Dektol 1 liter/0,26 gallon size

[photogear]

Dektol is only available in 3 gallon size, as though the average photographer is an industrial user. So unfortunate that the 1 liter size isn't available anymore.
ps: back to darkroom paper print after 3 year absence.

 

[MattKing]

I assume you mean the 1 gallon size, which makes 3 gallons of working solution once diluted 1 + 2.
In my case, that gives me 6 printing sessions, because I prefer to use 2 US quarts in a 11x14 tray, so I could live with that. Your requirements may of course be different.
My preference, if you can locate it in your market, is Kodak Polymax - T. Roughly similar response, but a lot more convenient. I get good results with cool tone, neutral and warm tone papers: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/28683-REG/Kodak_1388354_Polymax_T_Developer_Liquid.html
The B&H listing needs updating because it now comes in a taller and narrower 1 litre bottle.
Another great choice would be Liquidol.

 

[Craig]

The other option is Ilford Multigrade liquid developer, comes in 500ml bottles and gets diluted 1+9. I mix what I need (typically 1 litre working solution) and then put the remained in a foil bag, like a winebag. It preserves the developer concentrate for future use.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Dektol is only available in 3 gallon size, as though the average photographer is an industrial user. So unfortunate that the 1 liter size isn't available anymore.
ps: back to darkroom paper print after 3 year absence.

I mix it from bulk chemicals; really easy to do.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

+1 for Ralph's idea. If you like Dektol, D-72 is easy-peasy to mix in any quantity you want and much cheaper.
Or go for one of the liquid concentrates mentioned above; also easy and economical (and space-saving since you mix directly from the concentrate). I'm eager to try PE's Liquidol sometime soon.

Doremus

 

[Gerald C Koch]

I really can't see a problem. Once mixed Kodak says that the concentrate will last for 6 months. I usually print 8x10 and use a liter at a time. So the 3 liter size is easily used up in less han 6 months.

I really feel for those that want to use Harvey's Panthermic. They must spend over a $100 for 3 gallons of developer and replenisher, which admittedly does last a LONG time. Be happy don't worry.

 

[MattKing]

Most likely the OP is also dealing with another issue - the relative difficulty of obtaining reasonably priced alternatives in Canada.
Given my location near to the US border, this is a problem I rarely have to deal with.
However, if I had to get B&H to ship a 1 gallon package of Dektol to me in Canada, their $10.95 web price for that product would end up being $21.87 USD at the end.
They would reduce their shipping cost to zero if I bought more than $99.00 USD worth, but there would still be an additional amount due for duties and taxes - about 15%.
And not all liquids can be shipped that way. Liquidol being an example.

 

[photogear]

I assume you mean the 1 gallon size, which makes 3 gallons of working solution once diluted 1 + 2.
In my case, that gives me 6 printing sessions, because I prefer to use 2 US quarts in a 11x14 tray, so I could live with that. Your requirements may of course be different.
My preference, if you can locate it in your market, is Kodak Polymax - T. Roughly similar response, but a lot more convenient. I get good results with cool tone, neutral and warm tone papers: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/28683-REG/Kodak_1388354_Polymax_T_Developer_Liquid.html
The B&H listing needs updating because it now comes in a taller and narrower 1 litre bottle.
Another great choice would be Liquidol.

So far, the only available size is the one that gives 3 gallons stock solution. But i'll take a look at Polymax T Developer.

 

[MattKing]

So far, the only available size is the one that gives 3 gallons stock solution.

As far as I am aware, Dektol now comes in two sizes.
One is to make one gallon stock (3 gallons working): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/27029-REG/Kodak_1464726_Dektol_Developer_Powder.html
The other is to make five gallons stock (15 gallons working): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/26993-REG/Kodak_1464734_Dektol_Developer_Powder.html
Are you seeing a third size?

 

[photogear]

Just to avoid any misunderstanding, here's the picture of the Dektol bag that is not available anymore (so far).
In other words, the 1 liter stock solution

 

[MattKing]

Understood - I don't think they are being manufactured in that small size anymore. The smallest is the size that makes 1 gallon stock (not 3 gallons).

 

[wyofilm]

I'm sure you guys north of us know that KHB sells a limited selection of paper and chemistry, maybe only Ilford products. If you are willing to use Ilford MG paper developer then that might be a cost effective source for paper developer. I primarily use this developer and I like it. (I also have some Liquidol on the shelf waiting to be tried.)

 

[photogear]

it looks like an option

 

[MattKing]

photogear appears to be in Montreal. Photo Service carries pretty much full lines of Kodak and Ilford chemicals.

While I've always been a Dektol user, I recently experimented with Bromophen (available in 1L packages) and as expected it produced the same results as Dektol with my paper. Same characteristic curve, same image colour/tone. So that might be another option for photogear.

Michael:
Can you solve one mystery for me?
The certain retailers describe a "5 litre" size for Bromophen.
I see other references to a "1 litre" package of Bromophen.
Except Bromophen is designed to be used with the stock diluted 1 + 3.
So a package that makes 1 litre stock would yield 4 litres of working solution (not 5 litres).
Are the listings for Bromophen talking about one and the same thing?
photogear: Bromophen is an excellent option, if it is available to you.

 

[pentaxuser]

Matt I cannot recall ever seeing a 1L pack of Bromophen in the U.K. Only the 5L pack i.e. the pack that makes 5L of stock that is diluted 1+3 for working strength solution

pentaxuser

 

[mshchem]

Michael:
Can you solve one mystery for me?
The certain retailers describe a "5 litre" size for Bromophen.
I see other references to a "1 litre" package of Bromophen.
Except Bromophen is designed to be used with the stock diluted 1 + 3.
So a package that makes 1 litre stock would yield 4 litres of working solution (not 5 litres).
Are the listings for Bromophen talking about one and the same thing?
photogear: Bromophen is an excellent option, if it is available to you.

I panic bought at least 10 5L boxes of Bromophen during the initial collapse of Ilford (10+ years ago?) Still works great, I make up 5 L put it into FULL pint bottles , keeps forever. I love Bromophen. Back when I bought it it wasn't much more than Dektol, it's more expensive now, but I still think it's a bargain. For low volume users I sure would look into liquid developers. Also if you like to mix chemicals, and have a decent balance, making D-72 and D-52 is easy as can be. I make Kodak F-6 fixer from scratch all the time, it doesn't stink, and the hardener keep prints from sticking to my drier belt. You really do need to be a bit of an amateur mad scientist to get the most joy out of analog photography.
Mike

 

[ic-racer]

I got a heavy box in the mail today...my Dektol arrived! Free shipping from B&W. Three bags to make 1.0Gal each. How could anyone not be happy at that?

 

[photogear]

"photogear: Bromophen is an excellent option, if it is available to you."
I will check it out.