Clayton P20 time for Ilford Multigrade RC paper

[ke6igz]

My only darkroom experience was long ago in high school. I just bought a complete darkroom off of Craig's list. I have a bottle of Clayton P20 developer. The bottle recommends a 1:7 dilution. I am trying to figure out what the development time should be for Ilford Multigrade RC paper that I also have. I have checked the Clayton and Ilford web sites but neither specifically reference each other. How would I find this information?

 

[Anon Ymous]

Generally speaking, you have to leave the print long enough in the developer tray. Paper gains density in the developer tray quickly at the beginning, but the rate decreases as time passes and becomes almost zero from some point on. So, what you need to do is to find the time when this rate is (almost) zero. If 1+7 is the standard dilution, then the absolute minimum I'd give is a minute; developing longer won't hurt, but shouldn't be excessive. Try making a test strip and start developing it. Have a clock near you and note the time it takes for the dark tones to emerge. Multiply this time by 6-7 times and you probably have a good starting point. When you're pleased with an exposure time (one that gives a reasonably good image) make two identical exposures. Process the first with the starting point time you have and the second one with increased time, say by 25% more. If you can't spot differences, then your starting point is good. If you can spot differences, then you need to repeat the process with an increased starting point time. One problem that you'll encounter when not giving prints enough development will be inconsistency, but it can become severe, like streaking, when snatching prints way sooner than needed. This is quite common with beginners who give too much exposure and try to save the print by taking it too early from the developer tray to the stop bath. The solution of course is to adjust exposure and stick to an adequate development time.

BTW, welcome to APUG and happy new year.

 

[Rick A]

As with any paper developer, I've found a mimimum of one minute and optimum of 1.5 to 2 minutes works best. Anything less than one minute could leave a mottled appearance.

 

[bdial]

Unless the seller can verify that the developer is good, you may want to test it first. Take strip of the paper and develop it in the light and see if it turns a good solid black within a minute or so.
Other than what's been mentioned, the timing isn't critical with paper since it's a develop by inspection process. As long as you are developing long enough to get good blacks and an even look, you're at a good starting point.

 

[Zathras]

My only darkroom experience was long ago in high school. I just bought a complete darkroom off of Craig's list. I have a bottle of Clayton P20 developer. The bottle recommends a 1:7 dilution. I am trying to figure out what the development time should be for Ilford Multigrade RC paper that I also have. I have checked the Clayton and Ilford web sites but neither specifically reference each other. How would I find this information?

Like the previous poster says, make sure the developer is good before you use it. Another thing to watch for is the color of the developer. If it is dark brown or black when you pour it from the bottle, it's dead and needs to be replaced.

I just looked up the data sheet for Multigrade RC Deluxe paper and compared the recommended times for the various developers. The times are different for the different developers as some of the developers, like Multigrade developers are more active.

I am guessing that the Clayton P20 is closer to the Bromophen and PQ Universal in use and I would try going with a 2 minute developing time to start. Develop your print for 2 minutes, resisting the temptation to pull it out if it looks like it is too dark. Keep the developing time constant and make changes in the exposure on the next print.

Welcome to APUG and have fun with your new darkroom!