Introduction
This is a review based on my personal experience using the Adox FX-39 II film developer.
Films I Developed with This Developer
I used this developer to process Ilford Delta 100, 400, and 3200, Foma 100 Classic, Agfa APX 100, and Kentmere 400.
You can find all my development notes regarding this developer here: FX-39 (all processing was done at 20°C with regular inversions).
This is not a meticulous technical analysis, but simply my impressions and thoughts on the results I achieved with this developer.
What I Expected from This Developer
With Adox FX-39 II, I was hoping to find the perfect developer: inexpensive, easy to use, and a good all-rounder.
I wanted to make it my sole developer to simplify chemical management and avoid waste.
As you will see below, my expectations were somewhat let down: it isn’t the most flexible option, especially when it comes to developing medium-speed films (400 ISO and above).
A Bit of History
FX-39 II is a formula designed by Geoffrey Crawley. It is an evolution of the Neofin Red developer (originally created by Willi Beutler).
An Easy-to-Use Developer
It is a single-use liquid one-shot developer.
It can be used at standard dilutions of 1+9, or 1+14 and 1+19 by multiplying the development times by 1.5 and 2 respectively.
A 1+5 dilution is also possible for higher-speed films (Ilford D3200, for example).
The Qualities of This Developer
A Developer Designed for Films Under 200 ISO
FX-39 is marketed as an exceptionally good developer for low to medium-speed films (below 200 ISO).
It is a non-solvent developer that nevertheless has a reputation for delivering excellent results with tabular-grain (T-grain) films.
A Soft Rendering
It is characterized by a soft rendering and an excellent ability to preserve highlight details.
High Acutance
It is also a high-acutance developer, meaning it will enhance the perceived sharpness of the image.
The Negative Must Be Sharp to Begin With to Benefit
This last characteristic adds a constraint during shooting: you must carefully choose your shutter speeds or use a tripod to minimize camera shake as much as possible.
Indeed, a high-acutance developer provides a great sense of sharpness… provided the photo is actually in focus.
Conversely, it will exaggerate the impression of blur and produce a rather unpleasant rendering if the photo is even slightly out of focus.
As you can see in this image, FX-39 II allows you to preserve details in the highlights: you can clearly distinguish the clouds in the sky.
Ilford Delta 100 and Adox FX-39 II (diluted at 1+19)
Towpath, Orléans, April 2025. © Rayhan RAHIM KHAN
Great Results with 100 ISO Films
The results achieved with Delta 100 and Agfa APX 100 (tabular grain) in 35mm were highly satisfying.
Similarly, I was very pleased with the soft and sharp images I obtained with Foma 100 in medium format.
Sainte-Croix Cathedral of Orléans. Orléans. April 2025. © Rayhan RAHIM KHAN
Stick to a 1+9 Dilution for Films Above 200 ISO
My experience with Delta 400 when diluting at 1+19:
I ended up with very prominent grain. To use FX-39 II with 400 ISO films, even when exposed at 200 ISO, you should stick to 1+9 dilutions (maybe 1+14?) to preserve good image quality.
The grain here is too strong for my liking. It stands out and looks particularly unflattering outside the sharp focus areas. And this is medium format.
Flowers, Orléans, April 2025. © Rayhan RAHIM KHAN
Unsatisfactory Results with Delta 400
Despite multiple attempts, I was never convinced by the results obtained with this tabular-grain film (or perhaps just by Delta 400 itself), even with a 1+9 dilution.
The images have flat, dreary tones.
Meung-sur-Loire, Loiret, France. March 2025. © Rayhan RAHIM KHAN
Works Well with Delta 3200
I also had the opportunity to develop Delta 3200 shot at 3200 ISO, diluting at 1+5. Despite moving even further away from the recommended maximum of 200 ISO for this developer, I found the results to be quite good.
Orléans at night, René Thinat bridge. © Rayhan RAHIM KHAN
A Developer Best Reserved for Specific Uses
Stick to Films Under 200 ISO
In my opinion, FX-39 II is most relevant for developing low to medium-sensitivity films (under 200 ISO).
It delivers soft tones with wide dynamic range and a great sense of sharpness.
It works effectively both with tabular-grain films (APX 100, Delta 100) and traditional-grain films (Foma 100).
An Ideal Developer for Landscape and Macro Photography
I prefer using this developer for landscape scenes and macro photography due to its high acutance.
Otherwise, out-of-focus areas—such as backgrounds—are not enhanced by this developer, making it less than optimal for portrait photography.
Choose Other Developers Beyond 200 ISO
For films rated above 200 ISO, more effective developers are available. Beyond this speed, the grain becomes too prominent and the tonal quality is disappointing.
I should note that my experience here is limited to Delta 400 and 3200. However, the images remain usable, and FX-39 II diluted at 1+9 or 1+5 can definitely save the day in a pinch.
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