What BW Developer to start with

[arbib]

Been out of the darkroom loop for a few decades. And I want to start developing BW film again... Ilford 125, 400, Tri-x 400 for pushing to 800.

Back in my day, Micodol-X was used. But I did push any film.

I want a fine grain developer that produces a good DR and moderate contrast. (Don't we all)

This will be done in my well lit kitchen, so a changing bag is in order and a good daylight tank, Jobo I guess.

Some my chooses are:

Acufine
Edwal FG7 (With or W/O Sodium Sulfur additive ??)
Ethol TEC
Ethol UFG
Fotospeed FD 10
Ilford 1D 11 (Stock, 1:1, 1:3)
Ilford S
microfine (this is a "Push Only" developer ? -- Is so, best film for 800-1600 ISO?)

I don't mind using different developer's if needed. Maybe two kinds. One for generally well exposed negatives, and one for over/under exposure. Like I may need to underexpose a frame just to get something on film, usually by one stop--let's say, for example.

I know there are a lot if variables here. but, lets keep this for general info right now. And I will try not to add a frame that is underexposed frame for now.

Temps will be out of the tap, with some control. maybe in low 70's Fahrenheit

Thanks for the education needed to get back up to speed in advance.