Agfa Multicontrast Developer

bradman · Dec 29, 2007

I've been using Agfa Multicontrast Developer as my "standard paper dev".
I now have the need to reproduce prints from several negs to match existing prints, is there a recipe lurking whereby I can mix my own Agfa MC developer.
PS: supplies of this developer here in Oz are, lets say, unreliable.

fschifano · Dec 29, 2007

Well, there is Dektol. Here in the US, the stuff is dirt cheap and it's certainly a good paper developer. I don't know if the results will match exactly with Agfa's Multicontrast developer but it's worth a try. It's tough enough to get an exact match, so close enough might just be good enough.

23mjm · Dec 29, 2007

You could try Ilford Multicontrast Developer---I have used it--it's a concentrated liquid so mix with water and go forth n develope. It also has good lasting properties in a half full bottle of concentrate. I to use Dektol because it is cheap but I think I am going to move to Ilford because they are making a commitment to B&W and Kodak doesn't seam to be making the same commitment.

AgX · Dec 29, 2007

To my understanding the manufacturer will send it to the Land of Oz too.
Be prepared to take 15L.
(I must admit their sales regulations are ambiguous.)

Snapshot · Dec 29, 2007

Here is a good formula that I've used that is fairly close to Agfa Multicontrast paper developer.

Agfa 125 Neutral Tone Paper Developer

Water (125F/52C)...........................750ml
Metol............................................3.0 grams
Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous)...............44.0 grams
Hydroquinone.................................12.0 grams
Sodium Carbonate (anhydrous)..........65.0 grams
Potassium Bromide...........................2.0 grams
Water to make................................1,000ml

It is quite close to D-72 and Dektol in formulation. For use dilute 1+2 for development of times 1 to 2 min at 20 C. If you want a softer look, dilute 1+4 and develop for 3 minutes at 68 F/20 C.

bradman · Dec 29, 2007

Hi Guys,

I have tried the manufacturer, but they sell exclusively through their agent here which is understandable. The agent though is stuck on a stock-turn basis and has been sitting on his existing stockpiles for over two years. Once bitten twice shy. So essentially I am looking to replenish into an existing processor which is currently juiced with Agfa MC Dev.
Thanks for the interest.

PHOTOTONE · Dec 29, 2007

Even if you cannot get the Agfa (branded) developer from your local (country-wide) distributor, there is no reason you can't order it from an online vendor in another "developer friendly" country.

If you order a liquid concentrate developer you are paying for water, though. It would be best to purchase a powder.

PHOTOTONE · Dec 29, 2007

You really should have no problem "topping up" your processor with properly diluted to working strength Ilford Multicontrast Developer.

bradman · Dec 30, 2007

Hi Phototune,
What do you mean by "topping up" your processor?

Jason B

bradman · Dec 30, 2007

Hi All,
Thanks for your interest, have received a copy of formula out of Agfa's Anwendungstechnik-Foto marked 12/91. It appears to be similar in make up to Neutol and Agfa-130. Will advise results soon. Stop looking and thanks again, got some mixing to do.

Jason B

Rolleijoe · Dec 31, 2007

bradman said:
I've been using Agfa Multicontrast Developer as my "standard paper dev".
I now have the need to reproduce prints from several negs to match existing prints, is there a recipe lurking whereby I can mix my own Agfa MC developer.
PS: supplies of this developer here in Oz are, lets say, unreliable.

This chemical are still made today, you may want to try mail order to get ti you (just noticed you're down-under).

OTOH, I'd been using this, then went with Kodak Polymax-T for years, back to Agfa for a bottle, now I'm back with Kodak. Just like the results better. YMMV.

Good Luck,
Rolleijoe

CBG · Dec 31, 2007

Snapshot said:
Here is a good formula that I've used that is fairly close to Agfa Multicontrast paper developer.

Agfa 125 Neutral Tone Paper Developer

Water (125F/52C)...........................750ml
Metol............................................3.0 grams
Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous)...............44.0 grams
Hydroquinone.................................12.0 grams
Sodium Carbonate (anhydrous)..........65.0 grams
Potassium Bromide...........................2.0 grams
Water to make................................1,000ml

It is quite close to D-72 and Dektol in formulation. For use dilute 1+2 for development of times 1 to 2 min at 20 C. If you want a softer look, dilute 1+4 and develop for 3 minutes at 68 F/20 C.

That formula doesn't exactly match what I've seen for Agfa 125. Does anyone know whether the Sodium Carbonate should be anhydrous or monohydrous?

The formulas I've seen run like the following from Tom Hoskinson ....
www.apug.org/forums/forum222/33821-metol-hydroquinone-developer-gaf-125-a.html

Best,

C

PHOTOTONE · Dec 31, 2007

PHOTOTONE said:
You really should have no problem "topping up" your processor with properly diluted to working strength Ilford Multicontrast Developer.

You said you wanted to replenish an existing processor filled with the Agfa developer. "Topping up" means to add fresh developer to maintain a specific level in the tank of the processor. I don't think you would have any issues adding the Ilford Multicontrast developer to the Agfa developer already in your processor.

Snapshot · Jan 3, 2008

CBG said:
That formula doesn't exactly match what I've seen for Agfa 125. Does anyone know whether the Sodium Carbonate should be anhydrous or monohydrous?

The formulas I've seen run like the following from Tom Hoskinson ....
www.apug.org/forums/forum222/33821-metol-hydroquinone-developer-gaf-125-a.html

Best,

C

Sodium Carbonate should be monohydrate for this formula. I apologize for the confusion.

Agfa Multicontrast Developer

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