d76 borax or... carbonate

[Lachlan Young]

Another bit of Ilfosol trivia from the past (you’ll probably remember this one also) - when Agfa was still in the consumer world, Ilford had one of those conversion documents for Agfa products (same type of list as the one they still have for Kodak) and indicated Ilfosol S for Rodinal.

I don't remember seeing that one - though I do recall hints to the effect that Kodak didn't bother with a Rodinal equivalent because Microdol-X could do the same thing (presumably at 1+3) but better. The joker in the pack is diluted PQ Universal, which I think is definitely worth exploring more with modern emulsions.

Sometimes though the qualities that make a product more appealing to the market - things like ease of use, longevity, convenience in packaging - are equally or more important than the technical qualities.

Don't forget the willingness of a certain kind of person to believe that the seemingly faceless manufacturers (despite their vast understanding of the process and highly qualified/ experienced/ knowledgeable staff) are/ were somehow less capable of formulating developers than someone playing around with formulae (with no real or meaningful analytical feedback) in their garden shed (albeit with outsize public reach through popular publications/ online media etc).

 

[ruilourosa]

Don't forget the willingness of a certain kind of person to believe that the seemingly faceless manufacturers (despite their vast understanding of the process and highly qualified/ experienced/ knowledgeable staff) are/ were somehow less capable of formulating developers than someone playing around with formulae (with no real or meaningful analytical feedback) in their garden shed (albeit with outsize public reach through popular publications/ online media etc).

Maybe research could restart regarding some analog revival or because eco regulations, but i think the faceless companies cut off research some years ago...

Garden sheds are ok... As are off road results... if people are happy...

One question: do you think ascorbates make a sharper developer than hidroquinon?
Would a MC be sharper than a MQ?

Thanks for all the knowledge!!!!