Acros and Tanning Developers

Gareth Lock · May 21, 2003

I am currently undertaking a photo course during which we have been using Acros film as the main medium and developing it in either a 2 bath staining or Pyro Cat.

However, one of the other tutors I know is very much against using staining/tanning developers with Acros as they may damage the emulsion.

I have alot of respect for both tutors and so don't want to start a 'He said this, but he said this....type argument'.

I am therefore looking for some guidance, and preferably documented evidence, to allow me to make an informed choice - and live with it!

Many Thanks for your anticipated help in this matter.

Gareth

Thomassauerwein · May 21, 2003

If you can shoot several peices of film of the same subject and then process some film in each situation. then print and present your case as a comparison, then decide which acheives the best results based on your needs.

Donald Miller · May 21, 2003

I agree with the previous post. Sounds like you have two instructors that need to come to an agreement. The proof of whether it harms the emulsion or not is in the results and not someone's ill researched opinion.

Jorge · May 21, 2003

I have used ACROS 8x10 in ABC and Pyrocat HD and have not seen any damage done to the emulsion. Perhaps you might want to ask him where he got his information. Most of te staining developers contain fairly common developing ingredients aside from pyrogallol, or pyrocatechin. I really doubt any of these two would "damage" the emulsion as they also hardening in addition to staining developing ingredients.

roy · May 21, 2003

I recently asked a question about Acros and Pyro effectiveness and developing times. None of the replies suggested the combination was bad.

sanking · May 21, 2003

If I were you I would ask the instructor to explain the mechanism by which a staining developer harms the emulsion of the film, or the authority on which he/she bases this opinion.

Most staining developers (and this includes PMK, ABC, Rollo Pyro, Diaxactol and Pyrocat-HD) tan as well as stain, and the tanning actually hardens the emulsion as the film is developed, making it less susceptible to damage from scratching or tearing away from the base during the final stages of processing. In other words, films developed in staining /tanning developers are actually less likely to emulsion damge than films developed in traditional developers.

I think your instructor just got it backward.

Sandy King

Aggie · May 21, 2003

Tom Duffy · May 21, 2003

I've used rollo pyro fairly extensively with Acros in a Jobo processor. I far as I can tell the emulsion suffered no damage.

Jorge · May 21, 2003

I just developed my last 4 sheets of ACROS and they were all fine.....I have never heard of this form another people either.

avandesande · May 22, 2003

Jorge, how far can ACROS films be pushed? I have thought about trying it but it is very expensive.
--Aaron

Jorge · May 22, 2003

I would say n+2 is easy to get, but no more. You start getting very high b+f. I have calibrated by the BTZS method, but in zone speak a SBR of 6 is similar to a "n+2" situation. I gotta tell you, is a nice film but I did not see an advantage over TMX to spend the extra money on it. Reciprocity for TMX 400 is not bad, and I rarely shoot at more than 3 or 4 seconds, so the only advantage ACROS would have does not justify the extra expense. My experience, dont bother buying it.

Tom Stanworth · Sep 10, 2003

I am about to use Barry Thorntons Exactol Lux on it (finer grained version of DiXactol. The instructions state that Acros becomes very soft in this developer, so advises extra care. Sounds like if you treat your film with care (well, obviously who doesn't ?) you should be fine...

Tom S

Acros and Tanning Developers

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