Delta 100 and Pyro

[dc1215]

Hey everyone, I'm totally new to this forum so first and foremost, greetings.

Anyways, I'm about to start using Delta 100(4x5) with a pyro developer, my two choices were either PMK or Pyrocat-HD. I will be tray processing the film, and printing VC. I've never used pyro before, so I know I'm going to have a lot of testing to do myself, but I'm just looking for some input to help me avoid some mistakes and have a few main questions.

I am leaning towards Pyrocat because of some things I have read/been told in another forum, however I would like some input on that choice. Are there any good arguements for using PMK instead?

Second, something I haven't heard much about is use of either of these developers with the zone system. Can I still do my metering/developing as I do now? If so what approxamite times do people use for their Normal, +1, and -1?

Finally, I've always shot in flatter light and had great results, but have read that many people tend to use pyro in more contrasty situations...any weigh ins about that?

Again, I know all of this is subjective and I have a lot of testing to do in the next few weeks, but was just hoping to avoid some mistakes and make some good decisions right off the bat. Thanks in advance.

-Dan

PS - If anyone has any other random suggestions feel free to chime in, I would very much appreciate them.

 

[palewin]

I believe people get very religious about their developers, so you may well get conflicting views. My personal belief is that, assuming you want to use a staining developer, you will be happy with either PMK or Pyrocat. I use PMK, because I started before (I believe) Pyrocat was developed. From what I've read, Sandy King developed Pyrocat because he was doing rotary processing, and PMK is problematic in that application; PMK works best for tray developing (which is what I do). Pyrocat may have other advantages (can't say, since I don't use it) but the main point is that for tray developing, either will work well. Your other questions: yes, staining developers work within the Zone system, you can do plus and minus development. I believe the film has more to do with how readily you can expand or contract, rather than the developer. I stick to HP5+, so I can't speak for Delta100. I have developed Delta400 in PMK, it works fine. Also, I use PMK for all my medium format and large format developing, flat light or contrasty. Hope this all helps.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Hey everyone, I'm totally new to this forum so first and foremost, greetings.

Anyways, I'm about to start using Delta 100(4x5) with a pyro developer, my two choices were either PMK or Pyrocat-HD. I will be tray processing the film, and printing VC. I've never used pyro before, so I know I'm going to have a lot of testing to do myself, but I'm just looking for some input to help me avoid some mistakes and have a few main questions.

I am leaning towards Pyrocat because of some things I have read/been told in another forum, however I would like some input on that choice. Are there any good arguements for using PMK instead?

Second, something I haven't heard much about is use of either of these developers with the zone system. Can I still do my metering/developing as I do now? If so what approxamite times do people use for their Normal, +1, and -1?

Finally, I've always shot in flatter light and had great results, but have read that many people tend to use pyro in more contrasty situations...any weigh ins about that?

Again, I know all of this is subjective and I have a lot of testing to do in the next few weeks, but was just hoping to avoid some mistakes and make some good decisions right off the bat. Thanks in advance.

-Dan

PS - If anyone has any other random suggestions feel free to chime in, I would very much appreciate them.

Dan, I have used Delta 100 and pyrocat HD 2:2:100 for 8x10 contact prints and I loved the results. I shoot in a lot of flat early morning light and I like the creamy look of the Delta in Pyrocat HD. The Pyrocat Hd is cheap and easy to mix from scratch and is now my main developer for standard agitation and minimal agitation. try it, I think you will like it. I have a shot ofr two in my gallery that is done with Delta 100. Check it out and welcome to APUG!

Stay Focused....or Soft Focused!!!

Jim

 

[Robert Hall]

I have used PMK for several years. I use a jobo and an expert drum. I've not had one negative fail me due to the developer. No streaks, beautiful skies.

I have seen negatives in my darkroom as well from Pyrocat. Lovely as well. Different stain for sure.

It strikes me as a lot cheaper to make the PCat as well. You might try a small kit from ArtCraftChemicals.com of each and see what gives you the best results.

Best of luck!

 

[AlanC]

Dan,
I have developed Delta 100 in Pyrocat HD 2:2:100, in a tray with gentle continuous agitation.
Bright sun 7min.
Hazy sun 9min.
Bright no sun 12min.
These times suit my cold light diffuser enlarger.
In the end I gave up on this film/dev combination.Delta is very smooth toned, and Pyrocat smooths out textures.The result can look somewhat like melted plastic, with textured surfaces losing their "bite". Wasn't what I was after thugh othes might like it a lot.

Alan Clark

 

[ZELER]

Alan,

Thanks for details, but at what degrees ?

Pierre

 

[AlanC]

Pierre,
20 degrees C.
I should add that I have always mixed my Pyrocat HD with Metol, and that my times seem longer than others have reported.
Delta 100 was rated at 100.

Alan Clark

 

[Neal]

Dear Dan,

I have tried Delta 100/PMK Pyro(from Photographer's Forumulary)/Trays and it worked very well. My only random suggestion is to use golves.

Neal Wydra

 

[noseoil]

I still need to try Delta 100 in 35mm, anyone have a number for pyrocat and minimal agitation or stand development at 70f? Thanks, tim

 

[aligndont]

Pyrocat and Delta 100

For 35 mm Delta 100 try this: Pyrocat HD 1.5:1:200 at 20 C. 20 seconds initial agitation then 3 inversions every 8 minutes for a total of 24 minutes. Rate the film at E.I. 80. Incidentally, this is for the formula with reduced KBr in glycol for part a. I would try this for the original formula also.

 

[dc1215]

Wow thanks for the replies everyone. I think for right now at least i'm going to go with pyrocat and see how it works out. If not, we'll see where I go from there. Alan, those times sound like a great place to start, and it seems like we develop in similar manners so thanks a ton. Everyone else, I really appreciate your suggestions, I'm glad I found the forum.

-Dan

 

[FredW]

For normal silver papers, I process in Pyrocat 2:2:100 @20C for 9:00 with continuous agitation, shuffling.

 

[Jim Chinn]

If you do a forum search on Delta 100 you will find some additional threads that discuss staining developers and Delta films in depth.