Technical Details
Manufacturer: Harman Technologies/Ilford Photo
Name: Ilfotec DD-X
Primary Developer: Hydroquinone
Type: One-Shot
Mix From: Liquid

Rolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 6:00 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 6:00 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 6:00 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford Delta 400 @ ASA-200 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 6:00 @ 20C

Handling
DD-X is an easy developer to handle; you'd almost think that it had been mixed up from powder. The first thing that I noticed is how easily it pours; it's near perfectly liquid with no viscosity at all, even Kodak TMax developer is much more viscous. Most of the developing combinations used with DD-X calls for a 1+4 dilution although you can also use at 1+7 or 1+9. The official documentation calls for all dilutions are one-shot, yes even at 1+4. However, you can use that 1+4 for up to ten rolls of film, with an appropriate adjustment in developing times, with a 10% increase after that first roll and a 90% increase for roll number 10. Ilford does warn that the more you reuse that stock solution even with the time adjustments you will lose image quality. If you do want to increase the life of your concentrate, use the 1+9 dilution and adjust your times. Ilford also warns to ensure that you use at minimum 10mL of the concentrate when mixing up your working solution. DD-X has a good shelf-life a sealed bottle is shelf-stable and has a decent life when opened. Although it will yellow, it can still function normally, although you might see some degradation of image quality the longer it stays open. Even the working solution has a decent life, with it lasting up to twenty-four hours once mixed.

Minolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford Delta 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford DD-X (1+4) 10:30 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford Delta 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford DD-X (1+4) 10:30 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford Delta 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford DD-X (1+4) 10:30 @ 20CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Ilford Delta 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford DD-X (1+4) 10:30 @ 20C

Applications
Despite my initial thoughts on DD-X, I now realise that the developer is no one-trick pony. Honestly, I first thought that the only film that worked well with DD-X is Delta 100. And it's true, Delta 100 sings in DD-X. But you can get amazing results from other films so don't let DD-X go by. Before we continue, one of the best films to develop with DD-X is Delta 3200. Also, it's one of the films that I did not include in this review. Thinking back, I probably should have, but what can you do? Either way, DD-X works well with any modern emulsion, Kodak's TMax line, Ilford Deltas, along with Fomapan 400 and 200 and Fuji Acros II. But there are some surprising additions, including Adox HR-50, making it a viable developer when you cannot or don't want to invest in a bottle of HR-DEV. And it also does a good job processing traditional or classic grained films like Ilford FP4+ It also does a good job with push and pull processing thanks to its nature as being semi-compensating.

Nikon FE - AI-S Nikkor 35mm 1:2.8 - Kodak TMax 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:00 @ 20CNikon FE - AI-S Nikkor 35mm 1:2.8 - Kodak TMax 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:00 @ 20CNikon FE - AI-S Nikkor 35mm 1:2.8 - Kodak TMax 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:00 @ 20CNikon FE - AI-S Nikkor 35mm 1:2.8 - Kodak TMax 100 @ ASA-100 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:00 @ 20C

Qualities
Let's start with tonality, if there's one thing that DD-X can give you is amazing tonality especially when you nail the exposure on the negative, but that's your usual goal eh? The idea is to create a negative that prints easily both in a traditional darkroom or even an alternative process. And in addition to the beautiful greys, you get excellent deep blacks and bright whites. But DD-X will also deliver excellent sharpness and fine-grain. Although there is a drawback, that added tonality does step down the contrast, and if you aren't careful with your exposure, you do get a little muddled. While not a low-contrast developer, it's more of a middling force for your contrast and that probably helps knockback that contrast when pushing your film.

Mamiya m645 - Mamiya-Sekor C 1:2.8 f=80mm - Kodak TMax 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 8:00 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamiya-Sekor C 1:2.8 f=80mm - Kodak TMax 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 8:00 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamiya-Sekor C 1:2.8 f=80mm - Kodak TMax 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 8:00 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamiya-Sekor C 1:2.8 f=80mm - Kodak TMax 400 @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 8:00 @ 20C

Lowdown
Despite my initial aversions to the developer, I think I have come to like DD-X and might even use it more than TMax Developer. First off, I now have a good local source for the chemical, no need to head into Toronto or pay for shipping, and I find it easier to handle while processing film. Sure you still have the issues that the chemistry is a bit more expensive, and a bottle doesn't last too long unless I decide to try the time extension, which thanks to Ilford they include all that information in the datasheet. And also if I decide to get some Delta 3200 again, DD-X will certainly be the developer of choice. These days Ilford chemistry is getting easier to find in local camera stores in Canada which is excellent because I certainly will want to continue to work and support an excellent company that is a big supporter of the film photography community.

Nikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D - Adox HR-50 @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:30 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D - Adox HR-50 @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:30 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D - Adox HR-50 @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:30 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D - Adox HR-50 @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 7:30 @ 20C

Recommended Reading
Don't just take my word on DD-X check out these other blogs on the subject!
No Reviews Found on the Subject

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Developer Review Blog No. 16 – Ilford Ilfotec HC

You're probably thinking if I reviewed Kodak HC-110, why am I reviewing Ilford Ilfotec HC? Aren't they the same thing? Well, the answer is yes and no. While Ilfotec HC is the Ilford version of Kodak HC-110, there are some subtle differences between the two. Here in Canada, the Ilford liquid chemistry is a pricey purchase and can be hard to come by. However, I chanced across a short-dated bottle of Ilfotec HC on a trip to Burlington Camera and decided to take a chance. Now, if you know me and my processing habits, you'll know that I make a bottle of HC-110 last, so the Ilfotec sat sealed for nearly a year before I decided to crack it open to start getting images for this review. And here's the thing, despite already being close to its expiry the stuff still works!

Technical Details
Manufacturer: Ilford
Name: Ilfotec HC
Primary Developer: Hydroquinone
Type: One-Shot or reusable (1+15 or 1+31 only)
Mix From: Liquid

Rolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20C

Handling
If you're looking for a similar developer to HC-110 that's easier to pour than the OG Syrup, HC is not that developer. While it lacks the trademarked yellow colour, HC is a clear syrup and has the same behaviour as OG HC-110. Now I haven't used the new formula of HC-110 so I cannot comment on its longevity besides most people cannot, and I haven't heard any grumbling online yet. There's a good chance not many people have used the new stuff long enough yet. Thankfully I have been handling HC-110 for years now the switch the HC was not a hard one. The best way to handle the syrup is either using a small measuring cylinder or a syringe method. Still, the 1L bottles make it difficult, so if you do go with the syringe method, you can decant the bottle down into smaller manageable bottles. Like HC-110, the dilutions uses with HC are pretty much on point, with one exception. Unlike Kodak, Ilford published the dilutions as numerical rather than alpha values. The published dilutions run similar to those of HC-110, examples would be 1+15 and 1+31. There are also listed 1+11, 1+19, and 1+47. That said, I also made use of 1+63 and 1+39 in my tests using their HC-110 times, and they worked! The one thing that is interesting about Ilfotec HC is that you can use it as a replenisher for stronger concentrations of your working solution. You can replenish the 1+11, 1+15, and 1+31 dilutions of HC and reusing them after running your initial roll through. The details are on the developer's datasheet. The one thing that HC doesn't have is a long shelf life once you open the bottle, sealed it seems to have a long life as shown by my observations. Once opened and capped you have about six months, but that drops to two months as you use the developer up.

Minolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22C

Applications
Throughout the bottle of HC, I used the developer with a wide range of films, from traditional grained (Tri-X, HP5+, Pan F+) modern cubic grained (TMax 400) and motion picture film (ORWO DN21 and DP31) and it pulled off excellent results. And while you can use Ilfotech HC/HC-110 times interchangeably as well as dilutions. The one exciting thing I did note, is while you can use HC-110 times and dilutions, in some cases the times are different. For example, HP5+ I usually run at five minutes with HC-110, but for Ilfotec HC it's 6.5. And I like the 6.5 minute time far better than the 5 minute time. But the one application that Ilfotec HC is good for is the zone system especially if this is your first dip into that pond. The reason is that Ilford provides the time adjustment need for Normal (N) as well as N+ or N- times to help bring your image into those Five Zones. From there, you can quickly start expanding into that wider world without the added trouble of sifting through the Internet or old photography books.

Olympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20COlympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20COlympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20COlympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20C

Qualities
Like HC-110, Ilfotec HC is a reliable general-purpose and speciality developer. The contrast is controllable; it has semi-compensating capabilities and almost enhances a film's sharpness, without adding too much grain. Of course, it doesn't take away from any grain already in the film. What I mean is that if you have a film that is already grainy, you won't see any real reduction, but in a fine-grain film, you won't see any increase. Overall I liked every film I used with Ilfotec HC, plus being able to use all my usual choices for dilution helped even more. As many of you readers know, I'm a fan of Dilution H or 1+63, and every time I used that dilution, I got tangible results along with the more common dilutions. The one thing I did not try was pushing film only a bit of pulling in some cases, and the results were precisely on point.

Nikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20C

Lowdown
If you're a fan of Kodak HC-110, you don't need to drop the cash on a bottle of Ilfotec HC, but if getting HC-110 in your area is a difficulty, Ilftec HC is undoubtedly an excellent substitution. Just make sure you're prepared to work through that bottle quickly, it's not as bulletproof on shelf life as its OG American cousin. I can't say for sure about the new formula for HC-110 at this point only time will tell. Will I be using the stuff again, probably not, but I certainly will be adjusting some of my HC-110 times to match those of Ilfotec HC, and make a great deal of use of the zone system adjustments included in the datasheet. As I mentioned in the introduction, the stuff isn't cheap and can be hard to come by in Canada, probably because of HC-110. But most online and physical stores where you buy your photochemistry will carry the stock, and honestly, if I couldn't get HC-110 so quickly, Ilfotec HC would be a constant presence in my toolbox.

Mamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20C

Recommended Reading
Don't just take my word on Ilfotec HC check out these other blogs on the subject!
Ilford Product Page - Ilfotec HC

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Developer Review Blog No. 16 – Ilford Ilfotec HC

You're probably thinking if I reviewed Kodak HC-110, why am I reviewing Ilford Ilfotec HC? Aren't they the same thing? Well, the answer is yes and no. While Ilfotec HC is the Ilford version of Kodak HC-110, there are some subtle differences between the two. Here in Canada, the Ilford liquid chemistry is a pricey purchase and can be hard to come by. However, I chanced across a short-dated bottle of Ilfotec HC on a trip to Burlington Camera and decided to take a chance. Now, if you know me and my processing habits, you'll know that I make a bottle of HC-110 last, so the Ilfotec sat sealed for nearly a year before I decided to crack it open to start getting images for this review. And here's the thing, despite already being close to its expiry the stuff still works!

Technical Details
Manufacturer: Ilford
Name: Ilfotec HC
Primary Developer: Hydroquinone
Type: One-Shot or reusable (1+15 or 1+31 only)
Mix From: Liquid

Rolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20CRolleiflex 2.8F - Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8 - Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:30 @ 20C

Handling
If you're looking for a similar developer to HC-110 that's easier to pour than the OG Syrup, HC is not that developer. While it lacks the trademarked yellow colour, HC is a clear syrup and has the same behaviour as OG HC-110. Now I haven't used the new formula of HC-110 so I cannot comment on its longevity besides most people cannot, and I haven't heard any grumbling online yet. There's a good chance not many people have used the new stuff long enough yet. Thankfully I have been handling HC-110 for years now the switch the HC was not a hard one. The best way to handle the syrup is either using a small measuring cylinder or a syringe method. Still, the 1L bottles make it difficult, so if you do go with the syringe method, you can decant the bottle down into smaller manageable bottles. Like HC-110, the dilutions uses with HC are pretty much on point, with one exception. Unlike Kodak, Ilford published the dilutions as numerical rather than alpha values. The published dilutions run similar to those of HC-110, examples would be 1+15 and 1+31. There are also listed 1+11, 1+19, and 1+47. That said, I also made use of 1+63 and 1+39 in my tests using their HC-110 times, and they worked! The one thing that is interesting about Ilfotec HC is that you can use it as a replenisher for stronger concentrations of your working solution. You can replenish the 1+11, 1+15, and 1+31 dilutions of HC and reusing them after running your initial roll through. The details are on the developer's datasheet. The one thing that HC doesn't have is a long shelf life once you open the bottle, sealed it seems to have a long life as shown by my observations. Once opened and capped you have about six months, but that drops to two months as you use the developer up.

Minolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22CMinolta Maxxum 9 - Minolta Maxxum AF 28-135mm 1:4-4.5 - Kodak Tri-X 400 @ ASA-250 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+39) 9:00 @ 22C

Applications
Throughout the bottle of HC, I used the developer with a wide range of films, from traditional grained (Tri-X, HP5+, Pan F+) modern cubic grained (TMax 400) and motion picture film (ORWO DN21 and DP31) and it pulled off excellent results. And while you can use Ilfotech HC/HC-110 times interchangeably as well as dilutions. The one exciting thing I did note, is while you can use HC-110 times and dilutions, in some cases the times are different. For example, HP5+ I usually run at five minutes with HC-110, but for Ilfotec HC it's 6.5. And I like the 6.5 minute time far better than the 5 minute time. But the one application that Ilfotec HC is good for is the zone system especially if this is your first dip into that pond. The reason is that Ilford provides the time adjustment need for Normal (N) as well as N+ or N- times to help bring your image into those Five Zones. From there, you can quickly start expanding into that wider world without the added trouble of sifting through the Internet or old photography books.

Olympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20COlympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20COlympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20COlympus OM-2n - Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm - Rollei Retro 80s @ ASA-64 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+63) 12:00 @ 20C

Qualities
Like HC-110, Ilfotec HC is a reliable general-purpose and speciality developer. The contrast is controllable; it has semi-compensating capabilities and almost enhances a film's sharpness, without adding too much grain. Of course, it doesn't take away from any grain already in the film. What I mean is that if you have a film that is already grainy, you won't see any real reduction, but in a fine-grain film, you won't see any increase. Overall I liked every film I used with Ilfotec HC, plus being able to use all my usual choices for dilution helped even more. As many of you readers know, I'm a fan of Dilution H or 1+63, and every time I used that dilution, I got tangible results along with the more common dilutions. The one thing I did not try was pushing film only a bit of pulling in some cases, and the results were precisely on point.

Nikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20CNikon F5 - AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2D (Green-1) - Ilford Ortho Plus @ ASA-80 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+31) 6:00 @ 20C

Lowdown
If you're a fan of Kodak HC-110, you don't need to drop the cash on a bottle of Ilfotec HC, but if getting HC-110 in your area is a difficulty, Ilftec HC is undoubtedly an excellent substitution. Just make sure you're prepared to work through that bottle quickly, it's not as bulletproof on shelf life as its OG American cousin. I can't say for sure about the new formula for HC-110 at this point only time will tell. Will I be using the stuff again, probably not, but I certainly will be adjusting some of my HC-110 times to match those of Ilfotec HC, and make a great deal of use of the zone system adjustments included in the datasheet. As I mentioned in the introduction, the stuff isn't cheap and can be hard to come by in Canada, probably because of HC-110. But most online and physical stores where you buy your photochemistry will carry the stock, and honestly, if I couldn't get HC-110 so quickly, Ilfotec HC would be a constant presence in my toolbox.

Mamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20CMamiya m645 - Mamyia-Sekor C 35mm 1:3.5 N - Ilford Pan F+ @ ASA-50 - Ilford Ilfotec HC (1+47) 6:30 @ 20C

Recommended Reading
Don't just take my word on Ilfotec HC check out these other blogs on the subject!
Ilford Product Page - Ilfotec HC

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