A Pyrocat-HD question...

[Sanjay Sen]

How many sheets of 8x10 film (I use Ilford FP4+) can be processed in a batch of Pyrocat-HD (1:1:100 or 2:2:100) before it starts getting exhausted? I use trays to process 8x10 film, and usually develop twelve sheets in a session. I have not seen any underdeveloped negs, but am curious to know how many sheets can be processed before the developer needs to be refreshed/replaced.

(If this question has already been asked and answered, then I'd appreciate if someone would point me to the appropriate thread.)

TIA.


Best wishes,
Sanjay

 

[philsweeney]

Hi Sanjay,

1. For semi stand extreme SBR negs I am using 9ml of A and 6ml of B in 70 ozs of water.

2. For 6 - 7 x 17 negs I use the 2-2-100 dilution at 2 ozs of A and 2 ozs of B in 100 ozs of water.

For item 1. I think I have pushed it pretty far with no problems. Actually I was advised to not use it that dilute. But I have had good and repeatable results consistently.

phil

 

[Scott Peters]

It will depend on tray size....but, I regularly process 6 - 7x17's at a time in a 10 x 20 tray, about 2500 to 3000 ML total at 1:1:100 or 2:2:100 - depends. Or 6-8 - 8x10's in an 8 x 10 tray about 2000 ml at 1.5:1.5:100. So, 200ml to 500ml depending on tray size? I have developed for as long as 40 + minutes using a light tray shuffle. I use PC MC fwiw.

 

[jgjbowen]

This has been asked before, but I can't find the thread. I use 1.5L 2:2:100 to develop 8 8x10 in a 10x12 tray. I use 4L of 2:2:100 to develop 6 7x17 in a 16x20 tray. I need to get some smaller trays for the 7x17 negatives. I use the stuff one shot then mix up some more for the next batch of negatives.

Scott, are your trays photo trays or some other kind? Where did you get them?
Thanks.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

In my experience, any Pyro developer must be used one-shot. Even if the film itself does not exhaust the developer, the rapid oxidation will kill it. I once tried to re-use some PMK in a deep tank (I really didn't like the idea of dumping 3 1/2 gallons of PMK down the drain after only a dozen sheets). The second batch, done within hours of the first (and the tank was lidded with a floating lid), came out flat, and had a very wierd copper-like appearance.

 

[c6h6o3]

To be safe I wouldn't develop any more than 4 8x10s, or 320 in. sq. of film surface per liter of working solution.

 

[lee]

the dilution is so great that a lot of film can be developed in 500ml of A and 500ml of B plus water

lee\c

 

[c6h6o3]

the dilution is so great that a lot of film can be developed in 500ml of A and 500ml of B plus water

lee\c

Yes, I should think so. At the standard 1:1:100 dilution, this would yield 50 liters of working solution. I'd feel quite safe developing 200 sheets of 8x10 film in such a batch.

 

[Sanjay Sen]

I usually use 2 fl. oz. Solution A + 2 fl. oz. Solution B + 100 fl. oz. water, and since I have six holders, the most I can do in one session is 12 sheets. From the above posts, this seems quite reasonable. However, I was wondering how far I could go with one batch of the above solution, in case I get more holders. I always use developers one-shot, within 2-3 hours after mixing.

Thanks all for your replies.


Best wishes,
Sanjay