My 1st trial of characteristic curve preparation
I got the 1st four rolls of Leica MONOPAN 50, which is the 1st own 135 ( 35mm ) film of Leica Camera AG in their long history, at Leica Store Kyoto. I’d like to get more immediately. But must be patient. Yes, a lot of Leica fun would like to get this new film at this moment. I think I must wait the next delivery till 2026. I decided to consume 3 rolls to understand film character with developers of ADOX with different development conditions. Remaining one roll is for my the 1st enjoyment of shooting in my living place, Kyoto JP.
Densitometer
Until now, whenever I would like to get information of H&D curve of unprecedented film for me with the different development conditions before the 1st shooting, I’ve utilized characteristic curve preparation service of Silversalt in Japan, arranged by Mr Moog. I suggest film shooting beginner to take advantage of service. I is really fine to understand about what is my film with my own development process.
But in my case, through the experience of the service by Silversalt, I really would like to try the creation of characteristic curve with more different developers and more different development conditions for my favorite films.
To create the characteristic curve, for the last 10 years, I would like to get densitometer. The problem has been that the tool iwas not cheap. I always thought that I can by one more lens for Leica M3. Then finally recently I could get it with reasonable price due to a lucky situation. So from now I can prepare the curve by myself.
Let’s try H&D curve creation!
Yes, now the time of the 1st trial by myself!! I’m a little bit excited about the new step, waiting over 10 years.
Film selection
As the 1st trial of curve preparation, I selected Leica MONOPAN 50 and ADOX HR-50. Because in various web information, it was often described that ADOX is producing MONOPAN 50 and supply for Leica Camera AG. And I also added ILFORD Delta 400 Professional, which is my regular film for the last 10 years. Comparing with the characteristic curve of Delta 400 professional, I can easily understand the feature of unprecedented films for me.
Film development condition
With these conditions, used Leica MP (0.85) and Sekonic L-858D.
In the technical data sheet of MONOPAN 50, the development time with FX-39II at 20deg. C is 7.5mins. But I applied a little bit longer time. The reason was that I faced that the tone of dark portion is not enough unless I apply 1 stop push when I used Adox HR-50. Then various web information tell me that Leica MONOPAN 50 is almost same as HR-50. Therefore as the 1st trial, I thought 30 second longer time must be better.
My 1st result of characteristic curve
Here is my 1st data;
My 1st impression is that MONPAN 50 show quite high contrast. But nice thing is that tone at dark portion of shooting result must be nice comparing with ADOX HR-50. According to the 1st trial result I would like to say, “MONOPAN 50 is not same with ADOX HR-50”.
Next trial plan
- Different temp. and time with FX-39II
- Trial with ADOX HR-DEV and others
- How curve shape is changing if I change agitation speed and other conditions
Although I would like to implement various trials with MONOPAN 50, at this moment, the supply volume must be limited. Maybe I must wait till 2026 to get the next lot product. Anyway, I continue the curve creation trials with different conditions gradually.
