Anyone using D-23?

[markbau]

Before I mix up a batch and start experimenting with it I would love to hear anyone's experience with this developer. I will be developing HP5 sheet film in BTZS tubes. I have been using D76 1:1.

 

[Alan9940]

Never used it for HP-5, but I have with other films and it provides very nice negatives. And, it so simple to mix!

 

[koraks]

Ken Lee over at LFPF uses D23 a lot, I think also for HP5+. Google his website; Kenneth Lee gallery d23. You'll find an article on this developer with examples.

 

[BradS]

I have used D23 with Tri-X, FP-4+, HP-5+ and delta 100. I like it a lot - especially for 4x5 sheets in the jobo drum with continuous agitation. I don’t think you’ll see much difference between D23 and D76 though. I’ve gone back to D76 simply because it is less expensive to make.

 

[jim appleyard]

... I’ve gone back to D76 simply because it is less expensive to make.

Brad, wouldn't it be the other way round?

 

[BradS]

Brad, wouldn't it be the other way round?

No. D-23 has 7.5g Metol per liter and D-76 has only 2g Metol per liter. The Hydroquinone and borax in D-76 is comparatively inexpensive.

Edit: I have not purchased chemicals for about 10~15 years. I recall paying ~$54 per pound for Metol and ~$12 per pound for hydroquinone. Prices may have changed. My cost analysis may be quite incorrect today.

 

[jim appleyard]

No. D-23 has 7.5g Metol per liter and D-76 has only 2g Metol per liter. The Hydroquinone and borax in D-76 is comparatively inexpensive.

Edit: I have not purchased chemicals for about 10~15 years. I recall paying ~$54 per pound for Metol and ~$12 per pound for hydroquinone. Prices may have changed. My cost analysis may be quite incorrect today.

OK, I was just thinking about only having the two ingredients for D-23.

 

[Raghu Kuvempunagar]

Is there a significant difference in the results between D-23 & Thornton Two Bath?

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I've used it with HP5 in BTZS tubes. Excellent combination. 1+1 works great, too.

 

[Pioneer]

Amongst other films I use it with Fomapan 400 1+1 for 15 minutes with normal agitation and have been quite happy with my results.

Mix it yourself it is always fresh and the formula never changes. (Unless you change it yourself. )

 

[destroya]

I use beutler a lot, similar to D23 but with 1 more ingredient. love the results now that Im shooting 4x5. simple to mix, cheap to mix and gives me box speed for foma 100, which no other developer has come close to. I have used D23 and liked it as well. give D23 a try as you mix it yourself, you can mix a small batch up and see if it works for you

 

[jim appleyard]

I use beutler a lot, similar to D23 but with 1 more ingredient.

IMO, they are quite different. Beutler is a high-def dev and not a fine grain like D-23. Beutler contain sod.carb. and very little sulfite.
Solution A
Water 400ml
Metol 5g
Sodium Sulfite 25g
Water to make 500ml

Solution B
Water 400ml
Sodium Carbonate (Anhd) 25g