FX-39 is a perfect substitute for Rodinal in case you can´t order Rodinal due to hazmat shipping restrictions.
FX-39 is a legend. For more than 40 years Geoffrey Crawley has readjusted and optimized different developer recipes. And created this masterpiece in the heydays of film. FX-39 is based on Willi Beutler’s Neofin Rot formula, but was improved in all parameters. Since about 10 years ADOX is improving this formula.
FX-39 is a compensating developer, providing excellent detail rendition, sharpness and resolution. The effective film speed is high. The compensating effect can be well controlled in a very wide range by variations in dilution. The compensating effect can be precisely adjusted to the subject contrast and film type. There remains only one reason for not using FX-39 exclusively and that is absolutely finest grain. If you want the finest grain possible than finest grain developers like Adox Atomal are the optimal solution. FX-39 harmonizes excellently especially with all low- and medium-speed films. In the ISO 400/27° class the best results are obtained with Kodak Tri-X, Kodak T-Max 400, Ilford Delta 400 and Fuji Neopan 400. If needed, FX-39 can also be used for increasing film speed by 1 stop (push processing).
Adox has produced FX-39 for Paterson since 2004. Geoffrey Crawley was here to transfer the formula and to support the implemention of the production. We promised him to keep his „baby“ alive, even if Paterson may decide to stop the distribution. As Paterson made this decision later on, FX-39 is now not only produced, but also branded and distributed by Adox.
Technical data: 500ml developer concentrate. Standard dilution: 1+9 “one-shot” application. High dilution: 1+19 ”one-shot” application for increase of the compensating effect (by 75% extended developing time). By doing this film speed is a bit lower. So it is possible to trade compensating effect for film speed in a certain range. Developing times are listed on Digitaltruth.
