Originally posted by Wheatfield XP-2 doesn't have a mask, and might be the exception to the rule. BW400CN does have a mask, and won't show much speed increase, no matter how long it sits in the developer. You might get a little more shadow detail from ~Zone III and above, but this isn't a speed increase, merely a change in that part of the characteristic curve.
BW400CN has just about the worst dark fading that I have ever seen, don't expect it to hold onto an image for more than a few years before it starts to fade.
Thanks for all the great information, Wheatfeild. When I worked at a little photo hut about 10 years ago (I was in diapers, obviously
) I didn't know what the terms
push and
pull even meant. It was all just intimidating darkroom talk to me so I double that the folks at your local CVS are well versed either -- but it sounds from what Wheatfeild is saying like there's no need to unless you're using XP2.
BTW - I know this sounds bizarre, but while we're vaguely on the topic of XP2, I very much believe you can use standard black & white chemistry to develop it as well and push and pull at will. I believe this because I accidentally did it once and the results were wonderful.