Dektol vs. Bromophen

Hey All,

I recently got about 8 or 10 gallon packs of Kodak Dektol form someone who was moving and getting rid of a lot of there darkroom stuff. I have used mostly Ilford Bromophen as a paper developer in the past. A friend of mine tolled me Dektol and Bromophen were very similar but I don't think he has actually used Dektol. I was wondering if any of you have used both and can compare the two. I was also wondering what the strengths/weeknesses of both are in you all's opinion. Thanks a lot.

Asa

They are quite similar. Bromophen is a Phenidone-hydroquinone developer and Dektol is metol-hydroquinone, but I haven't noticed a lot of practical difference between them. I like the tonality maybe slightly better with Bromophen, but the difference is, to me, subtle. Dektol is generally diluted 1:2 and Bromophen, 1:3, so a litre of Bromophen stock solution goes a bit further.

If you like Bromophen you'll like Dektol. Give it a try.

Can anyone else jump in on this thread?

What is the developing time of bromophen at 1:3 ?

david b said:

Can anyone else jump in on this thread?

What is the developing time of bromophen at 1:3 ?

Click to expand...

Mix 1 part Stock Solution with 3 parts water and develop 2 to 4 minutes.

Take a look at this Ilford ID-62 thread: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I've substituted Dektol 2+1 for Bromophen 1+1 in Ilford's B&W reversal process, with very satisfactory results; I arrived at that dilution by comparing the standard printing dilutions that give 90 second development with RC papers. So, it's pretty reasonable to suggest you can mix your Dektol stock to 3/4 the volume given in the instructions and pretend it's Bromophen.

Do be aware -- Dektol is a metol-hydroquinone developer, and as such, may cause allergic skin and respiratory reactions in those who are sensitized to metol; AFAIK, Bromophen is a phenidone-hydroquinone developer, and won't produce allergies as metol can. If you've ever had a rash or asthmatic symptoms after time in the darkroom, you might want to trade the Dektol for real Bromophen...