>>3950139>Is there really a huge difference between developers? I've heard that Rodinal stuff is super strong and lasts forever but in my experience so does HC110.It depends on the film and format. HC110 is essentially a one shot D-76 replacement that also has contrast and acutance controls depending on the dilution and development time. Rodinal is best for medium and large format films at speeds below 100, but will develop absolutely anything and still have it usable by diluting it down to almost nothing and letting it stew for 3 hours. You get noticeable speed loss above 400 iso and when you push. It turns 35mm into a grainy mess.
The real advantage is that it's cheap, can be made from tylenol and drain cleaner in a pinch, used in the tropics without much time adjustment, and can yield HDR levels of contrast when used correctly. And it does some neat stuff with delta grain films.
Most developers don't have such striking differences, at least not until you get into novel films and fine control of the negative you may not want or need.
