Developer and fixer for a roller transport processor

[Terrence Brennan]

I have a modified AGFA Rapiline 66 paper processor, which I have had in mothballs for one year, due to a household move. Up to now, I have used Ilford 2000RT Developer and Fixer in the processor, but a look at the B&H website indicates that there are other options available. The development and fixer time in my processor is 60 seconds, at 75F, although I have the option of changing the time and temperature to be longer or shorter. The paper I use is Ilford Multigrade IV RC, ad according to the spec sheet, I am within the acceptable range for this product.

Have any APUGgers used any of the Arista liquid concetrated chemicals, particularly Arista Premium Liquid Paper Developer and Arista Premium Fixer Liquid in a roller transport processor? They are significantly cheaper than other manufacturers products. I know with low utilization it calls for increased replenishment of the developer, and since there is no option for stop bath, the fixer has to be carefully moitored, vis-a-vis SG and especially pH.

If any APUGgers have any suggestions have any commemts or suggestions I would be delighted to hear from you.

 

[Robert Ley]

Hi Terrence, I have used two different roller transport processors in my darkroom. I first used a Beseler Auto-16 processor which was made in Germany by Meteor and the other was a Fujimoto CP-51. These both were dry to dry and could do both color and B&W and required a dedicated water and electric. I am not familiar with your machine but both of mine had variable speed and temp and could use just about any chemistry for B&W that you could use in a tray. I would suggest that you use a good liquid developer and fixer for both baths. The Beseler processor used 4 liters of chemicals in each bath and the CP-51 used 6 liters so I never really worried about replenishing for my B&W, but color was a different matter.
I would go with the Arista liquid developer and fixer and see how it works.
We might be able to help you more with some info on your processor and your work routine(how often do you print and how many at one session) how big are the chem tanks and how big a print do you usually print.

 

[John Salim]

You can't go wrong with Kodak Polymax RT Developer and Ilford Rapid Fixer.
I've used these for years in my Ilford 2150RC processor. No dev starter required and both mixed at 1+4.
( dev time @ 0':17" and temperatures @ 37*C )

John S

 

[Terrence Brennan]

Hi Terrence, I have used two different roller transport processors in my darkroom. I first used a Beseler Auto-16 processor which was made in Germany by Meteor and the other was a Fujimoto CP-51. These both were dry to dry and could do both color and B&W and required a dedicated water and electric. I am not familiar with your machine but both of mine had variable speed and temp and could use just about any chemistry for B&W that you could use in a tray. I would suggest that you use a good liquid developer and fixer for both baths. The Beseler processor used 4 liters of chemicals in each bath and the CP-51 used 6 liters so I never really worried about replenishing for my B&W, but color was a different matter.
I would go with the Arista liquid developer and fixer and see how it works.
We might be able to help you more with some info on your processor and your work routine(how often do you print and how many at one session) how big are the chem tanks and how big a print do you usually print.

The tanks are 17L and I often work in fits and starts. I am already giving about 1litre per square meter of developer, which is about 6.5x the manufacture’s recommendation.

The usual session has me putting about 2 square meters of paper thru, sometimes more. I replenish manually before the start of the printing session.

I print step wedges and I find that I need to dump and change the developer about twice a year, and once a year for the fixer.