Alternatives to Ilford Perceptol?

Divaphoto · Oct 4, 2004

My stock of Perceptol is nearly out and my usual supplier (Silverprint in London) tells me that there is none available until Ilford start making it again. So, in desperation I have to consider alternatives. I usually shoot Delta 100/400 and some FP4.

Can anybody recommend a fine grain developer like Perceptol which is readily available in the UK? Would XTol be OK?

Thanks

Richard

modafoto · Oct 4, 2004

Divaphoto said:
Can anybody recommend a fine grain developer like Perceptol which is readily available in the UK? Would XTol be OK?

Hmmm...I use Rodinal Special with Ilford Delta 100 for fine grain and very nice tones. Worth trying...

john_s · Oct 4, 2004

Kodak Microdol-X is often described as similar to Perceptol

Divaphoto · Oct 4, 2004

Thanks for the suggestions, it seems that Rodinal Special isn't normally available in the UK, and surprisingly neither is Microdol -X.

I've had a suggestion that T-Max developer would be better than XTol - any thoughts?

Richard.

BTW I spoke to the recievership team at Iflord in Cheshire and impressed upon them the need to get some chemicals out before we all start reforumuating - I'm pleased to say that they were already aware of the problem!!

Peter Schrager · Oct 4, 2004

anyone out there have a formula that can replicate Microdol-X or Perceptol? I have the chemicals ;need formula Thanx

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 4, 2004

peters said:
anyone out there have a formula that can replicate Microdol-X or Perceptol? I have the chemicals ;need formula Thanx

Here is Ronald W. Anderson's Microdol-X substitute formula. This formula was published in the 1973 Dignan Photographic Newsletter.

Microdol-X Substitute

Water-----------------------750. ml
Metol-------------------------7.5 grams
Sodium Sulfite (anhy)--------100 grams
Sodium Bisulfite----------------7.5 grams
Water to make---------------1.0 liter

This formula works fine with the normal developing times given for Microdol-X (both use 1:3 dilution). The results: The same, even to image tone.

Peter Schrager · Oct 4, 2004

Thanks Tom-that was really fast. I saw some work with microdal-x and delta 400 that blew me away so even though I yse traditional films here goes. Thanks again!

Tom Hoskinson · Oct 4, 2004

You are most welcome!
BTW, I have also posted this formulation in the APUG Chemistry Recipes section.

gainer · Oct 4, 2004

That formula with 30 to 50 grams of canning salt or iodine free table salt might be a closer approximation. I saw a little reduction in granularity when I tested a similar combination. The canning salt doesn't increase developing time a whole lot. Iodized salt might be another story.

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 5, 2004

D-23 is also in the Perceptol/Microdol-X family, and is one of the easiest formulas to make yourself. You can find it here:

http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Developers/Formulas/formulas.html

and if you need a scale for measuring powdered chemicals, try www.balances.com.

Alternatives to Ilford Perceptol?

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