Processing 16+ different B&W films with just one chemical! Df96

Out of all of the available processes we've had the pleasure of using, Df96 is possibly the most uniform and consistent with all emulsions. It's not only a single-step solution, it makes over processing virtually impossible. We decided to test processing over 16 different emulsions exposed at their box speed, in one bath, at the same time, at the same temperature. Df96 has terrific uniformity due to the simultaneous development and fixing of the silver, competing to reveal every detail, from the most subtle to extreme exposure.

Kodak TMax P3200 exposed at f/2 and 1/125, 1/60, 1/45 with a Summicron Dual-Range 50mm lens and processed normal. 

Ilford Delta 3200 exposed at f/2 and 1/125, 1/60, 1/45 with a Summicron Dual-Range 50mm lens and processed normal.

This example shows just how versatile these films are and how forgiving Df96 is! Both Delta 3200 and TMax P3200 list a box speed of ISO 3200. While the natural ISOs of those emulsions, with standard development times and temperature, are closer to ISO 1000-1600. Df96 reveals this fact, while harnessing the latitude that allows these amazing emulsions to be pushed to their labeled box speed. You can easily push process by increasing the temperature of DFf96 by 10°F, just like extending the development time with any other developer.

We also processed many other films, exposed at their box speeds, both cubic grain and T-grain emulsions, in the same chemistry. They all self-completed within 4 min with intermittent agitation, but we gave them 8 min for all of the color dyes to be fully removed from the T-grain emulsions. We just washed the film in room temperature water and hung it to dry. 

High speed films processed normal in Df96. All film types were exposed for box speed and processed in the same bath.

Slow speed films processed normal in Df96. All film types were exposed for box speed and processed in the same bath.

Df96 keeps blowing us away. It perfectly processes all standard film types, while revealing that some specialty films benefit from added exposure or development (added time in standard developers equals added temperature in Df96). We simply check the room temperature and process according to the instructions on the bottle. It's simultaneously simple and flexible. If we want more density we can increase exposure in camera or add temperature to processing. For less contrast we can reduce the exposure or temperature of the bath. If we are worried about removing any color dyes or the film fully fixing we can just process longer and agitate more at the end of the process to accelerate fixation. All that's left to do is rinse and dry the film.

Standard exposures for native ISO processed at 75°F (24°C) . Pushed exposures processed at 90°F (32°C).

Normal processing agitation methods:
Constant agitation at 80°F (27°C) for at least 3min, Intermittent agitation at 75°F (24°C) for at least 4min, or Minimal agitation at 70°F (21°C) for at least 6min. 

Film rating chart for Df96: 

(Box speeds in bold)

A couple craft films and surveillance films, which require longer times in standard developers to achieve box speed, will yield a lower native ISO or take longer to clear. For example, Rollei Retro 80s, with it’s impressively fine grain and low contrast, is best rated at ISO 25, and JCH Street Pan really shines at ISO 200.

Adox CMS 20 II can produce the sharpest, highest resolving, most fine grained images in the world, but it "...achieves 20 ASA of usable speed in ADOTECH developer... If developed in non dedicated low contrast developers (HC 110, cafenol etc) it can be exposed at 3 to 6 ASA." - from adox.de

Bergger Pancro 400 requires at least double the processing time in order to break down the intense annihilation layer, and even calls for an additional steps to standard-multi bath processing. "...the film must be presaoked in water for 5 minutes, at one degree warmer than developer." "BERGGER PANCRO 400 needs a longer the usual fixing time. In rapid, non hardenning fixer...for 6 minutes." "A rinse in a sulphite bath (10 %) will allow to eliminate the chemicals complexes...and also allow the full dissolution of the anti-halation layer." - from bergger.com

Bergger Panaro400 Processed for 8min. in Df96 with 5 different films at 5 different ISOs. The anti-halation layer mostly came off of the Bergger film, but the monobath was filled with brown sludge and unable to be reused.

JCH StreetPan would benefit from a higher temperature in Df96 or could be rated at a ISO 200. 

We know that there are many more B&W films you can test in Df96, and that there are many other possible techniques you can use with Df96. These examples should just serve as a baseline for your creativity. Push process, pull process, try different development methods. Let us know your experiences. The renaissance is yours.