Any insight on Ilford ID-3?

I'm wondering about Ilford's ID-3 with FP4. Some claim that ID-3 is "the best" with this film...I am a bit skeptical. Is there any reason to think that ID-3 would give significantly beter results than D-23 or HC-110 (or, even D-76 for theat matter)?

BradS said:

I'm wondering about Ilford's ID-3 with FP4. Some claim that ID-3 is "the best" with this film...I am a bit skeptical. Is there any reason to think that ID-3 would give significantly beter results than D-23 or HC-110 (or, even D-76 for theat matter)?

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You've been to bjornburton.org haven't you? I really don't know how good the stuff is but it may be worth a try - should give high sharpness and edge effects when diluted 1+3 - looks like D-23 with massively reduced sulfite and added carbonate (to boost contrast?) with potassium bromide as a restrainer - if Mr. Burton feels it is worthwhile it could be good.

Hope this helps,

Lachlan

BradS said:

I'm wondering about Ilford's ID-3 with FP4. Some claim that ID-3 is "the best" with this film...I am a bit skeptical. Is there any reason to think that ID-3 would give significantly beter results than D-23 or HC-110 (or, even D-76 for theat matter)?

Click to expand...

ID-3 looks a lot like this developer:

The British Journal Photographic Almanac,1937

Metol (Film Developer)

Metol--------------------------------------17 gm
Sodium Sulphite(Cryst.)--------------125 gm
Sodium Carbonate (Cryst.)-----------175 gm
Potassium Bromide----------------------1.8 gm
Water to ---------------------------------1000 cc

For use take 1 part stock solution, 2 parts water

ID-3 is also similar to the Beutler formula:

The Beutler Developer

Stock A
Metol----------------------------------10 gm
Sodium Sulphite (anhyd)-----------50 gm
Water to--------------------------------1 litre

Stock B
Sodium Carbonate (anhyd)----------50 gm
Water to--------------------------------1 litre

Working solution: 1 part A, 1 part B, 8 parts water.

Developing times 8-15min at 20°C

Beutler works well with Ilford Pan F.

However, my personal preference is Crawley's FX-2