Ella Walter
Kodak Technical Pan is a legendary black-and-white film that was produced by Kodak and is known for its exquisite detail, unique tonal range, and fine grain structure. It is capable of recording extremely fine details and is sensitive to light in the red spectrum, making it popular among photographers and astronomers. Kodak Tech Pan is renowned for its demanding nature, presenting an artistic challenge for photographers. The process of developing Kodak Tech Pan requires careful selection of the developer and processing techniques to manage contrast and avoid streaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film type | Black-and-white panchromatic negative film |
| Film grain | Fine |
| Film speed | EI 25 or 16 (up to EI 320) |
| Film format | Commercially viable formats |
| Film sensitivity | Extended red sensitivity (up to 700nm) |
| Film processing | Violent shaking and tapping of the tank during development to avoid streaks |
| Film developer | Technidol, compensating developer (highly diluted) |
| Film contrast | High |
| Film tonality | Rich |
| Film blacks | Deep |
| Film results | Exquisite detail, unique tonal range, unparalleled sharpness, and fine grain structure |
| Film applications | Astronomy, electron and laser photography, art, fashion, fine art prints |
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What You'll Learn
Use a compensating developer for pictorial photography
Kodak's Technical Pan Film is a black-and-white panchromatic negative film with extended red sensitivity. It was popular among photographers for its ability to record extremely fine details and its sensitivity to light, especially in outdoor shots.
When it comes to processing Kodak Tech Pan, one important consideration is the choice of developer. A compensating developer is particularly useful for pictorial photography as it helps to reduce contrast in high-contrast lighting situations and can provide extra speed in low-light conditions. The key principle of a compensating developer is to lower the overall contrast in large areas while maintaining good contrast control of the fine details (mid-tones). This is achieved by using a highly extra dilute solution and minimal agitation to prevent the developer from becoming locally exhausted on the dark areas (which would later become white highlights), thus keeping the contrast from getting too strong.
Some popular compensating developers include Pyrocat and Rodinal, which can provide a gentle harmonising shoulder or push a long straight line through the highlights, depending on agitation. ID-11 and D76 can also be used as compensating developers when diluted at a ratio of 1+3. For those seeking a semi-compensating developer, D-23 is a good option as it strikes a balance between full development of mid-tones and shadow detail while avoiding blocked highlights.
It's worth noting that while compensating developers can be useful tools in certain situations, they are not always necessary or desirable. In normal lighting conditions, for instance, you typically want to maintain contrast, and in well-lit environments, extra speed may not be needed. Additionally, with proper technique, almost any developer can provide some form of compensation.
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Avoid unfiltered outdoor shots due to red-leaning spectrum
Kodak Technical Pan is a black-and-white film that leans towards the red end of the light spectrum. This means that when used outdoors without a filter, blues, particularly in the sky, will appear darker, and reds will appear lighter. This effect is due to the film's sensitivity to light in the red spectrum, up to 700nm, which is particularly useful for astronomical imaging.
To avoid unexpected results in your photos, it is best to avoid unfiltered outdoor shots with Kodak Technical Pan. This is because the film's unique characteristics can cause colours to appear differently than expected, especially in the blues and reds. For example, a clear blue sky may appear darker and less vibrant in photos taken with this film.
Instead, photographers can use filters to help balance out the colours and reduce the red sensitivity of the film. Neutral density filters, for instance, can help to darken bright skies and create more even exposure in outdoor shots. Other filters such as polarising filters can also be used to enhance colours and reduce reflections, helping to create more vibrant images.
Additionally, photographers can also experiment with different developers and development techniques to manage the contrast and tone of their images. For instance, using a compensating developer can help to prevent the contrast from becoming too strong, especially in pictorial photography. Diluting the developer can also help manage the contrast, as it can be added later to enhance dark areas without losing detail in the highlights.
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Use Kodak P-255 for developing Tech Pan in Technidol
Kodak Technical Pan Film is a black-and-white panchromatic negative film with extended red sensitivity. It is capable of recording extremely fine detail and was very popular among professional photographers and astronomers. The film was also used for electron and laser photography.
Kodak Technidol developer is specifically designed for Kodak Technical Pan Film. It comes in two forms: liquid developer (called Technidol) and powder (Technidol LC). When using Kodak P-255 for developing Tech Pan in Technidol, it is important to follow the processing guidelines carefully. The Kodak P-255 publication recommends shaking the tank vigorously when pouring in the developer, instead of using gentle agitation. This step is crucial to avoid streaks during the critical first seconds of development.
For the liquid developer, Technidol, the recommended processing time is 9 minutes at 20°C, while for Technidol LC, the processing time is extended to 15 minutes at the same temperature. Both developers are used at EI 25. It is preferable to pour the liquid into the tank first and then insert the reels loaded with film.
When working with Technidol, it is important to note that Tech Pan leans towards the red side of the spectrum, which can affect the appearance of outdoor shots. Additionally, special care must be taken with contrast control as Technidol can produce extremely high-contrast results.
Kodak Technidol developer for Tech Pan is challenging to find, and users interested in this film-developer combination may need to source it from expired film stocks.
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Replace the stop bath with distilled water to prevent reticulation
When processing Kodak Tech Pan, replacing the stop bath with distilled water is a recommended step to prevent reticulation. Reticulation refers to the formation of visible artifacts on the film, caused by sudden changes in temperature or pH during development. These changes can cause damage to the film, resulting in undesirable effects.
The stop bath typically serves as an acidic solution that immediately stops the development process, preventing unevenness and maintaining the activity of the fixer solution. However, when using Kodak Tech Pan, substituting the stop bath with distilled water can help avoid reticulation. This substitution involves using distilled water as a stop instead of an acidic solution.
Distilled water is preferred in this context due to its purity and absence of significant sediment or minerals. It is worth noting that tap water can also be used in most cases, unless it contains a considerable amount of sediment or minerals. Photographers can request a water report from their local water authority to determine the quality of their tap water.
By replacing the stop bath with distilled water, photographers can effectively prevent reticulation when processing Kodak Tech Pan. This technique ensures that the film is not subjected to abrupt changes in temperature or pH, reducing the likelihood of visible artifacts and potential damage.
Kodak Tech Pan, also known as Technical Pan, is a unique black-and-white film produced by Kodak. It is highly regarded for its ability to capture extremely fine details and its extended sensitivity into the red spectrum. Photographers and astronomers favour this film for its exceptional performance in astronomical imaging and its capability to produce extremely high-contrast results.
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Minimise inherent contrast in your scene
Kodak Technical Pan is a legendary film that presents an artistic challenge to photographers. It is known for its exquisite detail, unique tonal range, and ability to produce breathtaking images that exude a timeless beauty.
Minimising the inherent contrast in your scene is always a good idea when working with Tech Pan. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Firstly, understand the characteristics of the film. Tech Pan is an almost panchromatic black-and-white film that leans towards the red end of the spectrum. This means that unfiltered outdoor shots will result in darker blues, particularly in the sky, and lightened reds. Knowing this, you can choose scenes with colours that will complement these characteristics, rather than create high contrast.
Secondly, consider the lighting conditions. Tech Pan is generally used as a slow film, rated at EI 25 or 16, and can be pushed to EI 320 with some loss of tonal range. When shooting in low-light conditions, be mindful that the film's sensitivity to red light will be more pronounced, affecting the colours in your scene. Using a strobe or flash can help mitigate this issue and provide more control over the lighting.
Thirdly, pay attention to scene composition. Look for scenes with softer shadows and highlights, avoiding high-contrast lighting conditions like direct sunlight or harsh artificial lighting. Even lighting, such as that found on an overcast day, can help minimise contrast. Additionally, consider the subject matter and try to avoid scenes with strong tonal differences, such as a bright foreground subject and a dark background.
Finally, post-processing techniques can be employed to reduce contrast. The "skip bleach" or "bleach bypass" technique, offered by some motion picture laboratories, increases contrast but also darkens shadows and reduces colour saturation. This can be used creatively to manipulate contrast levels in your final image. However, it is important to note that deviating from recommended processing practices may result in unpredictable outcomes and Kodak may not guarantee product performance or assume liability.
By following these guidelines and understanding the unique qualities of Kodak Technical Pan, photographers can effectively minimise inherent contrast in their scenes and create stunning images with this legendary film.
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Frequently asked questions
Tech Pan is an almost panchromatic black-and-white film produced by Kodak. It is capable of recording extremely fine detail and is sensitive to light in the red spectrum.
Kodak Tech Pan is known for its demanding nature, requiring patience and skill. It is important to be careful with your choice of developer, as contrast can become unmanageable. It is recommended to use a compensating developer for pictorial photography.
Kodak Technidol was the developer made specifically for Tech Pan, but it is no longer available. Other developers that can be used include HC110 and Technidol LC.
Pour the liquid developer into the tank first, then drop in the reels loaded with film. Shake the tank vigorously and tap to dislodge air bubbles. Develop for 9 minutes at 20°C for Technidol Liquid or 15 minutes at 20°C for Technidol LC, both at EI 25.
Tech Pan is known for its exquisite detail, unique tonal range, and unparalleled sharpness. However, it can be challenging to work with due to its high contrast and demanding nature. Photographers using Tech Pan need to plan ahead and be deliberate in their approach.
