Should I reduce dev time for Mediterranean climes?

[Matthew Allen]

I have four rolls of Foma 200 that I shot (at around 125) in Sicily waiting to be developed. My test roll shot in dullish Welsh light seems to have come out well using 1+49 Rodinal for 9 minutes at 20°C but I suspect that the harsh Sicilian sunlight might need a shorter dev time to reduce contrast.

Should I reduce the time? If so, by how much? I know ideally I'd have shot a test roll whilst in Sicily but one tends not to think of such things on a four day holiday.

Thanks,
Matthew

[charjohncarter]

That is a tough question. When I lived in that type of climate I dropped my ASA (at that time) one stop. I then spent a lot of time finding development time. If every shot on the roll was mid-day sun then maybe drop 10-15% in development time, but if there are many or half indoors or in low light develop normal. You probably can live with a little over development for this possibly one time event.

[SolaresLarrave]

You have four rolls... Try with one before applying your theory to the rest.

At least, that's what I'd do.

Although, to be quite honest, I'd develop it as the film instructions say.

[Roger Hicks]

Originally Posted by charjohncarter

That is a tough question. When I lived in that type of climate I dropped my ASA (at that time) one stop. I then spent a lot of time finding development time. If every shot on the roll was mid-day sun then maybe drop 10-15% in development time, but if there are many or half indoors or in low light develop normal. You probably can live with a little over development for this possibly one time event.

Seconded.

You're probably only looking at a paper grade or (at most) two anyway.

As Francisco said, try one roll anyway. You ain't gonna ruin it either way (normal or -15%).

Cheers,

R.

[Matthew Allen]

Thanks all, I will mull a little and then bite the bullet. My memory is already vague (perhaps another consequence of that relentless sunshine) but I think almost all my shots were in bright contrasty daylight.

Cheers,
Matthew

[Chris101]

Interesting. I shoot in Arizona and southern California. Does this mean that I need to up my EI if I go up East?

[charjohncarter]

Chris101, maybe. I upped mine when I returned from Panama'.